Thoroughbred Books

This is one of the better ones in the Thoroughbred series. It shows you how much heart one girl can have. Cindy really cares about a horse that isn't even hers, and saves it from two men who are abusing the horse. You should really read the entire series, but if you don't at least read #12 so that you have some background on Cindy, the main character.

I really like this darling little novel! I can relate to Cydney.
And as for Glory,all I can say is
WHAT A SWEETIE PIE!
If I had a horse,it would be him.
HOWEVER-Cindy can be a little tempermental. I dont care for her.

Meet March to Glory, perhaps the most exceptional horse in the Thoroughbred series. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. [...]

I love the way Joanna wrote this book. Cindy accused of stealing a watch when infact she stole a horse. This shows how far love will go to save someone. Cindy fell in love with this beautiful horse and when Glory appears at Whitebrook she just can't let him go back to his owners. Cindy hid him to protet him. In the end he was found at Whitebrook but instead of returning him they dug deep into his past and found out that he was stolen. In this book you see Cindy willing to risk anything to save the horse. I think Cindy and Glory were Champions from the begining. I can't wait to see what's in store for them.

In Cindys Runaway Colt, Cindy Blake, a runaway orphan is being accuses of stealing Lavinia Townsends gold watch. But Cindy didnt do it and the child care want cindy back, and they use stealing to get her back to her old foster home but if she did move back Cindy would have run away again. But one day she went riding on one of Whitebrooks horses to their next door neighbor. There Cindy sees a beautiful gray colt. But Cindy also sees that his owners abused him. Cindy kept on visiting him and try to let him get used to her. But one night, Cindy finds the grey colt she named Glory out lose. Cindy takes Glory into hiding so no one knows about him. But Cindy knows she needs to let her best friend Samantha Mclean about the colt. But Cindy is also being forced to move to a different home but what will she do with Glory? Find out or email me at Blades60@aol.com

I thought that this book was really good! It had a good story line and was nicely writen. But, why did Mel get all upset that Image was racing in the Flordia Derby and not the Bonnie Miss. Image can do so much better that those filles. But, I think it's a little funny that they are entering the Kentucky Derby with only 3 races. But, I can't wait to see who wins! GO STAR!!!!!!!

I love this book! its one of my faves in the TB series. But i do LOVE them all.
Melanie is soo great...especialy for not giving up on Image, and its great the way Jazz is
helping Mel along the way with Image and helping her stay focused.
Baby sounds like such a sweet little pony... its soo cute the way Image gets along
with her.

Image is such a great horse and i'm glad Mel owns her finally. I luv the way Mel calls her Princess
sometimes.

This is a really fantastic book! I enjoyed it soo much and i advise all horse fans to read every
single book in the TB Series.

Am I the only one who will write a review about this book?????This is a great book.The cover looks like someone tried to hit Melanie!!!!!What a nerd!@%$@#*^^*&&%^.Sorry about that.Baby sounds like such a sweetie.Perfect Image is such a great racehorse.She diserves the best .She's much better than Star.Please read this book and please write a review about this book.HAPPY READING!!!!!!!!!

at the end of this book i found that i was disaponted that Image came in 2 place in the Florida Derby.(it must be the books with cristina and cindy, they always win).but its not so bad.Any way it was a good book and i reccomend it to all horse lovers and racing fans.

Perfect Challene is such a cool book! Melanie, her dad, and Jazz are taking Image down to Gulfstream Park in Florida to race her in the Bonnie Miss stakes. but melanie's dad has entered Image in the prestegious Florida Derby where the country's best colts will be running in instead.he didnt even tell Melanie until they got 2 Florida! but Melanie cant be mad at her dad because his business is in trouble and he needs the money from the Florida Derby's purse. that is, if Image can win............
Everything seems 2 be going perfect fot Melanie. she has a budding relationship with Jazz, a famous rock star. Image is being kept at Pine Haven,the house and paddocks Jazz rents for him and his band when he is in Florida,and she has her own field. (image hates being kept in a stall at the track all day.)
But Melanie is worried. Alexis, who put Image's previous owner in serious debt with the bank, will do anything to keep Image from beating the colt she is training, Speed.com , in the Florida Derby. How far will Alexis go to stop Image from winning? Can Image and Melanie still rise to the challenge of beating some of the best colts in America? can they win it for Melanie's dad? Or will the evil, plotting Alexis smash their dreams of victory to the ground? To find out, read this book!

