what does clocker special mean in horse racing

In horse racing, “clocker special” refers to a horse that has been clocked running a specific distance in training significantly faster than its official race time. Clocker specials are often perceived as having potential for improvement on the racetrack due to their hidden speed. However, it’s important to note that training times are not always indicative of race performance, and other factors such as race conditions, competition, and the horse’s overall fitness can influence their race results.

Decoding Clocker Special

In horse racing, a “clocker special” signifies an exceptional performance during a timed workout. It typically indicates that the horse has displayed remarkable speed and stamina, exceeding expectations.

Speed Rating in Horse Racing

  • Speed ratings are numerical values assigned to a horse’s performance in a race or workout.
  • They are used to compare the speed of different horses and predict their potential performance in future races.
  • Speed ratings are calculated using various factors such as the horse’s time, distance traveled, and track conditions.

Clocker specials often result in impressive speed ratings that further enhance the horse’s value and desirability among trainers, owners, and bettors.

Factors Influencing Clocker Special Designation
FactorDescription
Workout TimeExceptional speed during a timed session.
Distance TraveledImpressive performance over an extended distance.
Track ConditionsFavorable conditions enhancing the horse’s speed.

By observing clocker specials during workouts, racing enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the potential capabilities of horses and make informed decisions regarding their betting or investment strategies.

Clocker Special in Horse Racing

In horse racing, a “clocker special” refers to a horse that impresses clockers, the individuals who time horses during workouts, but underperforms in actual races.

Clocker’s Opinion on Horse’s Performance

Clockers use stopwatches to record a horse’s time during workouts, assessing factors such as:

  • Speed
  • Acceleration
  • Galloping style

Clockers’ opinions on a horse’s performance can vary greatly depending on:

  • The horse’s overall fitness
  • The type of track surface
  • The weather conditions
Clocker’s OpinionRace Result
ImpressedWins or performs well
UnderwhelmedLoses or performs poorly
MixedHorse may perform inconsistently

Ultimately, it’s important to note that clocker specials may not always translate to success on race day, as there are additional factors that can influence a horse’s performance.

Clocker Special: A Handicapping Tool for Bettors

In horse racing, a “clocker special” is a horse that is identified as having a particularly strong workout time. This information can be valuable for bettors looking for an edge when making their selections.

Clocker specials are typically identified by professional clockers who track the workout times of horses at racetracks. These clockers use a variety of methods to measure a horse’s speed and stamina, including using stopwatches, video cameras, and radar guns.

The workout times for clocker specials are often published in racing publications and online databases. Bettors can use this information to compare the workout times of different horses and identify those that are likely to be the fastest in a race.

It’s important to note that clocker specials are not a guarantee of success. Many factors can affect a horse’s performance in a race, including the horse’s health, track conditions, and jockey. However, clocker specials can provide bettors with valuable information that can help them make more informed selections.

Benefits of Using Clocker Specials

  • Identify horses that are likely to be the fastest in a race.
  • Get an edge over other bettors who may not have access to workout information.
  • Make more informed betting decisions.

Limitations of Using Clocker Specials

  • Clocker specials are not a guarantee of success.
  • Many factors can affect a horse’s performance in a race.
  • Clocker specials can be expensive to purchase.

How to Use Clocker Specials

If you are considering using clocker specials to handicap horse races, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  1. Make sure to do your research. Not all clocker specials are created equal. Some clockers are more accurate than others. It’s important to find a clocker that you can trust before you start using their information.
  2. Consider the horse’s other factors. Clocker specials are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to handicapping horse races. You should also consider the horse’s breeding, past performances, and jockey when making your selections.
  3. Don’t bet on every clocker special. Just because a horse has a fast workout time doesn’t mean it’s a sure thing. You should only bet on clocker specials that you believe have a good chance of winning.

Table of Clocker Special Handicapping Tips

TipExplanation
Consider the horse’s distanceHorses that are working well at distances similar to the race distance are more likely to be successful.
Consider the horse’s surfaceHorses that are working well on the same surface as the race are more likely to be successful.
Consider the horse’s trainerHorses trained by trainers with a good record of success are more likely to be successful.

Clocker Specials in Horse Racing

Clocker specials are horses that have been identified as potential winners by track clockers, who time horses during their workouts. These horses are often given special attention by bettors, who believe that they have a good chance of winning their races. However, it’s important to note that clocker specials are not guaranteed to win, and there are a number of factors that can influence their performance on race day.

Factors Influencing Clocker Specials

  • Workout times: The most important factor influencing a clocker special’s performance is its workout times. Horses that work out faster than their rivals are more likely to be successful on race day.
  • Track conditions: The condition of the track can also affect a clocker special’s performance. Horses that work out on fast tracks are more likely to run well on race day than horses that work out on slow tracks.
  • Distance of the race: The distance of the race can also affect a clocker special’s performance. Some horses are better suited to sprinting, while others are better suited to running longer distances.
  • Competition: The level of competition in the race can also affect a clocker special’s performance. Horses that are facing weaker competition are more likely to win than horses that are facing stronger competition.

It is important to remember that clocker specials are not a sure thing. However, they can be a valuable tool for handicappers who are trying to identify potential winners. By considering the factors listed above, handicappers can increase their chances of finding a clocker special that will win.

FactorImportance
Workout timesVery important
Track conditionsModerately important
Distance of the raceSomewhat important
CompetitionSomewhat important

Thanks for sticking with me through all that clocker special lingo! I hope you found this article helpful in understanding this important aspect of horse racing. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop me a line. And remember to check back later for more insights and tips on the world of horse racing.