Dick Mitchell Program

[Actor]

In a thread titled Why Learn Basic Programming in the Off Topic Computers forum highnote posted a BASIC language computer program published by Dick Mitchell in one of his books. I recently purchased one of Mitchell's books titled Winning Thoroughbred Strategies. In that book Mitchell references the program and reveals that it was published in an earlier book titled A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy. I question the wisdom of an author using such similar titles for two separate books on the same subject. Whatever.

While I was able to obtain Winning Thoroughbred Strategies for under $10 Amazon was asking over $80 for A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy, a little too rich for my blood. The price later came down to under $30 and in a moment of weakness I bought it. Sure enough the program is in there.

I took the time to type the program into my own BASIC interpreter, comparing it to highnote's version as I went. Notable is that highnote's version lacks nh$(20) in line 20. Also notable is line 10

10 B$ = chr$(7)

Ascii 7 is the BELL, sometimes called the BEEP. Printing B$ should cause the computer to beep but in my computer it does not. Whatever.

The problem with the program is its 100% manual data entry, stemming form its 1984 roots that pretty much preceded BRIS. I would like to rewrite it to read the BRIS files but I cannot figure out the algorithm it uses, and believe me it is complex. The program has zero REM statements.

[headhawg]

I don't think the algorithm is complex per se. It looks quite simple mathematically. To make things easier to decipher code-wise I would recommend that you determine what the major variables are/do, and then give them logical names. For example d1 (d1=2640) looks to be the 1st call distance in feet, and the es() array looks to store early speed calculations. You don't have to change the temporary variables like "i" (i, j, and k were typically used as counter variables back in the day), but you can if it makes things clearer for you.

I believe that you will be able to figure out what the code is doing once you have logical variable names, and then it should be a piece of cake to program it. Good luck.

[Tom]

Is this the program that takes speed and class and makes a power rating? I asked about the formula Mitchell used to put the two factors on the same scale, and it was headhawg who kindly helped me out a few years ago.

I just put the stuff into Excel and get the ratings.

[headhawg]

It might be, Tom. I looked at Winning Thoroughbred Strategies and it made reference to BASIC code in Thoroughbred Handicapping As An Investment. Maybe that's the book Actor was referring to? If so, he could just download Handifast and use that. I coded a slightly modified version of Mitchell's class consistency, pace/speed, and the power number for HF.

[Actor]

It might be, Tom. I looked at Winning Thoroughbred Strategies and it made reference to BASIC code in Thoroughbred Handicapping As An Investment. Maybe that's the book Actor was referring to? If so, he could just download Handifast and use that. I coded a slightly modified version of Mitchell's class consistency, pace/speed, and the power number for HF.The book I'm referring to is:

A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy (1984)

compare that to

Winning Thoroughbred Strategies (1989)

The only differences between the two titles is (1)the earlier title begins with "A Winning... ", the later title begins with simply "Winning ..." (2) the earlier title ends with " ...Strategy" (singular), the later title ends with "...Strategies" (plural).

A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy (singular) makes reference to an earlier book, Positive Expectation Handicapping, in a manner which tacitly assumes that the reader has said opus in hand, i.e., to understand the strategy you seem to need both books. The book is poorly written and I don't recommend it.

[PaceAdvantage]

Does reproducing that program code violate copyright law?

[mikesal57]

Does reproducing that program code violate copyright law?

Here we go again......:rolleyes:

If you cant read/program ...its just gibberish....

Just play dumb...I can help you

[ubercapper]

Does reproducing that program code violate copyright law?


Here we go again......:rolleyes:

If you cant read/program ...its just gibberish....

Just play dumb...I can help you

It appears there may be a lack of understanding about the DMCA and why it is important anything which can potentially infringe on a copyright must be addressed quickly.

As a website administrator/owner, PA is bound to abide by the DMCA. The DMCA holds websites responsible for indirect, as well as direct, copyright violations.

Not only must PA respond to DMCA Takedown Notices for copyrighted material placed on the site, he must also respond to DMCA Takedown Notices about links to sites, or posts which may also infringe on copyright. Only then is PA eligible for Safe Harbor immunity for claims of copyright infringement.

PA doesn't have to wait to get the DMCA Takedown Notice from a copyright holder. As he's doing in this case he can be proactive and avoid receiving a DMCA Takedown Notice in the first place by asking the very legitimate question whether something may be violating copyright. If it is then it can be removed before a copyright holder takes further action.

Personally, I appreciate the fact PA is being prudent not only because it affects legitimate copyright holder's interest but also because I would hate to see the site shut down.

[Actor]

Does reproducing that program code violate copyright law?It's probably a good idea to delete the program code from the post. It won't upset me.

[Tom]

The book I'm referring to is:

A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy (1984)

compare that to

Winning Thoroughbred Strategies (1989)

The only differences between the two titles is (1)the earlier title begins with "A Winning... ", the later title begins with simply "Winning ..." (2) the earlier title ends with " ...Strategy" (singular), the later title ends with "...Strategies" (plural).

