Michelle,

I second what Alan says but I will have to offer some additional advice. Do NOT average the figures. The top and the range have some meaning but the average is pretty worthless.

The better the top, the faster the horse.

The tighter the range, the more consistent.

If you find a fast (relative to the field), consistent horse, you have found a contender. Unfortunately, you have probably also found one of the favorites (but not always).

Those are the basics. You can have some fun and cash some tickets using the sheets in that simple way.

If you want to show a long-term profit you have to dig deeper - condition, pace, trainers, trips, breeding, etc.

One simple way to find a decent bet with the sheets is to look for a fast, INconsistent horse. He is a probably a contender and he may have some long odds if his recent races have been poor. If you can find some reason to expect improvement (e.g., valid excuses for his poor races; a good pattern; or a change to a more favorable distance, surface, pace scenario, class, or trainer), he may be a good play. You are probably less likely to cash than if you play the fast, consistent horse but you are probably more likely to show a positive long-term return.

There is defitely more than one way to skin a cat and finding the approach that works best for you is half the fun.

Good luck on the BC and let us know who you like.

Chris