THE WIZARD BEHIND THE CURTAIN

A brief Q&A with Michael Kipness, aka “The Wizard”, founder of Wizard Products available exclusively at DRF.com.

What is your basic handicapping philosophy?It is important to first look over the field and determine which horses should benefit or will be compro-mised by the pace scenario or any prevailing track bias. This lays the ground work for analyzing the infor-mation that a handicapper uses to narrow down his selections. Focus, preparation, discipline and proper wagering strategies are imperative to being successful over a period of time. What is your most memorable pick? In March of 1989, 1 year after I started “The Wizard”, I had very little business and was running out of money. A horse I was following for several months appeared in the entries named Tuff Spot. He was 30-1 on the morn-ing line. With only $100 to my name I decided not to bet him to win, but instead play the Pick 6 with my friend singling Tough Spot and making him my Crystal Ball Best Bet on the sheet. He ended up winning by a nose paying $56.00 which led to what we felt was the only ticket live in a $200,000 pool. Unfortunately we had to share the payoff with 1 other person who bet the top 2 selections in all 6 races using the Wizard Sheet. That evening Harvey Pack spoke about the score on TV and the rest is history. If you weren’t a professional handicapper, what would you be?I have my degree in Special Education and Psychology so it is likely I would be a teacher.

Why do you focus on providing wagering strategies in many of your products?After many years of betting, I feel I can provide the right wagering strategies for races I like. If you look at the variety of wagers you can make for every race, the handicapper must be able to properly assess what is the right play to make. I suggest waiting until 5 minutes to post before making your wager. This gives you time to make your decision based on factors you feel are important such as odds and physical appearance. In the end, it is important to rely on your instincts and wager within your comfort level. Have you had success with

the Kentucky Derby?Since becoming a professional handicapper in 1988, I have had 8 winning Derby selections, most recently Animal Kingdom, who returned $43.00 on a $2 bet! Some other winners included Winning Colors, Sunday Silence, Silver Charm, Real Quiet, Fusaichi Pegasus, Barbaro, and Big Brown.

Why do you call yourself the Wizard?From the time my oldest daughter was born, whenever the Wizard of Oz came on TV, we would cuddle up on a chair and watch intently. I always loved the mystique of the Wizard behind the curtain. I wanted to be portrayed as someone who made his selections behind closed doors.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?I have found great fulfillment the last 5 years working evenings as a spiritual care volunteer at a hospice. Interacting with patients and families has taught me many important life lessons.

ON SALE Wednesday, May 2 at /Wizard

Wizard’s 2012 Kentucky Derby Stakes Package> In-depth analysis of all 20 horses, including wagering strategies

> Hit big with Animal Kingdom in 2011, $43.80 winner and $329.80 exacta!