Racequest
 

If you have a few minutes, check out this new handicapping application NYRA has introduced. I've only spent a little time with it, but would love to hear people's thoughts.


http://nyra.com/aqueduct/stories/Dec292011.shtml

It really seems like the site is trying to simplify a lot of information. I just dabbled with it a bit, but I personally think that the jockeys and trainers icon/information isn't needed. Instead of each of them having their own page, maybe they could just be listed next to the horses. Then if you roll the mouse over their names, their stats could just come up. I just don't think all the other information is really needed.

I'm not sure whom the target audience for this product is. Is this geared for newer players who might not know or want to take the time to use products like sheets and the form? I'm thinking that long time players are going to have a tough time adjusting to such a product. I'm so used to looking at PP's that I had a tough time trying to decipher some of the info (unless I missed pp's somewhere). Not to mention have access to replays & charts. Also the little things might get lost, such as step up's and drops after claims, improvements with blinkers and so on. There's a lot of pertinent info that will be missed.

Maybe this could be used as a teaching tool for newer players and an enhancer for regular players that use the NYRA rewards platform. Like I said Andy, I only kicked the tires for a small amount of time and might have missed a few things.

Thanks, Matt. I haven't looked enough to respond fairly. I also am not exactly sure of the target audience either. Let me find out more.

It says on the intro page that it is intended for beginners, but the accessibility of data also can be useful for more experienced handicappers. Unfortunately, it uses Flash, so it's not going to work on iPads, which is the current #1 tablet. I look forward to checking it out next time I'm at an actual computer (I use my iPad for most Internet stuff).

Alan has already expressed his immediate disappointment . . . .

My understanding is that while there are things that more experienced players could want, it is more pointed for beginners.

We consider that our first positive review.

Andy, the whole concept sems to be a little disjointed. I understand why racing in general would want to simplify the handicapping process for beginner type players. I'm just not sure this format is the answer. I still don't see beginners or the people who are going to the track on a whim using/studying this information say the night before. Especially if these people aren't betting through on-line accounts.

Personally I feel like NYRA might be on to something and the best use for a system like this would be to expose it to people on track. For example many tracks have little kiosks where to watch past replays. Maybe set up several kiosks with the access to these programs and see if it actually helps newer players with the game. They could even add a special feature to explain and help them with the different types of bets. It can get intimidating being at a teller trying to explain the type of bet you want with a line of impatient people behind you. Having the ability to learn and understand what you betting in a pressure free enviorment with the correct type of bets could only enhance people's expierence.

The other issue I see is if people will really be willing to purchase this type of information. It might be better off served to include the service to anyone who opens a NYRA account (and maybe keeps some sort of minimum balance). I would think that there are plenty of opportunities to promote this new idea. Obviously all the time on track, with extra focus on big days such as The Wood and Belmont day. Also with all the new patrons visiting the casino, if you could pique the intrest of some of those people, it could possibly pay off. Most importantly at Saratoga (just because of the constant influx of people) set up some sort of beginner center where all this new information can be explained, while pressing the point that it can be accessed at home if they sign up for a NYRA account.

I really think that this platform would have to be embraced on track, then hopefully these newer players would enjoy their expierences enough to open the accounts and use this information to be from home.

Interesting Matt. I really appreciate your thoughts. I'll share them tomorrow and get back to you.

I thought this was a Jonny Quest thread and Andy just messed up typing Race Bannon and Jonny Quest.