[DELMARGRANT]

Well if they take the time to rap the horses tail it means they think the horse will run good in the mud. It is done to keep the mud from building up in the horses tail and some horses don't like the extra junk back their and don't run as well with their tail down. Some horses do run good with their tail down in the mud. But When I see one with it up and he or she likes to run in the mud and I have a good number for the horse on a off track it can be a plus. As far as shoes, just look at the shoe board at the track and see what horse has what. In cheep claiming races if horses don't have a chance in the race why would the owner pay a extra 150.00 dollars to have the shoes put on and then another 150.00 to have regular shoes put back on after the race. Not sure the cost of shoes but it is a extra cost none the less. In a stakes race it would be worth it as long as you have a contender. The best thing to look at is how do horses win at your track when it is off. Then look for those horses and if they fit the profile and you have good odds it's worth a bet. For example at AQU on the inner track at 6 f most horses go wire to wire or come just off the pace on a sloppy track. If the track as been sealed it is 70% wire to wire. So I look closer at the horses with that running style. Of course a closer can win but there needs to be a ton of speed and have the front runners fall apart.