I would never use it in a small field, Jack. In a big field it could be prudent in some circumstances. But it takes time and energy to figure that out so I'm inclined not to. If I play a big longshot or a double digit horse in a big field I will consider it. If I think my horse has a chance to be beat I will try to make exacta boxes rather than use a place bet.
You may notice that I will often (not always) play the speed horse if I think I can isolate him. When those horses lose they most often fall right out of the money. So a place bet is not often a good bet in the case of speed.
But we each need to tailor our game to our strengths, Jack. What makes me comfortable will not always make you comfortable. Even amounts. I try to stay within my comfort level. THe amounts I bet here are pretty much the amounts I would bet at the track on Saturday. Comfort level is key. As is patience. I had a bad day at the track yesterday because I let both of those things get away from me.
Today I went back to basics. I handicapped all (except the last two I bet) after I got the scratches but well before I posted them here. I need to shake myself up. I'm a better handicapper than I've been since we started this thread. Been doing something wrong. Trying to identify that starting today. We'll see.
