Possible new handicaping show

[Calzone Lord]

I was hopeful to get Rock Hard Ten on board to do a weekly handicapping show. I was going to tell his ugly ass to talk into his laptop and e-mail me the saved file. I'd colorfully edit it, post it on YouTube, and a smash hit would certainly be born.

The deal fell apart when RHT became emotionally unstable to the point of lunacy.

Instead, I'm going to do a weekly DrugS Handicapping Half Hour of Power Youtube show.

Aiming for three ten minute segments a week. I'm thinking one segment will be sort of a briefer Trips and Traps rip-off where I analyze a few races from the past week from across the country where I like a probable bet back and bet against.

The second segment will be a betting preview of two or three races the upcoming weekend with thoughts and bets. Maybe a big race or two plus a smaller race of interest.

The final segment will be a general handicapping tip type dealio. I put one together this morning to see how long it would take. Took a half an hour to do a 10:30 piece with a lot of cuts and save it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga_hw...ature=youtu.be

Obviously now that I got the hang of it a little -- I can get it done faster, but will need to do it better. The forms came back blurry, the RR thistle downs race wasn't a good feed, and Cigar's win streak was not all at the grade 1 level like I mysteriously said for some reason. Got to pick more subtle and valuable topics as well.

Anyway. I'm pretty sure I can get this where I spend less than 2 hours a week on it... and still have high quality and watchable show that probably only 6 people will watch anyway.

[Rudeboyelvis]

That kicked ass. Nice work Doug

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

great job dougie fresh..

[Bogey]

Doug, Really nice work!!! Definitely some useful information for the more serious horseplayer.


At first, I thought you sounded like Steve with a cold.

Too bad PG flipped out as he would've provided some valuable insight.

[Kasept]

Really good Douglas.. Will link these up for you as they roll out.

[Indian Charlie]

Where is PG? Did he get banned again?

[hoovesupsideyourhead]

you should use a talking sock for commentary..

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

I was hopeful to get Rock Hard Ten on board to do a weekly handicapping show. I was going to tell his ugly ass to talk into his laptop and e-mail me the saved file. I'd colorfully edit it, post it on YouTube, and a smash hit would certainly be born.

The deal fell apart when RHT became emotionally unstable to the point of lunacy.

Instead, I'm going to do a weekly DrugS Handicapping Half Hour of Power Youtube show.

Aiming for three ten minute segments a week. I'm thinking one segment will be sort of a briefer Trips and Traps rip-off where I analyze a few races from the past week from across the country where I like a probable bet back and bet against.

The second segment will be a betting preview of two or three races the upcoming weekend with thoughts and bets. Maybe a big race or two plus a smaller race of interest.

The final segment will be a general handicapping tip type dealio. I put one together this morning to see how long it would take. Took a half an hour to do a 10:30 piece with a lot of cuts and save it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga_hw...ature=youtu.be

Obviously now that I got the hang of it a little -- I can get it done faster, but will need to do it better. The forms came back blurry, the RR thistle downs race wasn't a good feed, and Cigar's win streak was not all at the grade 1 level like I mysteriously said for some reason. Got to pick more subtle and valuable topics as well.

Anyway. I'm pretty sure I can get this where I spend less than 2 hours a week on it... and still have high quality and watchable show that probably only 6 people will watch anyway.

Ill watch Dougie. I would not have been able to comment anyway, working on a new capping gig. Its not a longshot, but its not a lock. Id say Im 7-2 in an 8 horse field to get this.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by RockHardTen1985

Ill watch Dougie. I would not have been able to comment anyway, working on a new capping gig. Its not a longshot, but its not a lock. Id say Im 7-2 in an 8 horse field to get this.

What new handicapping gig are you working on?

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

What new handicapping gig are you working on?

Either way Ill let you know after I know if I have it or not.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by RockHardTen1985

Either way Ill let you know after I know if I have it or not.

I won't hold my breath waiting.

[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

I won't hold my breath waiting.

Yea, I actually have been holding my breath since September about it. I thought I was pretty much out till I got an email on Tuesday. It would be cool if your were being sincere, but whatever.... Nice call on El Padrino. The top 2 out of that race are going to be OK. Did Calvin really have to push the button on the 3 that early?

[GenuineRisk]

Hey, Doug- it's really good and a really, really good idea. That said, a few thoughts for going forward-

MMSC is right; if you can, you should put yourself on video. Two reasons:

1. Video is a visual medium, and something active (a person talking) is good to break up the many static shots-racing forms, still photos, which are very useful and have a place in this, but need some visual motion to break it up a bit.
2. You are young. For the pieces on handicapping tips and techniques, this is a huge plus, as one of the things racing is always grousing about is needing to attract more young bettors. Your youth makes handicapping a race seem accessible to a younger audience.

If you're not going to video yourself, I would still suggest sitting up or standing up to do the voice recording. It gives your voice a bit more energy and focus. You took a little while to warm up, vocally- your voice was very confident and assured a few minutes in to the piece. Bring that quality to the first few minutes of your next video. Sitting up or standing up helps energize your voice from the start.

