If a 'Handicap Draw' price is offered, the 'push' rule does not apply. In this case should a result end in a Handicap Draw only bets placed on the Handicap Draw are settled as winners. All Match Betting. Handicapping, in sport and games, is the practice of assigning advantage through scoring compensation or other advantage given to different contestants to equalize the chances of winning.The word also. View the latest odds on English Premier League Matches & Bet with Sportsbet. Join Australia's Favourite Online Betting and Entertainment Website. Handicap bets are a famous market across all sports, especially in soccer betting. Mostly it evens out the playing field. The bookmaker “handicaps” the favorite team, giving them a disadvantage and the. The normal handicap, which is widely known as three-way handicaps still has the factor of draw in play. The part of win, loss and draw in the normal handicap is the usual betting market that most punters place their wagers on. On that note, the Asian handicap.

Handicapping, in sport and games, is the practice of assigning advantage through scoring compensation or other advantage given to different contestants to equalize the chances of winning. The word also applies to the various methods by which the advantage is calculated. In principle, a more experienced participant is disadvantaged, or a less experienced or capable participant is advantaged, in order to make it possible for the less experienced participant to win whilst maintaining fairness. Handicapping is used in scoring many games and competitive sports, including go, shogi, chess, croquet, golf, bowling, polo, basketball, and track and field events. Handicap races are common in clubs which encourage all levels of participants, such as swimming or in cycling clubs and sailing clubs, or which allow participants with a variety of standards of equipment. Often races, contests or tournaments where this practice is competitively employed are known as Handicaps.

Handicapping also refers to the various methods by which spectators can predict and quantify the results of a sporting match. The term is applied to the practice of predicting the result of a competition, such as for purposes of betting against the point spread. A favored team that wins by less than the point spread still wins the game, but bets on that team lose.

In either case the handicapper is the person who sets the handicaps for the activity.

Etymology[edit]

The term handicap derives from hand-in-cap, referring to a system wherein players placed bets or money into the cap of a neutral arbiter to reach an agreement as to the relative values of items sought to be traded.^[1]

Competition handicapping[edit]

In a 'result adjustment' style handicap event, the outcome may be adjusted by some factor determined by the handicap. Some forms of car or yacht racing.^[2] In this case, the winner, on elapsed time, may differ from the fastest competitor when the times have been adjusted for the different competitors' handicaps.

In a 'pursuit' style handicap race, all participants are clocked in a time trial before the race. When this takes place at the same event as the main race, it is known as the handicap. In the race itself, the participants do not all start at the same 'Go'; the starts are staggered, based on the handicaps. The slowest swimmer, or cyclist, for example, starts first and the fastest starts last, making the end of the race (hopefully) close. An ideal handicap race is one in which all participants finish at the same time.^[3] The winner is the person who beats his or her own time.

Similarly, physically staggered starting positions can be used, for example, in greyhound racing a handicap race is where greyhounds (based on their ability) start from different starting traps set at different measurements from the finish line, and in human foot racing, for example, the Stawell Gift.

Some motorsport events, especially in sports car racing, demand teams to stop the vehicle in the pitbox a fixed period of time depending on the drivers' classification, thus giving advantage to less skilled drivers. An example of a championship using this system is the International GT Open. The advantage of this system over ballast weight systems is that vehicles have the normal performance on track, so better drivers will be able to recover time and overtake slower drivers.

Contrarily, horse race handicapping is implemented using extra weight.

Horse racing[edit]

A handicap race in horse racing is a race in which horses carry different weights, allocated by the handicapper. A better horse will carry a heavier weight, to give him or her a disadvantage when racing against slower horses. The handicapper's goal in assigning handicap weights is to enable all the horses to finish together (in a dead heat).

The skill in betting on a handicap horse race is in determining which horse can overcome its handicap.^[4]

In addition to the Daily Racing Form, other data sources include Brisnet, Equibase, The Ragozin Sheets, and Thoro-Graph.^[5]

Golf[edit]

Handicapping in the sport of golf enables players and teams of varying abilities to compete against one another. A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's potential or 'average best'. Better players are those with the lowest handicaps.

Chess[edit]

Types of chess handicaps include:

• the stronger player surrenders a certain piece or pieces
• the weaker player has extra moves at the beginning of the game
• the weaker player has extra time on the chess clock
• the odds-giver to deliver checkmate with a specified piece

Go[edit]

Handicapping in go includes the weaker player being given an advantage by placing a number of stones before the stronger player commences, and by final points adjustment.

Shogi[edit]

Handicapping in shogi is achieved by removing one or more pieces from the stronger player's side. Shogi (Japanese chess) and many of its variants have handicaps.

