How to do paddock 

It is always recommended to inspect the horse that you intend to bet on prior to the race. The inspection is not that popular theses days, especially with internet booming but it is still recommended, at least as an experience. Here is how you go about doing it:

• Arrive at the paddock entrance prior to the time the horses are expected to arrive
• When you see the horses, identify each one on your expected betting list and watch closely for signs of lameness, illness, excessive sweating, foaming/drooling from the mouth, injury or nerves. It's most of all a feeling and something you have to learn how to identify so we can't give you a preparation list.  
• Other signs that might be predicting negative results are: runny eyes/nose, open sores, front wraps, excessive sweating between the hind legs popping the tail up and down.
• You should also look for positive signs such as the horse looking "dresssed up" with braids, patterns on the hindquarters
• As the jockey mounts the horse and leads it to the track, keep watching and check for the same signs
• while on the track, the horses should look eager and ready to explode, watch for horses who look like they prefer to be elsewhere
• Make your bet!