Andrew Beyer's comments about TVG

[Pointg5]

Originally Posted by Scav

Exactly, it is a track in Texas, like Fairmount in Chicago or Finger Lakes in New York, but alot worse

It's home of Pgardn, I drove past the place when I was in San Antonio also...

[2MinsToPost]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

In my opinion there is a basic misconception, or disconnect, in racing between what people want and what they are given. If you ask me, the way to get people interested in racing ( if this is possible ) is to present an intelligent analysis that also allows the for the possibility of teaching people something. The more people learn the more likely they are to come closer to making money and thus very probably get more involved in playing.

Look at Poker....they have guys like Phil Helmuth and Howard Lederer doing television. These guys are two of the greatest players in the world. OK, we have Randy Moss and then a smattering of knowledgable people sprinkled around the country and then a lot of people offering absolutely nothing and more likely to lead people in the wrong direction than help them. What racing needs, and I'm not saying this will solve all woes but at least it will be a step in the right direction, is more knowledge and less supposed style.

I can't say it enough - required reading page #64 in the Sept / October HorsePlayer Magazine, Randy Moss's column

I agree 100% with what you said. As a 3 year working on 4 year player in this game, I want educated. Now, when I am at the Track / Simulcast Hall I understand that the majority their are not wanting educated, they want a hit, they want to borrow, steal, play a race off the tote boad with 1 minute to post based on odds etc, hang around the machine and wait on Kev to leave a voucher (sorry brother. just a dig at ya lol)

[DiscreetCat=Monster]

Originally Posted by Gander

I dont even know what Retama is?

Racetrack G

[Linny]

Doing television for a racing audience is a losing battle. I guarantee that you'll always be to wrong to someone.

The first question that must be asked in producing a TV program is "Who will be watching this show?" A racing network has different audience groups with VASTLY different interests. The serious player, they guy who buys the DRF and/or the Sheets and studies and does his homework wants INFORMATION. He wants shoe changes, good video of paddock and post parade. He wants to be able to see front bandages or extended blinkers. He doesn't care who the talking heads like.
The average bettor who goes to the races armed with newspaper selections and tip sheets might like some extra advice. The talking heads are his "tip sheets" as he goes through the day. He wants to be spoon fed a bit. He needs to be reminded that this is a superfecta race or when the P3 starts. This guy might like a bit more educational features like lessons in money management or strategy. He might learn from the hosts expanding on significant points like why a horse was laid up or the strategy in jockey selection.
The third person is the racing fan. They really don't bet but they want news and stories and to see the best races. While the other two guys want to see the best betting races, the "fan" wants stakes races, which bettors know are often poor betting races.
What's the network to do to satisfy them all? Supposedly TVG makes money from betting handle but I'm not convinced that handle is it's real cash cow. My guess is that advertising is it's moneymaker. If it's income is derived from ads, then then simply need to be able to show that folks are watching to get paid.
As for personalities, if you don't like them, don't listen. Everyone's got different taste.
I read the piece and though I don't always agree with Andy Beyer, I respect the work that he's done and his knowledge of the game. As usal he makes some good points and gets a good conversation going.

Originally Posted by Scav

Exactly, it is a track in Texas, like Fairmount in Chicago or Finger Lakes in New York, but alot worse

Cheap horses..yes, but a pretty nice facility.

Ez

[jpops757]

TVG and HRTV are both driven by the gambling aspect, which is huge. Untill the NTRA or some other national orgination starts providing an outlet similar to NBATV or NFLTV, gambling will be the focus. Untill the industry takes the lead gambling will rull the roost and the industry will just provide the vehicle. To help promote the industry a national channel could draw in new fans. Part of the poker craze can be atributed to the TV saturation. NBA and NFL keep expanding there product. The horseracing industry needs to put the game in front of the public. You cant make them go to the track but you can put the races in front of them at home. Thus luring them to the track.

[slotdirt]

Love hearing Beyer actually knock someone's ability to pick winners. Classic.

[The Bid]

I think TVG does a fantastic job, the only thing I would have an open complaint about the West Coast bias they show. Im speaking of watching a 6k claimer at Golden Gate, while there are meaningful races going on somewhere else.

I dont think much of Andy Beyer, or his numbers. Andy Beyer has made a nice living selling his figures to the general public, people who cannot make a speed figure. Hes also inticed the public into thinking they are the end of of handicapping, when infact they are just as objective as you or I picking a horse we like more than another. When the variant changes, they choose to change it, maybe another handicapper wouldnt see fit to make a change in variant? Who knows, all Im saying is they arent as important as he would like to think, and to me hes not as important as he would like to think.

Now Todd Schrupp on TVG, hes too opinionated for having no clue what hes talking about. Matt Carothers is a good handicapper, B doesnt show you everything on the air, Simon is actually pretty good, and Frank, well Frank should stick to just telling you which ones are pretty. However, I would much rather here the guys talking over at TVG, than Jeff Siegal, or Milie Ball, or any of those jerkoffs on HRTV. Not to mention HRTV shows tracks Im for the most part not interested in.

[jpops757]

Katlyn was the best they had at TVG, and let her get away. If her husband is anywhere as good as her, TVG should hire him after Churchill fired him.

[Linny]

Do you mean Caton?

There is no arguing with the choice of on air talent. If someone's handicapping style doesn't suit you TVG is not going to fire him for you.
I think that where TVG does best is in specials like the pre-Derby workouts etc. Even if you don't care for the commentary, the FOOTAGE is stuff you don't see elsewhere. I could do without pre/post race interviews unless some REAL NEWS is broken. How many times can we haer a claiming trainer refer to a $5k horses as "a nice horse" or a jock say "he broke good and moved when I asked."