After Ashleigh Griffen gave up Lightning the beloved mare she rescued she is longing for her own horse. Her friend Mona gets a horse; Frisky for Christmas and Ashleigh races Moe against Frisky and seriously hurts him. When she gets a riding mare that she named Stardust she is thrilled. Stardust doesn't seem to trust Ashleigh very well though. Read the book and find out why and what Ashleigh will do!

This was my first TB book ever! i loved it...I have been reading them ever since. I almost have the whole series now...i only need a few more books. I reccomend the ENTIRE seris to any one who loves horses. But you have to read them all in order b/c it gets very confusing! i made the mistake of reading all the Ashleigh Seris and then going out and buying the Thoroughbred series #34 (On the track) i was very confused as to what was going on. ... ...another seris that is fairly new that i reccomend is the Heartland Seris... they are jus as good as the tb seris...And much more truthful!...(sometimes the TB endings arent so realistic)Any way, I reccomend this whole sereis. they rock!!!

I think the way Ashleigh treated her pony was dreadful. And why is she so excited about getting a horse? Ponies are just as good as horses, if not better. I'm getting an equine next year and I'm picking a pony over horse. Ashleigh was very stupid. Whether Moe is a horse or pony, he still deservies proper care. I have stopped reading the series partly due to this book. If you love ponies, don't read it!!!

This book was so fun and interesting to read! I really want to get the next book! I probably like this book alot because I know how Ashleigh is feeling because I had sort of like the same problem!

After Ashleigh had made the difficult decision about Lightning, she realizes that she was very jealous at Mona, who had gotten a beautiful mare...while Ashleigh herself only had a small pony(Moe). Some troubles rise as she hurts Moe when she had angrily raced down the hill because Mona had been rather showing off her horse Frisky.

But hip hip hooray! Ashleigh finds out that she was going to get her own horse! She names it Stardust and promises herself that she and Stardust were going to be the best of friends. Unfotunately, they don't at first. Stardust seems to hate her! Mr. Griffen reassures Ashleigh that it was because Stardust's former owner, a girl, had whipped her so Stardust was still uncomfotable with girls who looked like Ashleigh. But Ashleigh is still worried. Stardust throws her three times and for no particular reason! (or so it seems)

Ashleigh's spirits are even more dampened as her parents decides that Stardust was too violent and jumpy for Ashleigh and that the horse was going to go back. Ashleigh suddenly feels that she HAS to keep Stardust.

Will Ashleigh get Stardust only to lose her now? And what will happen to her friendship with Mona?

I loved this book! I think it is realistic and cool.It was sad how Moe got hurt.I liked the end when Ashleigh had to find Rory. I reccomend this book to anyone,but you shold read them in order or it gets confusing.

i

I thought this book was pretty good. I mean, i kinda didn't like the beggining, but it ended nicely. after this book i like mel and image more

you Can be the Owner and jockey of a horse... you cant be the trainer and jockey of the horse... which is why ashliegh had jilly ride her horses when she was training. and chris isnt stars trainer so much as his jockey... and chris only owns half of star. ashleigh owns the other half.shes too much of an airhead!!! she hasnt even been into racing for very long just lets see how old is star 2-3 years? thats how long she's been into racing... maybe a little bit less. so for those of you wondering you can be owner and jockey but not trainer and jockey... which is the problem with mel and image. hope that answered your question

though i like christina and star best i also love image! she and melanie make a perfect match. i think image is really pretty and melanie is kinda cool and nice. but why is she snotty sometimes??? if you love thoroughbred go to the website www.whitebrookfarm.com if you want ta talk horses then aim me at throughbredfantic1212.