Gliding[edit]

Polo[edit]

The polo handicap is an estimation of the player's worth to his or her team. It is an overall rating of a player's horsemanship, team play, knowledge of the game, strategy and horses. The difference between the total of the polo handicaps for the players on each team is then used to determine the minimum score difference for the better team to score to enable them to win.

In polo, every player is awarded an individual handicap depending on performance. Handicap commissions of the national associations meet several times a year to decide players’ handicaps.^[6]
Argentina: 0 to 10
USA: C (-2), B (-1), B+ (-0.5), A (0), A+ (0.5), 1.0, 1.5, 2 to 10
England: -2 to 10

Sailing[edit]

Handicaps for sailing vessels in sailing races have varied throughout history, and they also vary by country, and by sailing organisation. Sailing handicap standards exist internationally, nationally, and within individual sailing clubs.

Sailing race handicaps may be based on vessel capability and-or crew experience, and today typically adjust the time a vessel takes to reach the finish point of the race.

Tennis[edit]

Motorcycle speedway[edit]

The Calculated Match Average is a handicap calculated for every motorcycle speedway rider.

Outcome prediction[edit]

Middle and arbitrage bets[edit]

There are strategies that involve differences in the lines on the same event at different books. One bet is called a 'middle', which when a player finds two books that offer different point spreads for the same event. They will bet the more favorable spread at both books, and if the final score falls between the two, the bettor will win both bets. On the other hand, if the total falls outside the range of the 'middle' the bettor only loses a small percentage of a bet (the 'juice' or 'vig' taken by the house).

For example, Book 1 has Team A as a 3-point favorite, and Book 2 has team B as a 3-point favorite. If a player bets Team B at Book 1, and Team A at Book 2, he will win both bets if either side wins by 2 or less points, and will win one bet and lose the other (known as a 'side') if either team wins by 3 points.

Another strategy, known as arbitrage, or an 'arb' or 'scalp', involves finding different moneylines for the same event. In this case, the bettor will bet the more favorable line at both books, and have a guaranteed profit. For example, if Book 1 considers Team A to be worth +200 (2 to 1 underdog), and Book 2 considers Team B to be worth +200, a bettor can bet Team A at Book 1, and Team B at Book 2, and guarantee a 100% profit. This is a no-risk bet, as the player is guaranteed a profit no matter the result of the game.^{[citation needed]}

Famous handicappers[edit]

The first very well known sports handicapper in American culture was Jimmy 'The Greek' Snyder.^[7] During his career he worked for CBS on their Sunday morning show, The NFL Today. Because sports betting had a social taboo at the time, Snyder was not allowed to mention betting on games specifically. Instead, he would predict the score. Over the years the attitude towards sports betting, and handicapping in general, has changed. Billy Walters was profiled by 60 Minutes because of his handicapping abilities.^[8] Billy Walters, and other unknown members of the Computer Group, developed a system for handicapping games and beating Las Vegas sportsbooks. The Huffington Post covered Jon Price a reclusive sports bettor that hires Ph.D's and works off of algorithmic information for his predictions.^[9]ESPN wrote an article on Haralabos Voulgaris naming him as the one of the premier NBA handicappers in the world.^[10] He claims to have developed a system that uses advanced statistical analysis to predict the outcomes of games. In the past, very few people did any mathematical calculations when handicapping sporting events. Predictions were usually made from hunches or information not readily available to the public. However, with the advancement of technology computers powerful enough to run advanced simulation models now frequent homes and offices. Advanced statistics such as DVOA, Win Shares and Points per Possession are talked about in mainstream media. Brian Burke, author of The Fifth Down blog featured in the New York Times, wrote a formula using advanced statistical techniques that has shown consistency correctly predicting NFL winners.^[11] Handicapping, as a profession, is very similar to being a stock analyst. Like Wall Street did in the 1970s, the sports handicapping industry is undergoing a quantitative revolution. Many successful handicappers also use money management systems similar to financial investment professionals. The most popular, and mathematically superior, system is the Kelly criterion. It is a formula for maximizing profits and minimizing losses based on payout odds and win probability of the underlying asset.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^'handicap, n.' The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989. OED Online. Oxford University Press. 8 Oct. 2008 'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved 2008-10-08.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link).
2. ^'History of the PY'(PDF). Royal Yachting Association. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
3. ^[1]Archived 2011-01-31 at the Wayback Machine UK Horse Racing. Accessed 5 February 2011.
4. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2010-10-31. Retrieved 2011-02-05.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) British Horseracing Authority. Accessed 5 February 2011.
5. ^'Horse Racing Wagering'. Equine Info Exchange. 1 January 2020.
6. ^'The Polo Handicap'. Polo Plus Ten. 17 July 2015.
7. ^Pace, Eric. 'Jimmy 'The Greek' Snyder; A Sports Oddsmaker'. New York Times. Retrieved 22 April 1996.Check date values in: access-date= (help)
8. ^Logan, Lara. 'Sports Betting: Billy Walters'. CBSNewsOnline. Retrieved 16 January 2011.
9. ^Jensen, David. 'Seeking PHD's Who Minor in Sports'. The Huffington Post. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
10. ^Eden, Scott. 'Meet The World's Top NBA Gambler'. ESPN The Magazine. ESPN. Retrieved 21 Feb 2013.
11. ^Burke, Brian. 'Game Probabilities Are Back'. New York Times. Retrieved 27 September 2012.

