John Piesen, a longtime public handicapper who had a 10-year stint at Daily Racing Form, died on Tuesday at Haven Hospice in Edison, N.J., according to family members. Piesen was 80.

 

Source: Handicapper John Piesen dead at 80 | Daily Racing Form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What “Insiders”  Say About John Piesen

THE TRAINERS:

“John is very accurate in assessing how a race will be run – a solid handicapper” Steve Asmussen – ’10’s leading trainer in the country and 6-time national champion (2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010). Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer 2008, 2009.

“John is one of the best handicappers of our time. He has a unique eye for a good horse, well before he is proven to the public. Hard Spun was pronounced by John as the likely 2007 Kentucky Derby winner as a 2-year-old. John called Wildcat Bettie B. a Grade I winner when she was still a maiden. If John says it, take it to the window.”
J. Larry Jones Trainer Of Havre de Grace, ’11 Champion Filly, going for the win in the Breeders Cup Classic

“John is is very knowledgeable about horseracing, an expert handicapper, and an all around good guy.”
John Servis,
Trainer of 2004 Kentucky Derby Winner Smarty Jones.

“John is an absolute expert on the game of horse racing. He knows the ins and outs of the game better than anyone I’ve ever met.”
Ken McPeek,
Won the ’02 Belmont with 70-1 longshot Sarava.

“John Piesen is one of the country’s foremost experts on the racing game. His keen observations & uncanny insight reflect his lifelong study of the sport. Racing fans know him for his direct & investigative style, and appreciate his handicapping knowledge.”
John Forbes,
All Time Leading New Jersey Trainer

“I’m not embarrassed to say I have sometimes asked John Piesen for advice about my own horses – what he said was worth hearing.”
Woody Stephens,
Hall of Fame Trainer of five consecutive Belmont Stakes winners

“Seldom do you see a fellow with expertise in both writing about and handicapping horses. Such a fellow is John Piesen.”
Ron McAnally,
Hall of Fame Trainer of 7-time Eclipse Award winner John Henry

THE JOCKEYS:

Jockeys make their living off purses & so must become sharp handicappers in selecting which mounts to ride. To them, reliable information & trustworthy opinions are worth their weight in gold.

“What people don’t realize about Piesen is that he’s not just a great handicapper, but a great horseman.”
Laffit Pincay Jr.,
7-time Jockey of the Year, Second Most Winning Jockey with 9530 wins

“He knows the horses, the races, the game.”
Jose Santos,
Rode Funny Cide to victory in the 2003 Kentucky Derby & Preakness

“Piesen is top when it comes to analyzing a race. No one is in his class as a handicapper.”
Angel Cordero, Jr.
Hall of Fame jockey, 13 Time Saratoga Champion (Eleven Consecutive) &
Currently Jockey Agent for John Velasquez

“John Piesen has a tremendous wealth of information and knowledge of racing from New York to California.”
Richard Migliore,
Perennial Leading New York Jockey

“I have always had a high regard for John as a handicapper, especially in stakes races. He knows what’s going on.”
Mike Smith,
Two time Eclipse Award winning jockey & rider of ’05 Derby Winner Giacomo

“Piesen is the Seattle Slew of handicappers.”
Jean Cruguet,
Rode Triple Crown Winner Seattle Slew