This is a stupid book. I don't like Melanie or her horse. Melanie is a stuck-up brat and her horse is a snotty, annoying filly.And her name shouldn't be Perfect Image, it should be Loser Image! I'm still a fan of Christina and Wonder's Star. I hope that more books will be about Chris and Star. Go Star!

I really missed Samantha and Ashleigh from when Joanna Campbell was writing, but Melanie and Image are two great characters and my favorites from the new generation! Stories of Chris and Star are getting old fast, but Melanie and Image are totally original and great. I hope they get a lot more books!

another great read for anyone who is a horse racing fan and would like to know about the sport...

Author does a good job of relating to all the best and worst horses, owners, trainers and jockeys. Probably could have done a little more on the "worst" but all in all very well done. A good read!

I have a very large collection of books on thoroughbred racing. They cover the gamut from owners to breeders to trainers to jockeys to players. I thought I knew pretty much all there was to know about this sport and its athletes. This books was a pleasant surprise in that in the first twenty pages I found new information on horses I had read what I thought were complete biographies about. I would recommend this book to anyone new or old to this sport. It will give you an "inside" view of what these beautiful creatures go through on their journey to become champions.

As the writer will admit himself, this book is designed to get people thinking and starting their own debates. It's a great place to start in that respect. There is much here that leaves you nodding in agreement or shaking your head in disagreement, but either way racing fans will enjoy reading Davidowitz's opinions and stories behind them, then making your own judgements on the topics he opens. The book is a good read that will keep you jumping from chapter to chapter.

I read Steve Davidowitz's "Professionals Guide" a few years ago and it ranks as one of my all-time favorite handicapping books. His latest release, "The Best and Worst", once again hits the mark as an excellent and informative read.

"The Best and Worst" isn't a handicapping book but instead is more of a history lesson of thoroughbred horse racing as seen through the eyes of one of the sports best players. Davidowitz covers a vairety of topics such as "The Best Jockeys", "The Greatest Upsets", "The Worst Disqualifications", and many, many more. For the most part, Davidowitz examines each of these topics from his own vast experiences within the game and as a result he brings life to the discussion of each topic. Davidowitz doesn't give a stale account but many times is able to weave a fascinating personal story about an individual or an event.

Davidowitz has a very friendly and easy-going writing style that allows the reader to immediately become immersed in the book. In "The Best and Worst", Davidowtiz doesn't claim that his rankings are the final authority on the subject of best jockeys, trainers, etc. Although to a reader with the knowledge of his considerable experience within the game, it is hard not to come to that conclusion.

If you are a die-hard horse racing fan and want to relive some of the great moments of the sport, you will enjoy this book. If you are a causal fan of the game, you will enjoy this book. And if you know nothing about horse racing at all but are interested in learning more about the sports history, I think you will enjoy this book.

In the end, "The Best and Worst" is a wonderful account of many of the important events in horse racing history, most of which were experienced first hand by the author. Davidowitz has once again written a book that will stand alone on the book case of any horse racing fan.

Very disappointing. If you know anything at all about the famous Thoroughbreds, this book will add nothing to your knowledge. It's written in the form of a dialogue with a fictional groom who seems to have seen every famous horse from Regret to Personal Ensign, and the information is just brief capsules summarizing their careers, and sometimes volunteering opinions based on no evidence given. For me, definitely a "give to a local nonprofit book sale" item. And the paintings... well, I've seen better pictures sent in by 10-year-olds to the Breyer magazine.

