Some of the best handicapping books written years ago were by Mark Cramer. He stressed the need for creativity. One of his best books was Kinkier Handicapping. One chapter discussed building a portfolio of “kinky trainers” that can win with unusual horses the public might not understand.
I look for young trainers that the public does not fully appreciate. Often these younger guys and gals are slowly getting better horses from their new owners. I especially watch trainers that are active at the sales. I also include a few experienced trainers that have some of my partnership horses. Here is my list of trainers:
- Kate DeMasi – Penn and Maryland for Pewter Stables
- Steve Klesaris – East coast for Hibiscus Stables
- Chris Davis – Arlington/Churchill for Dare to Dream
- Amira Chichakly – New York took over for Contessa
- Jeremiah O’Dwyer – Maryland, active at sales
- Matt Shirer – Churchill/Ellis
- Brittany Russell – Maryland
- Kelsey Danner – Tampa/NY/Kentucky
- Jordan Blair – Kentucky/Indiana
- Brian Williamson – Arlington/Oaklawn, for the Vainer family
Brittany Russell got up at 35-1 on the last weekend at Saratoga, but it was race 6, and not in the pick 5’s.
Buying A Race Horse 