A Guide to the Best of Southern California : SHOPTALK : Race On Over

Horse-racing fans looking for that extra edge might want to visit the Handicapping Store run by Cynthia Publishing Co., long noted for its mail-order educational materials on horse racing.

Serious handicappers can choose from at least a dozen computer programs covering topics from how fast a particular horse might run on a given day to tips on how to bet to maximize winnings. There are also videotapes and books.

There’s a noticeable increase in business “right before big race days--the Kentucky Derby or Breeders’ Cup--or before Santa Anita’s day-after-Christmas opening,” says Cynthia staff writer Steven Unite. “Even casual fans usually find something of interest.”

Prices start at $7.95 for paperbacks and top out at $795 for the most expensive software. There’s even a 10-week handicapping seminar that costs $500.

And for those who haven’t lost all their money at the track, there are works by artist Fred Stone: A signed lithograph of Derby winner Sunday Silence goes for $375.

The Handicapping Store, 11390 Ventura Blvd., Suite 5, Studio City; (818) 509-0165 .