This book gets people excited about horse racing all over again. I join with the 99.99% of the people who have read it and loved it for what it is, great storytelling about a great sport. I have to rebut the negative review by Sysonby, however. To point out grammatical errors when dealing with a story that's written largely as a casual dialogue with one character having a Southern dialect, is to miss the intentional writing style used here. Would one criticize William Faulkner for the same sort of technique used in "The Sound and The Fury"? I'm a well known writer and turf historian so I also have to address what Sysonby admits is quibbling over historical errors. It's exactly that - quibbling over minor details. Don't forget that the plot line follows an old man's memories of racing -- so what if his memory is a little short of perfect? If you've seen the tape of Man o'War beating Sir Barton, it certainly looks like Sir Barton is beaten by 20 lengths, not 7. And when it comes down to it, the "official" 31 lengths win posted by Secretariat in the Belmont was just a guess on the part of the chart caller. Old Leonard remembers it as 30, which is closer than the 40 lengths it looked like to me. Whose memory is perfect, after all? Certainly we can forgive an old racetracker for a little artistic license to his favorite memories? OK, so War Admiral wasn't a big horse...they said the same thing about him being huge in the movie "Seabiscuit" and it didn't ruin that for everyone, did it? As a turf historian, I have to say that I've never read that War Admiral was known as "the Mighty Atom", as Sysonby notes, although I did see the same nickname for him in a book published in the 1970s, in a book trying to pin nicknames on all the Triple Crown winners. He was always "The Admiral" to his racing fans. What amuses me about Sysonby's small minded review is that for hating this book so much, he/she sure read every last word and stuck with it right to the end. That's actually a tribute to the story, since even Sysonby couldn't put it down because it was so much fun to read.

I was back on this page to order a copy of "Dream Race" as a gift for a friend. Happened to notice the inane review that precedes me and had to say something. The person that wrote that review is obviously a frustrated writer who can't get her own book published and if this sample is any indication of her mastery of facts and verbal skills, I can see why. "Dream Race" is a wonderful read, very enjoyable and full of wonderful imagery, both in the illustrations and in the storytelling itself. Go with the majority vote here...it's a great tale and a great gift to any lover of horse racing.

Great book. Charming story and wonderful artwork. I can't recommend it enough. You feel like you're sitting in Louis' Restaurant, downtown Paris, Kentucky, listening to an old hardboot spin his tales.

Jumping on the "band-wagon" is not what is intended here. This is truly a great read. It has all of the ingredients necessary to make this book a best seller. I found it difficult to put it down, couldn't wait to find out what was next and was saddened when it ended. I have been reading about thoroughbreds and related topics for a couple of years now since the movie "Seabiscuit" was released. My wife got me the movie and the book. That book got me started. So far I have about 30 books in my library and the Dream Race will hold a very special place indeed (I would put it near the top). It is a great first book for anyone interested in learning more about thoroughbreds as well as a summary type book for those who may be missing a few names and/or facts they wish explore elsewhere. I read the reviews "after" I read the book. The 10 folks who rated it 5 stars and one at 4 stars (out of 13) were dead on the money.

McClelland brings the track into a perspective that any horse player can relate to. If you "work at the track", this read is a "sure thing".

OK but I had to struggle through it. I wouldn't recommend it for a seasoned horse player!

The premise alone invites envy and curiosity. What aspiring writer would not wish to be paid for the priviledge of researching and writing about his own vice and be given a year to do it. The author's grasp of the material gives credibility even to his introduction to the world of thoroughbreds. His exposure of the invisible(to the ordinary visitor to the track)cadre of inveterate bettors is a real introduction to the pecking order and the order of intellect. From the railbirds to the racing form studiers tucked away in their respective hideouts waiting to make their move the author brings them to life.

As one who has followed the racing scene for over forty years and has spent a lot of time on the back of track I will admit to learning much more about what distinguishes horseplayers from handicappers and the art of betting the bettors and not the horses.

I look forward to his next book. Apparently another paid for vacation to explore the third coast. Another very clever premise.

