Mike Maloney is a top horseplayer and he lives in my hometown, Lexington, KY. I don’t know him personally but I know folks that do. One such friend gifted me with his autographed book, “Betting With An Edge: A Professional Horseplayer’s Life In Thoroughbred Racing.” My friends and followers know that I am a horse racing fan and not a horseplayer. I found out early that I don’t win at the track but I have an admiration for those that do, some by luck and some with talent. Maloney is one with skill and a plan. I like this book very much because it shares educational, entertaining and emotional aspects of horse racing.
Foremost, just like my design for Thoroughbred U, “Betting With An Edge” is written to share information on an educational level. This is a text book for those who want to improve their odds at the track. Maloney is very specific about what he does to study and plan for races. He methodically breaks down nearly every imaginable dynamic and instructs as to how others can follow his rules and techniques. He is very detailed and in depth. I particularly would not want to work this hard at betting but I found learning about it intriguing nonetheless. If you do want to improve your game, read this book.
Meanwhile, this book is very entertaining. In addition to discussing how he wins at wagering, he also tells stories about his life in racing. Maloney has worked in many parts of the thoroughbred industry. He spent time in the barns, on the backside and experienced breeding and owning. He shares stories of his family life and of his set backs as well as his successes. He also includes memories of specific horse races and horses. I know many of my followers would enjoy reading about how he bet on the Pacific Classic in 2016 when California Chrome won by 5 lengths. Indeed, Maloney made some money that day.
Furthermore, Maloney opens up about emotionally about relationships and experiences he has had both good and bad. He tells stories of how racing has led him to meet great people and some not so honest persons. Maloney talks about his family, his personal life as well as specific names of trainers, owners, officials and all sorts of connections. Maloney has used his voice to bring about positive change. He has some good advise on how to make some of these relationships improve his game and on how to be fair in a relationship as well.
If you want to be a true horseplayer or just read about the life experiences and methods of one of the best, check out “Betting With An Edge.” At less than 300 pages it is easy to read for pleasure or intense to read for knowledge. I was pleased to breeze through the pages with having a new found respect for the precision required by horseplayers. Others will be thrilled to have found in a book many tools they could use to improve their wagering. For those, it will be a reference they may tote with them the rest of their handicapping life. With days to go before we continue on The Road to the Kentucky Derby, it may be time for you to read this book for yourself.
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