A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy (singular) makes reference to an earlier book, Positive Expectation Handicapping, in a manner which tacitly assumes that the reader has said opus in hand, i.e., to understand the strategy you seem to need both books. The book is poorly written and I don't recommend it.

The book I found the program I used was a small white paperback.
The other was a larger hardcover.

[Tom]

I agree - why take the chance?
I seriously doubt anyone would bother with an old dos program in this day and age, but not worth the risk. Who knows what some people would do for a nickel if they could get it. :rolleyes:

[Actor]

"Pursuant to 17 U.S. Code § 107, certain uses of copyrighted material 'for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.'"

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/fair-use-rule-copyright-material-30100.html

[Light]

I would like to rewrite it to read the BRIS files but I cannot figure out the algorithm it uses


But is it even worth it to do that? What success rate does it get? I doubt it is successful asking very basic info on a horse which most BASIC programs did.The software that emerged after BASIC were able to do much more.

[JJMartin]

The book I'm referring to is:

A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy (1984)

compare that to

Winning Thoroughbred Strategies (1989)

The only differences between the two titles is (1)the earlier title begins with "A Winning... ", the later title begins with simply "Winning ..." (2) the earlier title ends with " ...Strategy" (singular), the later title ends with "...Strategies" (plural).

A Winning Thoroughbred Strategy (singular) makes reference to an earlier book, Positive Expectation Handicapping, in a manner which tacitly assumes that the reader has said opus in hand, i.e., to understand the strategy you seem to need both books. The book is poorly written and I don't recommend it.


Have you considered VBA?

[Actor]

Have you considered VBA?VBA??

[mikesal57]

VBA??

programming language of Excel and other Office programs

[JJMartin]

VBA??


VBA = Visual Basic for Applications (Excel)

[PaceAdvantage]

Here we go again......:rolleyes:

If you cant read/program ...its just gibberish....

Just play dumb...I can help youYeah, you get all pissed when Equibase et.al. try and stop people from distributing their stuff, but when a guy tried to come on here and sell a handicapping software program, you're all over him and accusing him basically of selling bootleg copies...I'll never let that one go if you continue to be an apologist for people who love passing around data files and whatnot, then complain that the prices keep going up....

[amyacker]

VBA??

Visual Basic for Applications i think.

[Actor]

Does reproducing that program code violate copyright law?
In the forward to the book from which I copied the code the author (Dick Mitchell) says "Readers are encouraged to make photocopies of favorite pages for distribution to friends." IMHO this makes it legal to reproducing the code here.

[mikesal57]

Yeah, you get all pissed when Equibase et.al. try and stop people from distributing their stuff, but when a guy tried to come on here and sell a handicapping software program, you're all over him and accusing him basically of selling bootleg copies...I'll never let that one go if you continue to be an apologist for people who love passing around data files and whatnot, then complain that the prices keep going up....

I despise Equibase and their corporate greed .......
Everything is produced electronically and sent its merry way to paying users
But how much does it really cost them???
All I can see is some a-hole sitting in his underwear and making racing comments from videos that anyone can do themselves....and the rest is computer produced.
They stopped this kid that created a useful free software that was very popular once it was known..
They made Whobets site difficult to maneuver easily .....
thats why I dont mind files being passed around...and to F^$k Equibase

And for guys selling software , its underhandedly screwing the developer...

nuf said on this

[mikesal57]

In the forward to the book from which I copied the code the author (Dick Mitchell) says "Readers are encouraged to make photocopies of favorite pages for distribution to friends." IMHO this makes it legal to reproducing the code here.

:ThmbUp:

[PaceAdvantage]

I despise Equibase and their corporate greed .......
Everything is produced electronically and sent its merry way to paying users
But how much does it really cost them???
All I can see is some a-hole sitting in his underwear and making racing comments from videos that anyone can do themselves....and the rest is computer produced.
They stopped this kid that created a useful free software that was very popular once it was known..
They made Whobets site difficult to maneuver easily .....
thats why I dont mind files being passed around...and to F^$k Equibase

And for guys selling software , its underhandedly screwing the developer...

nuf said on thisIgnorance on full display.

You think EB is a one man company? No salaries except one dude? No IT department? No chart callers at all the tracks in the country? No marketing? No HR? No proofers? Just a little ol' computer program that spits out PPs and a dude watching videotapes?

You're an idiot.

And a ****ing hypocrite to boot.

[mikesal57]

Ignorance on full display.

You think EB is a one man company? No salaries except one dude? No IT department? No chart callers at all the tracks in the country? No marketing? No HR? No proofers? Just a little ol' computer program that spits out PPs and a dude watching videotapes?

You're an idiot.

And a ****ing hypocrite to boot.

Not a one man company......someone else needs to watch Pace Advantage

[PaceAdvantage]

Not ok to screw software developer, but ok to screw Equibase.

Makes sense to you I guess. :rolleyes:

[mikesal57]

Not ok to screw software developer, but ok to screw Equibase.

