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The Kentucky Derby or the Preakness Stakes are iconic horse races. They are renowned for the majesty of their horses, the thundering of their hooves on the ground, and the excitement of the crowds. Horse racing has become an essential part of our culture, and many people love betting on it.

However, there are good reasons to boycott horse races and to stop betting on them. It is not only unjust to wager money on the suffering of other people’s animals, it is also unwise. Betting on horse races props up an exploitative system. A much better way to have a flutter is to place a bet on a sports event in which the participants are willing athletes rather than mistreated animals.

Until recently, the odds on a particular race were calculated by using complex computer models that took into account a variety of factors, such as pedigree, history of winning or losing, speed rating, and career earnings. But those models didn’t always produce the best results, partly because a horse’s heartbeat can increase tenfold during a race from an optimal 25 beats per minute to an excessive 250 beats, leading to exhaustion and sometimes collapse. A researcher at EHESS, France, decided to see whether her model could find a more efficient strategy. She and a fellow mathematician analyzed the data from GPS tracker devices embedded in French racing saddles. They found that the top-performing horses tended to use a strategy of alternating between powerful aerobic muscles that require oxygen, and anaerobic ones that don’t need it but build up waste products that lead to fatigue.

They also found that the most important factor was a horse’s pedigree, which takes into account not only the horse’s parentage, but also the bloodlines of its siblings and other close relatives. This is because pedigrees provide a measure of the genetic potential of a horse.

Other important factors were the distance and class of a race, the quality of its course, the amount of money it had won in previous races, and a horse’s career win percentage. Jockeys, weight, post position, and the horse’s age were all less significant.

Many people are upset at the way that racehorses are treated, and that their bodies are used up until they’re no longer fit to perform. It is not uncommon for horses to be put down after their careers end, or they may be sold for slaughter. However, some owners truly love their horses and make sure they have a happy retirement. Others are not so kind, and they will either destroy or send their horses to auction if they do not win the Triple Crown series of races.

Online slots are easy to play and have the potential for huge wins. They are also very fun to play. They can be played from any computer, tablet, or mobile device with an Internet connection. They offer many different themes, storylines, additional features, and music. Some even have animations that make them more exciting to play. Although they don’t require the same level of skill as other casino games, there are several tips and strategies players can use to increase their chances of winning.

The first tip to remember when playing slot online is to set a budget before you start playing. This will help you avoid overspending, which is a common problem for online gamblers. It will also ensure you have enough money to play the game for a long time. It is also a good idea to look for games that offer bonuses, such as free spins or bonus rounds. These bonuses can add a lot of value to your bankroll and give you extra chances at winning big.

Another important tip to keep in mind when playing slot online is to always read the paytable before you begin. This will give you a good idea of the odds of winning, as well as the minimum and maximum bets. In addition, it will also show you the return-to-player (RTP) rate for the game. The higher this rate, the better your chances of winning.

Besides reading the paytable, it’s also a good idea to look for a slot machine that has a high payout percentage. This will ensure that you are getting the most out of your bets. A number of online casinos have a list of their top paying slots. You can also find lists of the best paying slots on review websites.

Slots are different from other casino games because they are quick and fun to play. Their addictive nature makes them popular with players of all ages. However, they can be expensive if you don’t know how to manage your money.

One of the biggest problems with slot machines is that they often make you believe that a win is close by. This can cause you to spin the reels more frequently than you intend to. The constant ‘almost wins’ can be psychologically addictive, and it should be remembered that most slot machines are designed to make you want to spin the reels again and again.

In reality, the result of any spin is decided by an RNG and can’t be changed by any other factor. This is why the graphics, theme, paylines, and other features are merely gimmicks to make the game more entertaining. The true winner of any spin is the RNG, which has already determined the outcome of your game round as soon as you pressed the spin button.