Opinion of the Best Handicapping Tool

[Zaf]

Complete Standings here:

http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=23013

[docicu3]

Everybody has there own method of creating an edge while handicapping....

Myself I use TGH, The DRF and a piece of software I have adapted known as computrak. I create files of comparasion among horses in a race for early speed , fricton (late speed) and workouts and races over a time constant.

It still is far from perfect but occasionally it is useful with multirace wages like P3,P4 and P6 when you are trying to organize large volumes of comparision data as well as Maiden races where workouts among horses in a race are compared though I find that sometimes a filter for consistency of workouts with nonwinners is an indication they are moving toward a first win.

When that fails I do the Byk chant in the center of the room to ward off evil chalk......

"All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upward on the ......"

[blackthroatedwind]

I can't recommend Formulator, from DRF, enough.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I can't recommend Formulator, from DRF, enough.

I've just started playing around with the formulator program and I love it.

[kenny p]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

I've just started playing around with the formulator program and I love it.

Have you found it difficult to learn how to use it? Thanks KP

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by kenny p

Have you found it difficult to learn how to use it? Thanks KP

not really...it's pretty straightforward...you still have to do the handicapping work the same it just adds more infromation that you might find helpful...and i'm sure there are features that I haven't found...because i don't like to read instructions so I haven't looked at the pages that describe how to use the program...I just have been poking around as i go.

[2 Dollar Bill]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

not really...it's pretty straightforward...you still have to do the handicapping work the same it just adds more infromation that you might find helpful...and i'm sure there are features that I haven't found...because i don't like to read instructions so I haven't looked at the pages that describe how to use the program...I just have been poking around as i go.

You dont use the ""old school"" method of
1 Grey horse = win bet
2 Grey horses = exacta bet
3 Grey horses = Trif. bet
4 Grey horses = super bet ?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by kenny p

Have you found it difficult to learn how to use it? Thanks KP

It's extremely easy.

If you play at all seriously it is a must, especially if you are playing any track you aren't completely familiar with, as the access to charts and extensive pps is invaluable.

You can hit on the date of any of the last three races for any entrant, as long as the race was in North America, and access the full chart of that race. From there you can hit any horse in the race and access its lifetime pps. Also, you can get the chart for any and all races run on that day at that track. This allows you to see the relative abilities of the horses faced, which is great for shippers and most important ( I believe ) for turf races, and you can get at least a cursory look to see if there was an extreme bias and also an overview of relative pace.

Plus there are extensive trainer stats available, which you can easily manipulate, if you like that stuff. Also you can enter your own notes which you can save in the pps. And there's more. IMO it is the best product DRF has ever developed.

[kenny p]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

It's extremely easy.

If you play at all seriously it is a must, especially if you are playing any track you aren't completely familiar with, as the access to charts and extensive pps is invaluable.

You can hit on the date of any of the last three races for any entrant, as long as the race was in North America, and access the full chart of that race. From there you can hit any horse in the race and access its lifetime pps. Also, you can get the chart for any and all races run on that day at that track. This allows you to see the relative abilities of the horses faced, which is great for shippers and most important ( I believe ) for turf races, and you can get at least a cursory look to see if there was an extreme bias and also an overview of relative pace.

Plus there are extensive trainer stats available, which you can easily manipulate, if you like that stuff. Also you can enter your own notes which you can save in the pps. And there's more. IMO it is the best product DRF has ever developed.

Thanks. I think I will order it . Why not?

I feel everyone has their own way and they all have value to the user. Basic step is finding the speed, pace and closers. Must imagine how you feel the race sets up. Best horse doesn't always win. Lone closer in a race filled with speed, or a horse that cannot be caught. Every race is different. Find tracks you feel good about and learn trends with jocks-trainers. Study as much as possible. I always felt it was best to handicap a few hrs. the day before and pray for no rain. Equibase virtaul stable is a nice way to track play backs. Even if your just watching a race and see a horse make a great run but may encounter a bad trip but you feel the horse had a real chance. Add him in your stable with comments and wait for a possible play when the horse runs back. They e-mail you workouts and when the horse is running again for free. It has paid dividends for me. Equibase.com free sign-up. Plus we all need alittle racing luck.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by DGIB

I feel everyone has their own way and they all have value to the user. Basic step is finding the speed, pace and closers. Must imagine how you feel the race sets up. Best horse doesn't always win. Lone closer in a race filled with speed, or a horse that cannot be caught. Every race is different. Find tracks you feel good about and learn trends with jocks-trainers. Study as much as possible. I always felt it was best to handicap a few hrs. the day before and pray for no rain. Equibase virtaul stable is a nice way to track play backs. Even if your just watching a race and see a horse make a great run but may encounter a bad trip but you feel the horse had a real chance. Add him in your stable with comments and wait for a possible play when the horse runs back. They e-mail you workouts and when the horse is running again for free. It has paid dividends for me. Equibase.com free sign-up. Plus we all need alittle racing luck.

You forgot to add " if all else fails redboard winners the day after the race ".

[SCUDSBROTHER]

I think it depends on the circuit you are playing.Because drugs in SOCAL are out of hand,I think the most important capping aid is something with a ton of trainer tendencies and percentages.This thing that is free this month(BRISNET ULTIMATE P.P. C COMMENTS ETC.) is good,but I think a lot of capping aids have this info.

[blackthroatedwind]

Just wanted to point out that while some might feel this thread veered in an unrelated direction, the actual title involves identifying the " best handicapping tool ", and I would have to say this thread has absolutely done that.