Pony Up Your Dough

Horse racing fans are a unique breed. In a milieu rife with superstitions, lucky charms and favorite jockeys, some bettors rely on divine intervention while others just pick the names of horses they like. We asked for hot tips at Santa Anita Park near the end of the winter racing season.

Nola Kowalewski, 49, Santa Anita, bartender, Bradbury

Favorite horse’s name?

Holy Nola, named after me by Mike Pegram, an owner here.

Why horses rather than cards or roulette?

You can’t love a card but you can love a horse.

Will you bet a long shot?

That’s my game. Anyone can pick a favorite, but it takes a brain to pick a long shot. What’s your system?

Experience, knowing the trainer and putting all the pieces together.

Lucky charm or superstition?

Absolutely not. The Lord’s my God. I don’t believe in luck. It’s not in the Bible.

Any advice for amateurs?

Buy Toby Turrell’s “Winners” sheet. He’s out there every morning with the horses.

Biggest bet and biggest win?

That’s a secret.

Tony Cuda, 79, retired postal worker, Alhambra

Favorite horse’s name?

Spectacular Bid. Seabiscuit is a sentimental favorite.

Why horses rather than cards or roulette?

I do both. I play in card tournaments. I used to like the big payoffs in horse racing.

Will you bet a long shot?

If a horse is from a good mare, I’ll bet it.

What’s your system?

I’ll analyze the race and the speed of the horse.

Lucky charm or superstition?

No.

Any advice for amateurs?

Bet small, bet cautiously.

Biggest bet and biggest win?

$1,000 [bet]; in 1986 I picked six and got back $12,000.

Nathaniel Newhouse, 45, professional gambler, Torrance

Favorite horse’s name?

Affirmed. He showed his potential as a 2-year-old.

Why horses rather than cards or roulette?

You can pick or choose. In roulette, you’ve got only red or black.

Will you bet a long shot?

[It] depends on the jockey and trainer.

What’s your system?

An old system called a formula. It’s based on the speed of the horse at six furlongs.

Lucky charm or superstition?

If the horse [relieves himself] before the race, I won’t bet him.

Any advice for amateurs?

Don’t be afraid.

Biggest bet and biggest win?

$250,000 [bet]; $500,000 [win]. I doubled my money on Affirmed.

Peggy Knox, 43, transportation specialist, Duarte

Favorite horse’s name?

Seeking Miss Slew. Any horse with “Miss” in it.

Why horses rather than cards or roulette?

You get a thrill while you gamble on horses. You can ride ‘em in and encourage them.

Will you bet a long shot?

It depends on the jockey/trainer combination.

What’s your system?

I read the Racing Forum and keep my ears open. I hang around happy people in a winning section, not around the people who are losers before they come to the door.

Lucky charm or superstition?

I take my time when I’m betting.

Any advice for amateurs?

Have fun and do what you want. Everyone’s a handicapper.

Biggest bet and biggest win?

$100; I won $2,900 from He’s Tricky on Top. He’s probably in the glue factory now.