FOR most of us it’s anything but horse play when trying to decide the best-looker in the paddock.
And I’m not talking about the lads or lasses leading the horses up.
Here is a secret guide to helping you pick a Cheltenham winner
So just how do you decide who is fit, who has had one pie too many or who looks as if they will struggle to raise a gallop?
Well, chief paddock-watching guru Ken Pitterson knows his nags — and his secret formula for picking the winner does not rely on a horse winking at you as he goes round or doing a pre-race dollop right in front of you.
A regular on course come rain or shine, Pitterson does not believe in lucky omens when it comes to sizing up the runners.
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After 30 years in the game Pitterson says: “All you need are your eyes.
“Even if you’ve never seen a horse up close and personal in your life there are plenty of pointers which can help a beginner.
“For instance, look at a horse’s coat, watch how they walk, how long their gait is, look at little things like if they are twitching or nervous, see if they are on their toes or if they are sweating.”
Pitterson was first employed by an on-course bookmaker in the 80s as a paddock judge. He’d tell the layers whether the punters had it right before they went out onto the track.
His opinion would determine whether the bookies would risk offering a bigger price or whether they cut his odds.
He learnt his trade from the well-respected Gerald Delamere, once of the Sporting Life. He taught Pitterson how to assess a horse before it ran in terms of its well being and how it should look physically.
Using that wisdom, he’s now a regular on ITV, online and on the radio and he’s always on hand with a word of advice to racecourse regulars.
Whether you’re lucky enough to be at Cheltenham or just tuning in from your sofa, you’re sure to get a good look at the contenders in the parade ring.
So make sure you use Pitterson’s golden secrets on the left to ensure you’re not throwing your hard-earned down the drain.
Who will Pitterson be counting on at this year’s Cheltenham Festival?
“Edwardstone (Arkle Chase) has looked like the complete athlete on and off the track and has progressed this season with every performance for Alan King. He can use his experience and ability to see off Blue Lord.”
“Galopin Des Champs (Brown Advisory/Turners Novices’ Chase) has impressed me with two breathtaking performances at Leopardstown. I was lucky enough to see his latest win in person. It will take a special horse to lower his colours, whichever race he runs in. He looks like the real deal.”
“II Etait Temps (Triumph Hurdle) made an eye-catching debut in the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle behind his stable companion Vauban during the Dublin Racing Festival and should have plenty of improvement left in him. He’s still a decent each-ay price.”
