Saulty Dawg wins big in Survivor Games
In the month of March, Michael Ryan, better known as “Saulty Dawg” on DerbyWars, reeled in $1,200 in Survivor winnings. He did it while spending just a total of $63 on entry fees for those games. That means he got 19-1 on his money; that’s very good for any handicapping contest player!
Michael Ryan refers to himself as a “Weekend Warrior with a full time job”. He doesn’t have time to follow the races very closely, but has plenty of experience at the track to make up for that. He also knows when to rely on the experts.
“Once I’ve handicapped the race, I’ll listen to the track feed and hear what the local handicappers have to say. If they mention something I didn’t notice, I’ll go revisit my selections.” Ryan said.
“This past weekend, I struggled between three choices at Oaklawn when Frank Mirahmadi (track announcer) mentioned something that helped me settle on my selection. Two of us moved on while the rest of the field was eliminated.”
Ryan’s first big win of March came on 3/2 when he captured the $600 Graded Stakes Survivor. The six race contest saw him as the last man standing after just four races. He collected $500 for that win.
After that, he made it to the last race in the $600 Graded Stakes Survivor on March 9. Only one other player, Steven Nico (Scottsdad), was able to match him. They both took home $300 for their effort.
His last, and arguably most impressive win of March, came on 3/24. With just a single ticket, he made it all the way through the six race Graded Stakes Survivor contest. Once again, one other player, Bruce Meyer (Oracle), tied for the win. They both got $400. Not a bad return for having put up only $9 to play!
Saulty Dawg places a lot of emphasis on what the experts have to say about the handicapping tournament games he plays at DerbyWars.
“I put a lot of value on the paddock announcers who provide feedback on the ‘looks’ of the horse. Not being there, it’s hard to see who looks good and who doesn’t.” said the DerbyWars regular.
“Watch the post parades. If a horse looks bad, maybe another selection would make sense. The only other thing I would say about that is if you feel strongly about a horse; don’t come off it based on what you hear.” Saulty Dawg said.
For Ryan, playing multiple tickets has been pivotal to winning lots of cash. In the three Graded Stakes Survivor games that he won in March, he played the maximum allowed amount of tickets (3) in all but one game.
“I use multiple selections for coverage. If I feel strongly about a horse, I’d put all three of my tickets on the same horse, like with Verrazano this past weekend. Spread where you don’t feel so strong.” Ryan said
“Often, I’ll be on a favorite with most other players and find I’m rooting against the horse and for one of the other selections to hit the board. It seems to happen more often than not that a large chunk of the field gets eliminate in the first few races because a favorite failed to hit the board.” said Ryan
Having the coverage may keep you in the game and get you a lot closer to a win.” Ryan said.
Ryan had one final word of advice for DerbyWars players.
“Lastly, trust your handicapping.” Said Ryan.
Click here to learn more about strategy for DerbyWars Survivor games.
