Comprehensive handicapping vs. Single variable handicapping

[fishorsechess]

Years ago I remember speaking to Mark Cramer about the Sartin
Methodology. As always there is going to be a disagreement as
to which approach is best. Mark mentioned that he looks at "everything"
as opposed the Sartin people who only look at pace when handicapping.
After years of handicapping I would have to agree with Mark that
a comprehensive approach is the best approach. Funny when I spoke
to Dick Schmidt about this later he claimed that Mark didnt know everything
about the Methodology. When I spoke to Cramer he claimed that he
has been associated with Howard Sartin for many years and he knew
pretty much everything he had to know. My opinion is by ignoring
certain variables in your handicapping, when those variables become
dominant single variable handicapping falls apart.

[46zilzal]

My opinion is by ignoring
certain variables in your handicapping, when those variables become
dominant single variable handicapping falls apart.

The question CONSTANTLY remains: When does ANY FACTOR gain in importance race to race? At the heart of Sartin's work is pace, but that does not mean they promote FORGETTING the other things.

There are however, many of the TRADITIONALIST'S factors that are dropped

[so.cal.fan]

I go along with James Quinn's theory that every different type of race requires using different factors.....I suppose this is comprehensive handicapping?

[Tom]

Comprehensive Handciapping is a good way to bet a 3-1 shot and feel good about getting "value" when you get beat by the 10-1 shot you would have hit following one factor.