Talking to horseracing newbie:
"get the DRF, find the PP's for your track and race, and the conditions for the race. You probably want to stay away from mdn sp wts to start off, since they are hard to cap. NW1X, NW2X, NW3X's are okay to start with. Find the DSLR for each horse, Tomlinson's, BSFs, if they've had any blowouts or bullets, etc. First wager avoid exotics, use straight wagering, and move to trifectas and superfectas (keys or boxed) later on when you get the hang of it. Parlays are kinda fun for beginners....blah blah blah...
I do a bit of horse racing, maybe once or twice a year, down here at Del Mar.
I learned a bit about it when I was a college student, some 25 years ago.
The Daily Racing Form (DRF) is of course critical to any chance of real success, other than of course luck.
And Post Positions (PP) is a fairly important factor when you get THAT far into the details.
Personally, I study speed and closers, and try to determine how the race will set up.
To me, this is where the real intelligent decisions can be made.
I do tend to stay away from the mdn (maiden) races, although looking at the trainers and finding bullets sometimes give a clue.
I'm not sure though why sp wts (special weights) makes a difference, but that is probably like advanced algebra to someone with my experience.
I have NO idea what NW1X, NW2X, and NW3X means, so you got me there.
Nor do I know what DSLR, Tomlinson's, or BSFs are.
I bet mainly quinellas, exactas, Win/Place and DDs for the most part.
Although I have been known to put some money into a Trifecta now and then.
If the day ever comes that I bet a Superfecta, or anything more exotic, I'll know I've gone way too far!