• Beyer, Andrew (May 6, 1994). Picking Winners : A Horseplayer's Guide (Reissue ed.). Houghton Mifflin. ISBN0-395-70132-5.

External links[edit]

Super Saturday at Flemington is set to live up to its namesake after a strong field of 18 accepted for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday.

Chris Waller’s three-year-old filly September Run has dominated betting since early markets opened as the reigning Coolmore Stud Stakes winner looks to improve on her runner-up performance to Nature Strip in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes.

Third place-getter and recent rival Swats That occupies the second line of betting, while there’s also a lot to like about dead heat Oakleigh Plate winner Celebrity Queen in her second run back from a spell.

With value right across the board, you can find our thoughts on every horse in our 2021 Newmarket Handicap Preview here.

Zoutori

Zoutori gets another crack at a Group 1 after making up decent ground for seventh first-up in the Oakleigh Plate.

Considered a Flemington specialist, the son of Zoustar has found the money in seven of his 11 starts at this track, which includes a pair of wins over the course and distance in both the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis and Gilgai Stakes during the Spring.

With Nature Strip and Bivouac both accepting in Sydney, the four-year-old will carry the top weight of 57kg under Luke Currie for the first time.

Jamie Kah said he failed to pick up at the turn in the Oakleigh Plate but showed plenty of speed in the late stages.

With a strong second-up record and a firm track expected, he rates as a major each-way chance.

Elite Street

Elite Street’s unbeaten streak came to an end with a luckless first-up outing in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes.

The son of Street Boss was a non-factor after missing the jump and failed to respond when the speed got going in the final stages.

After winning the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot back in November, there’s no doubt he’s capable of improving but remains tough to have from the wide draw.

Imaging

Imaging can take improvement into his second-up assignment after finishing a narrow runner-up to Streets Of Avalon in the C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield.

The Waller sprinter showed a tremendous turn of foot to overcome a three-wide position and looks well-suited here dropping back in trip.

The British import has found the money in five of his seven starts second-up from a spell and must be included in your numbers.

Key Stat: trainer Chris Waller is hoping to win the Newmarket for a second time after training Brazen Beau to victory back in 2015.

Kemalpasa

Kemalpasa’s recent form reads well for this contest as he takes plenty of fitness and consistency into his second Group 1 start.

After winning the Group 2 Linlithgow over this track and trip back in the Spring, the five-year-old has since gone on to run a very bold third behind last fortnight’s dead heat Oakleigh Plate winners Celebrity Queen and Portland Sky.

He’s found the placings twice previously in his third run back from a spell and is worth a thought in exotics despite the awkward draw.

Celebrity Queen

Celebrity Queen is looking to go one better after drawing a dead heat with Portland Sky in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield two weeks ago.

The Grant and Alana Williams-trained mare hit the line strongly after overcoming a wide position and is no doubt one of the better chances getting out over further.

The daughter of Redoute’s Choice finished a narrow runner-up to Elite Street in the Winterbottom at Ascot last year and has also won four of her eight starts over the 1200m.

She’s drawn to get an ideal run from barrier 6 under William Pike and is a much better chance than her current price suggests.

Key Stat: Celebrity Queen is looking to become the 12th horse and the first since Lankan Rupee (2014) to complete the Oakleigh Plate – Newmarket Handicap double.

Dalasan

Dalasan resumes from a spell looking to atone for a fairly luckless Spring.

The four-year-old finished two lengths fifth to Fierce Impact in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes over the mile and was only half a length off last week’s Chipping Norton winner Verry Elleegant in the Turnbull.

He does have the runs on the board to suggest he can run a race first-up but probably warrants consideration over further.

Flit

Flit struggled to cope on the soft track at Rosehill running fifth of six in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes first-up.

She now makes the journey back to Melbourne and should appreciate getting back on top of the ground.

