Starting out question

[Lugan Stables]

Hi everyone, as a brand new owner I'm doing my due diligence and reading the very useful information and advice here. One quick question: what's the best way, would you say, for me to start my hike up the learning curve? I've got my two horses, and I've bought a few cheap ones from you folks--should I just train them and race them, try to follow the advice I read, and leave it at that for awhile until I get grounded in this stuff?

Is there anything else in particular you'd suggest for a brand new member?

There's a good chance all this has been covered in previous threads, and I just haven't found it. If that's the case, please just point me to it, if you would be so kind.

Thanks again,
Don in Beijing
Lugan Stables
http://don-in-beijing.blogspot.com

P.S. In case any of you get very, *very* bored between races, feel free to check out my blog about a stranger newly arrived in China. (My mother tells me she likes it, and that I'm a very good boy.)

[Aspen Farms]

All you can do is try to pick the best spot to run in and the best jock. It is all trial an error. Distance,surface,conditions and the meters all play a part in the game. But you never know until you try. Read as many posts as you can to get the feel for the game. Good Luck.

[Ginkamo Stables]

Glanced through your blog, was hoping for pictures.

Did like the part about the topless teachers.

[Stine Stables]

Instead of aimlessly search the forum thread for information, try the Tracksider News. Look under hint and tip. There's a bunch of info by Thunder about "Mastering the Meters". That will put you on the right track as far as training. Other than that you have to determine what class your horse is in and race it appropriatley. Sometimes they fool you for better or worse.

Good Luck!

[Lugan Stables]

Blog Pictures

Ray,
Sorry to disappoint, my friend. Actually, genius that I am, I forgot to pack my digital camera. It's getting shipped as I type. I've already missed dozens of great photo ops, but I'm sure there will be more.

[Ginkamo Stables]

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing them.

[Dirty Dog Racing]

My Best Advice

The few cheap horses that you bought on the sales page, DO NOT ever run in a race!! You have 0% chance of getting a check with them. Just use them to figure out different training methods.

[Polaris Bloodstock]

Hope I Can Help

Lugan....I must go with Mike(DIRTY DOG),it is what i done,got some extremely cheap horses from PUBLIC SALES PAGE and with assistance from Mastering the meters worked it all out.It takes a little bit of time to get a grip on things but with a bit of patience you will be fine.I have reserved a couple of horses for you on the sales page,there no good and i have raced them a couple of times.Just use them to practice your meters,you can race them if you like.

[Lugan Stables]

Thanks again

Heh, I have to say I can't even tell a good horse from a bad one yet, but I did assume that given the price I couldn't count on much.
I'll take your advice and play with these nags just to help get the hang of DD.

Polaris, thanks much for the gift horses--I won't look them in the mouth!