Congratulations to the author.

Found the book to be an easy read for me. I could relate to most of the characters in the book. I would recommend this book to anybody.

This is a fun book for the literate two-dollar bettor or for anyone whose pulse quickens when they hear the words "Breeders Cup" or "Kentucky Derby." Mr. McClelland really captures the variety and perseverance of the dedicated handicappers who make the track their second home. I grew up going to the track with my father, and have met the same types at tracks in the midwest and Florida years ago. (Maybe old horseplayers don't die -- they just go to another meet?) Some of the characters and vignettes are funny, some poignant; and all are well-written and very entertaining. Damon Runyon would have loved it!

Ashleigh's Wonder's first foal, Pride, hits the track for the first time. One of my favorites in the series.

Samantha McLean thinks her heart is going to break when she finds out that her beloved Wonder's Pride is going to be sold. With the help of Ashleigh Griffen, her dad, and friends, she is able to keep Wonder's Pride. But after a series of events, she and her father are forced to leave Townsend Acres. To horse lovers this book, Wonder's Yearling, is fantastic.
The book was fantastic because it was very suspenseful. One example was when Samantha found out that they might have to sell Wonder and Wonder's Pride. This was suspenseful because Mr. Townsend said he would try and find a way to save the farm and the horses. Another example was when a person who was interested in buying pride's share, comes to inspect him. This was suspenseful because Ashleigh and Sam thought Mr. Townsend had decided to sell. The last example was when Brad Townsend fought with Sam's dad, and fires Mr. McLean. They have nowhere to live. That is why it is suspenseful.
The book was fantastic because it explained the characters to the point where you love them. One example was when you learn about Sam's mother who died. You feel sorry when you read about it. Another time was when you learn about how Sammy has moved a lot and to so many different places. You can also feel sorry for here too. The last example of when you understand her was when you meet the characters and read a paragraph of their background and their history.
The last reason why this book was fantastic was because it was about horses. An example from the book is Pride, a chestnut gelding about one year old and very strong and energetic. The second horse is Fleet Goddess. She is a black mare who is fully owned by Ashleigh. Wonder, a chestnut mare, is a famous racer who won the Kentucky Derby. Pride is her colt and is supposed to be just as skilled as his mother. Both Wonder and Pride are half owned by Mr. Townsend and half by Ashleigh.
If you absolutely love horses, this book is for you. It has a little bit of romance, but is many about a girl with a passion for horses. It, also, has suspense and you get to know the characters more.

In the book Wonders Yearling, Wonders Pride show promise as a racer but Mr.Townsend is losing money fast. She he is forced to sell Ashleighs Wonder and Wonders Pride. Since they both will sell good money for the farm. But Samantha McKlean and Ashleigh Griffen cant stand to lose their beloved horses leave the farm. Ashleigh and Samantha have to show Mr.Townsend that Pide can make up the money during his racing career. But they need to get him fit and fast. A buyer is already intrested in Wonders Pride. Samantha knows the man looked impresed with Prides condition but can she stop Mr.Towmsend from selling the promsing colt before there isnt that chance. And can Ashleigh stop Mr.Townsend from selling Ashleighs Wonder? But will they stop him in time to keep the horses they love and watched grow? Find out for yourself in Wonders Yearling. If u need to talk to me, u can reach me at Blades60@aol.com

Samantha McLean and Wonder's first foal, Pride, are in the spotlight in this beloved addition to the Thoroughbred series. Edge of your seat horse racing and human conflict make this truly well-written book a staple in any young horse lover's collection. Unfortunately, Harper Collins has decided to end the series abruptly after #72. With such a dedicated following and online fan base with members from all over the world, this is a classic and beloved series that has inspired many people and provided horse fans with vicarious thrills and adventure. Ashleigh saved Wonder, now it's up to you to help save Thoroughbred. [...].

