Pacelines

[CEW]

Mike..........

Isosa is right about Howard's line selection. He's the only guy that I can recall knowing how far back he went, on the average. Mike Pizzolla was/is a "way back Machine", digging really deep for lines.

But your comment about reducing clutter is a real good way to pinpoint the line. If today is a dirt sprint, and he has 4 or routes or turf races among the last 10, you already have eliminated half the possibilities. Draw a line through those that don't apply and concentrate on what does apply.

My other suggestion is just a matter of developing a style that works for you based on lots of practice. I used to "gravitate" to the line. A couple years later I started taking the best of the last 3 that applied (like Pirco recommended for that last few years they printed the Follow-Up). The last 6 - 8 years I use the old "its the last line unless it isn't", which I learned from Mike Pizzolla back in the 80s. That keeps you from using rules so much and gives your mind a little freedom. Then through practice and redoing, you get the feel for what lines allow your cream to rise to the top.

One thing to add to Mr. Isosa's comments above: when he says to check out more than one line - try it. I do it to an extent on every line selection. But I have my own software that gives me a drop down box showing the total energy and average pace (Factor W) for all 10 lines for all the contenders. Then I click on one, and it becomes my line. Its slick, because it gives me an instant gauge on which line is better than another. When his last line is, say, the best of the last 5, I usually take it. Even if its sloppy or whatever.

Anyway, I've been playing Mountaineer, and that is a real educational track in the winter. Variants in the 30s, 40s, and even 50s !! When I play Florida or California after that - its a much more relaxing process. Like taking off ankle weights after running.

Last Friday I had one of my better days...a $13 horse late at Hawthorne, and then a $ 14 and a $44 at Mountaineer. Why don't they include MNR in more tournaments !! I'll shut up for now. Thanks guys!

Take care....Chuck W