These are heady times in the world of horse racing. We’re coming off a year that saw one of the best collections of 3-year-olds ever assembled; if you want in on the action in 2008, keep these five simple tips in mind:

Tracks matter: The switch to synthetic surfaces marches on. As always, see which horses run best on which tracks (and in which conditions).

No long shots: Good genetics, as proven on the track, point to continued success during a horse’s peak months.

Don’t forget this year’s horses: Most of the top 3-year-olds from 2007 will go to stud. Don’t assume that those who fail in the sack won’t do well on the track as 4-year-olds.

Stay away from the superfecta: The more horses you pick, the more you’re turning your betting ticket into a lottery ticket.

Better living through Lasix: Expect a bump in performance when a horse is on Lasix (a diuretic) for the first time.