The Godolphin mare ran on strongly to defeat Alligator Blood in the Silver Eagle during the Spring and has also performed well at Flemington in the past winning the Thousand Guineas in 2019.

A win looks tough from this barrier, but there is improvement to come.

Standout

Standout gets the blinkers on for the first time after struggling to overcome the wide draw first-up in the Oakleigh Plate.

He held ground for eighth over this track and trip in the VRC Sprint Classic last time in work, but would need to improve significantly to be a factor.

Bold Star

Bold Star struggled for room second-up in the Oakleigh Plate where he was trapped three-wide from the onset.

He’s worth forgiving on that performance after finishing a narrow second to Prophet’s Thump first-up in the Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield and has drawn to get a much kinder run in transit this time around.

The five-year-old has missed the money only once in six starts at Flemington and has also won twice down the straight at Headquarters.

Not the worst.

Brooklyn Hustle

Brooklyn Hustle has been extremely unlucky not to find the placings in each of her last three starts.

The mare by Starspangledbanner capped off her Spring campaign with back-to-back fourths in the Moir Stakes and the Manikato at The Valley, before a repeat performance first-up in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield two weeks ago.

She’s overcome wide gates in the past and another top-four finish would not surprise.

Halvorsen

Halvorsen claimed a hat-trick down the Flemington straight two years ago but has struggled ever since.

The son of Magnus finished fifth to Fabergino first-up at Listed level and was a non-factor in the Oakleigh Plate finishing second-last.

Tough to recommend based on those efforts.

Indian Pacific

How Does A Handicap Draw Bet Work

Indian Pacific is on the quick back up after holding ground for second in the Listed Hoysted Stakes at Flemington last week.

This is obviously much tougher, but the son of Zoustar has raced well over this distance in the past. Worth thought in multiples from the inside draw.

Indian Pacific

Indian Pacific is on the quick back up after holding ground for second in the Listed Hoysted Stakes at Flemington last week.

This is obviously much tougher, but the son of Zoustar has raced well over this distance in the past. Worth thought in multiples from the inside draw.

Prophet’s Thumb

Prophet’s Thumb failed to produce her best in the Oakleigh Plate after storming home to win the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield the run prior.

Losing Jamie Kah obviously played a factor and she’s unlikely to find this any easier.

Key Stat: Craig Newitt leads all current jockeys with three wins in the Newmarket Handicap (The Quarterback 2016, Shamexpress 2013, Miss Andretti 2007).

September Run

September Run is no doubt the horse to beat on Saturday after memorably winning the Coolmore Stud Stakes over this track and trip during the Spring.

She returned to work to produce an eye-catching run in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes, hitting the line strongly for second from well back in the field.

Her turn of foot makes her tough to bet against in this race, especially with Craig Williams retaining the ride.

The pair combined to claim a hat-trick down the Flemington straight during the Spring capped off with a two-length win in the Coolmore over Saturday’s rival Swats That.

The absence of Nature Strip leaves this well within her grasp and barrier 8 should see her enjoying a similar run off speed.

Key Stat: September Run can become the sixth horse and the first since Sunlight (2019) to win both the Coolmore and the Newmarket Handicap in the same season.

Sirius Suspect

Sirius Suspect is shooting for his hat-trick after winning the Group 3 Standish Handicap over the track and trip earlier in January.

The six-year-old has been kept fresh for his first look at a Group 1 and has won a whopping eight races over this distance previously.

Barrier 14 makes things tough, but he warrants plenty of respect with Jamie Kah engaged.

Amish Boy

Amish Boy is looking to break a run of recent placings after finishing runner-up in both the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas on the Gold Coast and the Group 2 Autumn Stakes at Caulfield last month.

The colt by Star Witness was far from disgraced at this level during the Spring running sixth in the Caulfield Guineas behind Ole Kirk, but he does look a slight query stepping back to the 1200m now.

Prague

Prague has also accepted for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes in Sydney on Saturday.

The colt by Redoute’s Choice gets the blinkers on again after coming home strongly for third first-up in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick over the same trip.

He’s done some of his best racing over this distance but would need to produce something special from the awkward alley.

What Is A Handicap Draw Bet

Swats That

Swats That looks the main danger to September Run after filling the minors on back-to-back occasions behind the Waller filly.

The daughter of Shamus Award was beaten by close to two lengths in the Coolmore Stud Stakes back in October before fighting on well for third first-up in the Lightning.

She’s found the money in all three of her starts at Flemington and is also a two-time winner over the 1200m with a pair of Group 3 wins at Moonee Valley and Caulfield to her name.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil has plenty of work to do from the wide gate, but she meets September Run 2kg better at the weights and is capable of staging some revenge.

Newmarket Handicap Tip

September Run at $2.30