On a content level, as a novice handicapper viewing it, I would have liked some explanation of why speed duels setting up races for lesser horses are useful. Is it going forward knowing not to bet the winning horse back? Is it a toss out when analyzing a losing horse's race later? Is there a way to recognize when one might happen ahead of time? Since the entire goal of handicapping is to win money, how does being able to recognize a speed duel help when placing a wager?

Also, maybe a line or two explaining the whys- like, why is a speed duel bad? Why is it a fallacy that a horse loose on the lead would run faster if challenged? Hey, that could a fun segment- handicapping myths.

And time-wise, I would suggest keeping them under ten minutes, or even under eight if you can. When you're famous and have your handicapping show on ESPN, you can do 22-minute shows, but the internet is a different beast.

These are just suggestions for improving the look going forward. I really, really hope you continue. You're such a good writer, and are able to explain so clearly what happens in a race- you really could get a wider audience with what you're doing. That said, I'll totally watch them, even if you don't change a thing.

[OldDog]

This is great stuff, Doug. I liked how you tied historical to contemporary examples. I hope you'll continue to produce these. Good promotional value to you, and educational for me.

[Immanuel Kant]

Enjoyed the video. Looking forward to more

[Calzone Lord]

Here's todays feel-out segment.

Races from across the country -- this is more bread and butter work geared toward betting with a lot of cheaper class racing.

I put about 60 to 100 horses a week in stable watches when I'm going full out. Basically just pick a horse I added or had in from each region and talk about a race of his.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDLzo...XsRxfkWmkglr5i


I left a real wordy chart text up for a minute and a half just to annoy My Miss Storm Cat. The video editing came out beyond terrible and this was a freaking pain in the ass because of it.

Going to have to get better software so I can do this faster and the final product doesn't look horrible -- or I might as well not even bother.

[Indian Charlie]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

Here's todays feel-out segment.

Races from across the country -- this is more bread and butter work geared toward betting with a lot of cheaper class racing.

I put about 60 to 100 horses a week in stable watches when I'm going full out. Basically just pick a horse I added or had in from each region and talk about a race of his.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDLzo...XsRxfkWmkglr5i


I left a real wordy chart text up for a minute and a half just to annoy My Miss Storm Cat. The video editing came out beyond terrible and this was a freaking pain in the ass because of it.

Going to have to get better software so I can do this faster and the final product doesn't look horrible -- or I might as well not even bother.

what video editing software are you using?

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

I left a real wordy chart text up for a minute and a half just to annoy My Miss Storm Cat. The video editing came out beyond terrible and this was a freaking pain in the ass because of it.

Going to have to get better software so I can do this faster and the final product doesn't look horrible -- or I might as well not even bother.

Thank you for that. I am honored.

I really liked this one a lot (text aside).

Two things... one is don't even say you might not bother anymore and two...

You need to reread this and listen to her cause it is dead on.

(Oh and last thing can I just say I am saddened to have missed Mr. Rare Bog Esquire)?

Nothing against you cause what is said between you two is none of my business but my heart jumped when I saw that name.

Okay read this again NOW!

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

Hey, Doug- it's really good and a really, really good idea. That said, a few thoughts for going forward-

MMSC is right; if you can, you should put yourself on video. Two reasons:

1. Video is a visual medium, and something active (a person talking) is good to break up the many static shots-racing forms, still photos, which are very useful and have a place in this, but need some visual motion to break it up a bit.
2. You are young. For the pieces on handicapping tips and techniques, this is a huge plus, as one of the things racing is always grousing about is needing to attract more young bettors. Your youth makes handicapping a race seem accessible to a younger audience.

If you're not going to video yourself, I would still suggest sitting up or standing up to do the voice recording. It gives your voice a bit more energy and focus. You took a little while to warm up, vocally- your voice was very confident and assured a few minutes in to the piece. Bring that quality to the first few minutes of your next video. Sitting up or standing up helps energize your voice from the start.

On a content level, as a novice handicapper viewing it, I would have liked some explanation of why speed duels setting up races for lesser horses are useful. Is it going forward knowing not to bet the winning horse back? Is it a toss out when analyzing a losing horse's race later? Is there a way to recognize when one might happen ahead of time? Since the entire goal of handicapping is to win money, how does being able to recognize a speed duel help when placing a wager?

Also, maybe a line or two explaining the whys- like, why is a speed duel bad? Why is it a fallacy that a horse loose on the lead would run faster if challenged? Hey, that could a fun segment- handicapping myths.

And time-wise, I would suggest keeping them under ten minutes, or even under eight if you can. When you're famous and have your handicapping show on ESPN, you can do 22-minute shows, but the internet is a different beast.

These are just suggestions for improving the look going forward. I really, really hope you continue. You're such a good writer, and are able to explain so clearly what happens in a race- you really could get a wider audience with what you're doing. That said, I'll totally watch them, even if you don't change a thing.

So the question is are you serious about this or not?

Do you want to build an audience or not?

If you do really... you need to listen to people who are giving you advice.

At least think about it cause we wouldn't waste our time if we didn't believe in you.

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by Rare Bog

Coming from someone who finds a lot of men to be exciting.

First my priest at the Catholic school growing up never diddled me ... now this.