The Wisdom of Hafiz

My son, if you go to the races to battle with Ikey and Mo,

Remember, it's seldom the pigeon can pick out the eye of the crow;

Remember, they live by the business; remember, my son, and go slow.

If ever an owner should tell you, “Back mine” — do n't you be such a flat.

He knows his own cunning, no doubt — does he know what the others are at?

Find out what he's frightened of most, and invest a few dollars on that.

Beware of the critic who tells you the handicap's absolute rot,

For this is chucked in, and that's hopeless, and somebody ought to be shot.

How is it he can n't make a fortune himself when he knows such a lot?

From tipsters, and jockeys, and trials, and gallops, the glory has gone,

For this is the wisdom of Hafiz that sages have pondered upon,

“The very best tip in the world is to see the commission go on!”