220 THE RACING WORLD 



acclimatised, and once more fit and in a perfect con- 

 dition for racing. This way of reckoning may 

 seem a little harsh to our antipodean brethren, but 

 the process of acclimatisation, which is a natural 

 and not very rapid one, demands it ; otherwise the 

 horses would be obtaining an undue benefit by 

 means of a gradual reduction of their weight, 

 when in all probability in no condition to produce 

 their true form. 



The theory of " horses for courses," again, and 

 the value of recent form, should at the same time 

 never be omitted from any rules that you may lay 

 down for your own guidance. Again and again 

 people inquire. How do you make a handicap ? 

 Do you find the top weight first and work down- 

 wards, or do you find the bottom weight and work 

 upwards .? whilst others suggest that perhaps you 

 begin with the middle weights. There is no hard 

 and fast rule as to how you should begin your task. 

 Experience has taught the writer that the first step 

 is to become thoroughly acquainted with the 

 names of the horses and their owners, which can 

 only be done by reading them carefully over in the 

 sheet Racing Calendar ; then, perhaps, write them 

 down in your handicap book under the heading 

 " Horses' names," in the possible order in which 

 you think they may come when the weights have 



