I'm always on the lookout for long odds on a race, the main reason being that I like to win and I love the rush of blood as I watch my horse flash past the finishing post.

So I read everything there is to read by the amateurs and professionals on the subject of choosing the winning horse.

Here are some tips I picked up over the years that may help you to a big payoff:

• Horses that are first-time starters, and a totally unknown quantity, can lead to smart returns if you pay attention to important factors such as checking out the trainer and the breeding angle if they are ignored by the betting public. Check for a change in equipment or a first-time Lasix user. These can also br read ad positive signals if the price is right.
• Look for a horse that suddenly reverses form and improves for no apparent reason. A thoroughbred that inexplicably drops in class, will most likely be heavily bet. But a thoroughbred that steps up a bit in class could produce real value.
• Watch for overachievers who consistently outperform their odds. They will offer good betting opportunities. Always check past performances to see when and where a horse outperforms the odds. If this is a race where the trainer and jockey are coming together again after a long separation, this could be your chance.
• Scan the board for horses that are ignored because the contenders in the field look better. Thoroughbreds who know how to win will often defeat “speedier” rivals.
• Wager on horses, both for a win and a place, that consistently score at big odds, especially if the favorite appears vulnerable.
• Keep in mind the horses that consistently hit the board at nice odds in exotic wagers, especially if there is a deserving favorite.
• If a longshot stands on its own merits as a likely contender at good odds, why not bet the horse to win and key the selection in exotic bets?
• Figure out why the longshot is so appealing before plunging in with your wagers. Consider the scenario and think about why top contenders should come up short.
• Resist the temptation of diluting your wagers by spreading bets throughout pari-mutuel pools. An imaginary super-exotics score is outweighed by the possibility of failing to capitalize on a live longshot.
• Use your head when betting and make sure your bet suits the most opportunistic situation. If the race is confusing, bet small. If you don't have an opinion, don’t bet at all!
• Never forget about Lady Luck. My wife chooses her horses according to the grandchildren’s birthdays. I choose my horses on their racing form. My wife often comes out ahead of me!