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Howard Schwartz, the "librarian for gamblers," is the marketing director for Gambler's Book Club in Las Vegas, a position he has held since 1979. Author of hundreds of articles on gambling, his weekly book reviews appear in numerous publications throughout the gaming industry.

Jan 31, 2007

Angle Shooters Should Love Mazur's 2007 Thoroughbred Guides

Jim Mazur, known for his quality reference material for thoroughbred handicappers (Saratoga Handicapper, Crushing the Cup and the Triple Crown Handicapper), has three new items for 2007 that his fans are sure to love. They are Debut Trainer Guide (95 pages, 8x11 paperbound, $29.95); Debut Sire Guide (85 pages, 8x11 paperbound, $29.95) and the Turf Trainer Guide (138 pages, 8x11 paperbound, $34.95).

In the trainer guide Mazur points out that "while the past performance of the experienced maidens and the pedigree of the first-time starters are important factors in assessing a debut horseąs chances, even MORE crucial is the intention and ability of its TRAINER. Does he or she win with first-time starters?˛ In short, the starter could have all the characteristics of a winner but if the trainer isnąt focused properly, you will want to be aware of that fact.

The book is divided into three sections. Thereąs the overall record (for the past three years) at the top tracks in 12 states including California, Illinois, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Arkansas, Virginia, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma and Florida. Then there is the list of top trainers in a variety of categories such as a 40% or higher winning average; overall record; trainers to avoid (with a minimum of 25 starts); on turf; with 2-year-olds; by race class and longshot artists. Mazur also includes trainer-jockey combinations; on the poly track Keeneland, Woodbine, Turfway Park and Hollywood Park); state-bred races. A final section looks at details of the wins including odds; lasix use; sire of the winner; class; surface.

The sire book examines how various stallions have performed with debut starters for the last three years.

Tracks from twelve states (the same listed in the Debut Trainer Guide) are listed with the same category format, plus a category called Off Track, which lists top sires with debut runners on tracks listed as sloppy, muddy or wet fast. Aside from the alphabetically and chronologically arranged guide listing every sire and his debut winners for the last three years at the top 40 tracks, you get each sireąs debut winner is listed with age, class level, jockey, owner, trainer, gender and Lasix information.

The turf guide helps the handicapper determine if a horse is bred for turf and to understand how good the trainer is (some "canąt get the job done on the sod,˛ Mazur says).

For example, Nick Zito is a recognized top trainer, "However this Hall of Famer struggled on grass (3 for 66 during the last two years).˛

Again the categories used in the other two guides are incorporated into this book in the states previously covered. In addition, Mazur offers a breakdown on days between races; if a horse is moving up or down in class; if thereąs a distance change; if thereąs a move from dirt to turf; how many starts after a claim; if it was a shipper and if Lasix was use in its first or second start. Youąll also be able to see the odds the horse went off at.

There you go, three remarkable time-savers ‹ light to carry with you to the track or the race book reference guides where you can wait for a spot and find an edge. As usual, a quality job by Mazur and Progressive Handicapping as 2007 rolls into high gear.

Any item reviewed here is available from Gambler's Book Shop (Gambler's Book Club). The store's web site is www.gamblersbook.com. You may order there using MasterCard, VISA or Discover (no CODs please) or by phoning the store any day except Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time at 1-800-522-1777. Orders usually shipped the next working day. The store, now in its 40th year, is located a mile from downtown Las Vegas, a block west of Maryland Parkway, just off Charleston Boulevard at South 11th Street. You may view the store's complete array of books, videos and software via the Web site or request a hard copy of the catalog be mailed free and first class. The store's address is 630 S. 11th St., Las Vegas, NV 89101.