There is ample time between each race to cash your winning tickets. As a fan, your one real necessity is the day's Official Program. The program lists vital information about each day's races, including the official numbers of horses for wagering, and helps you make informed wagering selections. Wager on the favorite. The favorite is the horse with the lowest odds or the one on which the most money has been wagered.
Favorites win approximately one third of the time.
Check the local papers, the Daily Racing Form and the program handicapper's selections. The observations and advice of a recognized expert are generally a good guide for the newcomer. They offer a popular shortcut for the newcomer and a helpful learning tool for developing handicapping skills. Purchase a tip sheet. These are prepared by professional handicappers and may provide useful wagering selections.