Makes sense to you I guess. :rolleyes:

Ask some of the developers here on how much they get out of the $140 monthly that we pay....

Equibase sets the standards !!!

[PaceAdvantage]

Your arguments would be so much more effective if it sounded like you actually knew what you were talking about.

Based on your "1 man operation" Equibase scenario, it's clear you have a long way to go.

[mikesal57]

Your arguments would be so much more effective if it sounded like you actually knew what you were talking about.

Based on your "1 man operation" Equibase scenario, it's clear you have a long way to go.

OK...you win....I'll amend my statement... "Equibase are a BUNCH of a-holes!!!

[Actor]

I... he could just download Handifast and use that.Handifast is supposed to be open source. As far as I can tell the source code in in the .tkn file that is part of the download. If so, then how do you read it? If I use textedit all I see is gibberish.

[headhawg]

The .tkn file is the way that Liberty Basic tokenizes (compiles) the Basic code. You need the .bas file. I believe mmdorn posted what you need in #1140. HF source (http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91683&page=76)

[Actor]

The .tkn file is the way that Liberty Basic tokenizes (compiles) the Basic code. You need the .bas file. I believe mmdorn posted what you need in #1140. HF source (http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91683&page=76)Thanks. I've downloaded the file.

Problem: It's a zip file and I don't seem to be able to extract it. Neither with Windows 10 not with MacOS Mojave.

[headhawg]

You can download 7-Zip and use that to extract. It's a great free program. 7-Zip (https://www.7-zip.org/) If you don't want to use it then PM me your email addy and I can send the .bas files uncompressed.

[Tom]

Is this the program that takes speed and class and makes a power rating? I asked about the formula Mitchell used to put the two factors on the same scale, and it was headhawg who kindly helped me out a few years ago.

I just put the stuff into Excel and get the ratings.

My spreadsheet crashed and I lost my worksheet.
Can anyone tell me the formula?

It was to put a group of ratings into a score where the best was 100 and the worst was 60.

The formula compared the rating to something and then you divided by the range of the ratings and added to 60.

[headhawg]

For you Tom, I will give the secret formula. :D

Indexed Value = 60 + ((raw score - lowest raw score)/range)

[Tom]

Thank you!

[Topcat]

I have both books and did /write and use the program back in the day.

I'm a big Dick Mitchell fan and sad that he is no longer with us. He was one of the good guys. He made me a lot of money, albeit in a stock recommendation. In a lesson on horses and value he talked about Apple stock , I checked it out and bought some, adjusting for splis at todays price I bought it at about $.35 -that's right 35 cents a share -my only regret is I sold it when it made me 15x my $ and if I held today-well its now $148

Anyway he used to welcome people to use the basic program, sort of a teaser to his more sophisticated programs at Cynthia publishing but I suppose it should be checked out with his first wife at Cynthia publishing who holds the rights.

[Light]

I have both books and did /write and use the program back in the day.

I'm a big Dick Mitchell fan and sad that he is no longer with us. He was one of the good guys. He made me a lot of money, albeit in a stock recommendation. In a lesson on horses and value he talked about Apple stock , I checked it out and bought some, adjusting for splis at todays price I bought it at about $.35 -that's right 35 cents a share -my only regret is I sold it when it made me 15x my $ and if I held today-well its now $148

Anyway he used to welcome people to use the basic program, sort of a teaser to his more sophisticated programs at Cynthia publishing but I suppose it should be checked out with his first wife at Cynthia publishing who holds the rights.

I have bad news for your Apple stock. The reason the stock is only $148 is that it has made several stock splits.

Had Apple never split its stock, shares would currently be changing hands for roughly $28,000 apiece.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/3-things-to-know-about-apples-stock-split-2020-08-28

I've made way more money in the stock market than Horse racing,but Horse racing is more fun.

[BarchCapper]

I have bad news for your Apple stock. The reason the stock is only $148 is that it has made several stock splits.

Had Apple never split its stock, shares would currently be changing hands for roughly $28,000 apiece.



He did note that his $0.35 share purchase price was after factoring in stock splits subsequent to his purchase.

[ReplayRandall]

He did note that his $0.35 share purchase price was after factoring in stock splits subsequent to his purchase.Correct again....You're on a roll BC, in numerous threads...:ThmbUp:

[Light]

Show me the math.

[FakeNameChanged]

Show me the math.

Mr. Light, he's possibly correct. AAPL, has split 7 for 1, 2 for 1 three times, and most recently 4 for 1 last year. That compounds to a 224 for 1 split. Without even factoring in appreciation, the current $149 per share price would revert back to $.665 a share.
And if you want to look back in 1982, it was going as low as $.05 back in June of that year. Look at charts on Yahoo finance. The IPO started at $22.00 a share, and without all the reverse factoring, that's how it gets up to $28K per share.
It actually never traded at those low prices, but in 1982, it most likely traded at (.051/.128) * 22.00/Share or about $8.76 a share.