A couple of months ago I wrote here about the “The Seven Deadly Bets.” I know it’s sometimes hard to find the virtues in betting horses, but here are certain behaviors and beliefs that could be termed virtuous  (with the corresponding deadly bets in parenthesis).

Diligence (sloth) – I do the homework and come up with a possible winning horse. If I lose, then at least I have an idea why I lost. When at a large simulcasting facility this virtue usually goes out the window.

Temperance (gluttony)  – There are bets I don’t make. I hold my need for action in check.  Don’t succumb to peer pressure – just say no! This virtue keeps from the potential handicapping despair that lurks under the wire after every race.

Charity (greed) – Sometimes I feel like my pick can’t lose and I will generously share it with friends, spouse or whoever is standing next to me. Occasionally my sure thing happens to lose the race, usually at even money or less, but then I remind myself that I really can’t win every race and try not to blame  the horse, the jockey or take it out on the nearest trash bin.

Chastity (lust) – Horses are wonderfully beautiful and alluring animals. That doesn’t mean I bet half a paycheck on one. Everything in moderation.

Patience (wrath) – When my horse has a tough trip or a bad beat, I remind myself of the possible juicy price on my horse the next time. Practicing this virtue means keeping a horses to watch list.

Kindness (envy) ­­­– When I show real cheer and enthusiasm for a friend’s winning bet. Even after said friend berates me for not taking their advice.

Humility –  Similar to the virtue of kindness at the track, humility is trying to scale back the times I say “I gave you the Tri!” when I’m holding a winning ticket.

Tags: betting virtues, handicapping, Horse racing, seven virtues

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