It’s a Sure Bet That a Little Etiquette Helps at the Track

As veteran trackgoers know, the race isn’t always to the swift, but that’s the way to bet it. And while doing this, bear in mind that there are, if you will, certain customs that are observed. You might even want to call it etiquette:

Until a few years ago, you had to bet one race at a time. With the new tote machines, you can bet any race at any time--all nine of them at once if you want.

But unless you like having your ancestry questioned by those in line behind you, don’t wait until just before the start of one race to park at the window and take up time betting all the others. Do that sort of thing when there are still 20 minutes or so to post time.

Have your mind made up by the time it is your turn at the window. Nowadays, varied are the types of bets you may make. There is still flat wagering--win (the horse must finish first), place (either first or second) and show (first, second or third).

Additionally, however, there is a daily double (pick the winners of the first two races), a daily triple (pick the winners of the sixth, seventh and eighth races), the Pick Six (select the winners of races four through nine), and the Pick Nine (select the winners of all nine races), plus at least four exacta races (pick the winner and runner-up in order of finish).

Considering all of this, as you near the window have in mind what you plan to tell the ticket seller. And for Pete’s sake, don’t stand in front of him or her while still reading the Daily Racing Form, trying to decide.

Actually, there is something new on the scene--the automated, do-it-yourself ticket-selling machines--that eliminates standing in regular betting lines.

You can use a credit voucher (bought for a given amount at designated windows), a winning ticket, and in a limited number of machines, currency. Sort of like a bank’s automated teller, you insert the voucher or winning ticket or currency, follow the instructions on the screen, and the machine spits out a ticket for the race you want.

Certain types of wagering, such as the Pick Six and the Pick Nine, require you to mark a card that you present at a window. So bring a pen or pencil, and do your marking before you get in line, not when you reach the front.

Don’t try to avoid the queue by hailing a friend already in line and asking him or her to make a bet for you. It’s akin to taking the diamond lane of the freeway onramp when you don’t have a passenger, to avoid the 20-car line of law-abiding citizens. People take a dim view.

If you have children along, keep them near you and reasonably under control. Some patrons are big plungers and don’t like distractions.

If somebody is viewing through binoculars (7x35 are the most popular), try not to block the field of vision. A lot could be riding on what’s being looked at.

As the day wears on, if you wind up running a little low on cash, you can go to designated windows and use your credit card to get a cash advance.

Other than all this, go placidly amidst the noise and haste. And remember that while winning isn’t everything, losing isn’t anything.