A

ALL OUT: A horse who is trying to the best of his ability.

ALSO-ELIGIBLE: A horse entered in the race but who cannot start unless another horse is scratched.

ALSO-RAN: A horse that finishes out of the money.

B

BACKSTRETCH: The straight way on the far side of the track.

BAD BEAT: a losing wager owing more to misfortune, unfortunate circumstances or sheer terrible luck than poor handicapping or analysis.

BEAT THE CHALK: to wager against the favorite in a race.

BEARING IN (or OUT): Failing to maintain a straight course, veering to the left or right.

BLANKET FINISH: When the horses finish so close for the win you could theoretically put a single blanket across them.

BLINKERS: Equipment worn on the bridle to restrict a horse's vision on the sides to help maintain attention and avoid distractions.

BLOWOUT: A short fast workout, usually a day or two before a race, designed to sharpen a horse's speed.

BOARD: The tote board on which odds, betting pools and other race information is displayed.

BOBBLE: A bad step away from the starting gate, sometimes caused by the ground breaking away from under a horse and causing him to duck his head or go to his knees.

BOLT: Sudden veering from a straight course.

BREAKAGE: In pari-mutuel payoffs which are rounded out to a nickel or dime, those pennies that are left over.

BREEZE: Working a horse at a moderate speed; less effort than handily.

BRIDGE JUMPER: a gambler who bets an exorbitant amount of money to show in order to capitalize on the minimum five percent pay out.

BUG: the five-, seven-, or ten-pound weight allowance for an apprentice jockey.

BUG BOY: an apprentice rider.

BULLET WORK: The best workout time for the distance on a given day at a track.

BULL RING: Small racetrack less than one mile around.

BUTE: Phenylbutazone a commonly used analgesic for horses.