Anthony “The Captain” Theodore

I was first introduced to Del Mar back in 1977 by my dad, Bobby Theodore. At 14 years old, every day at the track felt like I was living inside a Raymond Chandler novel — full of characters, mystery, and lessons. I wasn’t treated like a kid; I was treated like a student, learning life through the rhythm and action of the races.

There was a quiet, bald gentleman who was always there — Charles Whittingham. Every once in a while, he’d slip me a ticket. One day, he asked if I wanted to join him in the paddock. As we walked in, you could feel the energy shift — everyone’s eyes followed his every move. Over the next couple of years, he’d point things out to me that no one else seemed to see — telling me what was wrong with a horse just by watching it stand in the stall.

One afternoon, after we returned from the paddock, Charlie waved me over to his table. He told me to watch Bill Shoemaker ride his horse — but only to watch his hands, nothing else. That’s when I understood the difference between a good jockey and a great one.

Mr. Whittingham once told me something I’ll never forget about horse racing:
 
“Kid, always remember this: you can beat a race, but you can’t beat the races. Pick your plays — not every race is beatable. There’s a race every 30 minutes. Play only when you have an advantage, and always play flat bets. You’ll learn more by listening than by talking.”

Years later, during a seminar, someone asked me:
“What do you look for when you look at a race?”

Here’s what I told them:

1. Pace – Pace makes the race.

2. Class – Class always prevails.

3. Breeding – Know your bloodlines.

4. Gelding – A horse’s first race after being gelded can show total form reversal.

5. Lasix – Pay attention to a horse running on Lasix for the first time.

6. Blinkers – Blinkers coming off a speedy horse moving from a dirt sprint to a turf route can be telling.

7. Front Wraps – Notice when a horse wears front wraps for the first time.

8. Workouts – Look for a trainer who keeps a steady rhythm — working a horse every seven days.
    

For the first 30 years, I was an apprentice to the game. The last 17, I’ve been a situational investor — picking my spots, just as Charlie taught me. Now, it’s my turn to pass on what I’ve learned, just as others once did for me.

Please — always play responsibly.