Quarter Horse Race Day Guide

Before race day

Find the race list: the post time, distance in yards, class and the horses in each race. Entries are posted ahead of time and can change. Read Lone Star Park entries and results for the next card.

The morning of

Check for scratches (horses taken out). A scratch can turn a full field into a small one. Look at any change in the distance or the track condition.

In the paddock and at the gate

• The horses walk to the gate in a line. A calm horse often breaks better than a nervous one.
• The break is the biggest part of a short race. Look for horses that break well again and again.
• Each horse runs in its own lane, so the post position is worth a look.

Reading the numbers

The speed index compares a horse's time with the best times at the same distance. Higher is faster. Compare horses at the same distance, and look at the last two or three races, not only the best one. Full guide: how to handicap Quarter Horses.

Trials and finals

The biggest Quarter Horse races run as trials first, then a final. The Texas Classic Futurity on Lone Star's closing night is the best-known example. A trial time tells you a lot about the final.

After the race

The official finish and payouts are posted after each race. On this site the race day page shows the finish, the payouts and Brian's final WIN, PLACE and SHOW picks, win or lose. Open picks today or the results page.

Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred?

Different races need different homework. See the Thoroughbred race day guide and the page on Quarter Horse racing at Lone Star Park.

Keep reading

• Texas horse racing handicapping
• Dallas and Grand Prairie horse racing tips
• Thoroughbred race day guide
• How to handicap Quarter Horses
• How to read a racing form
• How our picks are made
• Lone Star Park entries and results
• Every pick, win or lose

Good to know

Brian's Lucky Picks is a handicapping information subscription. No bets are taken and nothing can be gambled on this site. The only charge is the pass. Picks are opinions, not guarantees. Not affiliated with Lone Star Park. 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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