The Townsends would NEVER sink so low as to sell Wonder's first foal. Maybe Brad, but not Townsend Sr. I mean seriously, they must have seen that he had the most potential on the farm. Kind of scattered. The townsends will really get on your nerves after this.

A well written book that has a lot of value to the handicapper. One of the best ever written imo.

Useful information and definitely not for beginners. Great for handicappers trying to take the next step. It is probably ready for another revision as new aspects of horse racing have come into play over the last 5 years.

This is clearly one of the best books ever written on Thoroughbred Handicapping. It should become evident soon after the opening chapter how complex and laborious the life of a professional horse bettor must be to hold an edge over the betting public. Steve is a genuine winning handicapper himself, and reveals what it takes to win. The percentage of winning bettors at any given track on any given day has been estimated to be 5%. (2% remain the same consistent winners day after day). It takes an immense amount of never ending study to remain financially solvent as a bettor. Steve, as a responsible author points this out. This reviewer will also confirm this to be true. There is no book on the market that will make a winner out of a nonwinner without effort as in any other great endeavor. I give this book a 5 Star Rating for leaving no stone unturned in the handicapping picture.

I've read pretty much everything that's been printed on playing the horses...this book ranks at the top of them all. In my opinion, the most valuable part of this book is the chapter dealing with ticket construction. Davidowitz looks at multiple scenarios and outlines sample tickets to go with each. For example, is there a race where you like one or two horses fairly strongly and want to play a trifecta? Davidowitz develops several different strategies for betting in that situation, as well as suggests that appropriate amount of bankroll to be used.

If you combine the ideas and methods in this book with those in Crists "Exoctic Betting", you would have a very fine grasp on wagering strategies.

One word of caution, this book is definitely for more advanced players. Those who are $2 bettors or play with a limited bankroll can learn a lot from this text, but many of the ideas and methods will be difficult to incorporate. However, I would still recommned this book to anyone who wants to expand his horseracing knowledge.

Any book or author that introduces a concept that becomes part of everyone's handicapping arsenal deserves recognition for their genius. Davidowitz was the first to really publish insights into track bias and it's power. Other than that concept, this book is full of good ideas across the board. The revised edition's treatment of pace is good stuff even for those who approach pace more technically like Brohammer. Davidowitz's work on charts and how to use them to find key races and trip overlays is more gold for serious players.
Years after I first read this, I have realized how great this book is for horseplayers. Davidowitz has covered a difficult array of factors with provoking insight into each and has done a masterful job of explaining how to incoporate into the handicapping puzzle.

I haven't read this book yet but I hear that Mel and Kevin get back together!!! I never really liked Jazz, and hated him more and more after reading book #62. I think I'm going to like this book. SAVE THE THOROUGHBRED SERIES!

I think the book was pretty good. One thing I didn't like was how Jinx was always a problem, and would suddenly win. I am very sorry that this one of the last books in the TB series. I really love it. The book was good and I think people should read it.

Okay, Melanie isn't my favorite character, but because of this book, I'm starting to like her. I'm glad that Mel isn't dating Jazz anymore and that she and Kevin got back together. I never really liked Jazz. He didn't even care about horses. The only reason he got interested in them was just because Melanie was. And I'm glad that Melanie gets to keep Hi Jinx for herself!
These books are starting to get more awesome every time! The bad news is that HarperCollins is going to shut them down! I really hope they will reconsider, I love this series!

This book was good,but what happened to Mel's face and her hole body looks like a kids but shes not a kid shes 18/19.
And Jazz isn't dressed too well for a singer. Keven looks ok?!
By the way,why is she riding Star insted of one of her three horses? or two or at least one horse.
Good book any way!
Please don't stop them now!!!!!!!!!!!!
there just getting really good?!!

I loved this book.
They must right more. Hopefully they don't shut down the books. Please keep writing them.there are still a lot of people out there who eant to read new books of the thorughbred. I have read this book three times and ive started it a forth time.
Love it. Must read.