Blinkers Off book

[The Gambler08]

Has anyone read Blinkers Off?

[aaron]

I read the book "Blinkers Off." I found it to be very informative and well written.If you have ever used the Rogazin or Brown Sheets,I am sure you will appreciate this book.Currently I am not using the sheets,but I have used the" Blinkers Off" sheets a few times and I find them to be an improvement of the traditional sheets.I feel the patterns in the book are excellent.The reason I don't use them is because I don't bet enough money per race to overcome the $28.00 a day cost.On some days I also play multiple tracks so the cost can be prohibitive.Each day he has a track for $10.00 so if you are interested that might be a good way to start.
The few times I used them I was impressed with the data and the patterns.

[The Gambler08]

What are some topics covered in Blinkers Off? This book was published in April right?

I am old fashioned, I mainly use Brisnet Ultimate PP's and the DRF. I have looked into Thoro Graph, but they are $25 a track. Give me some more information on the sheets you use. I like to play certain tracks, and certain types of races, so for the money, Brisnet is a good deal. What are your thoughts?

[cj]

I read the book, but it didn't do much for me. If you are going to purchase the sheets, it might be OK, but otherwise, I would say don't bother.

CJ

[aaron]

I used the thorograph sheets for years.I stopped using sheets about 4-5 years ago.I felt they had outgrown their usefulness.Right now everybody has numbers and the Beyers are as good as anyone elses.I liked his approach in "blinkers Off".The best part of the books are the patterns used which are different from the sheets.His patterns are based on his pace numbers which seem to be very good.I've used his sheets 4 times and won 3 so I feel if you want to use sheets these are fine,and fun to use.

[The Gambler08]

Are these the equiform sheets?

[aaron]

Sorry I wasn't clear.Yes,I have used the equiform sheets{I think the name of the product is xtra's}.It seems like a very good product,but each individual has to decide if the cost is worth it.If you are a big bettor or play once a week this product will give you an edge.

[The Gambler08]

Thanks for the info.

[Zaf]

You guys have sparked my intetrest. I just ordered the book.
I'll let you know what I think after I read it.

ZAFONIC

[andicap]

You can download some past Equiform "Xtras" from the website at no cost to practice.

[Rick]

I've read the book and it looks interesting. But, I think if his ideas have any validity whatsoever, they ought to improve your results using other pace figures. I haven't had time to test it yet, but if you used other pace figures with his general philosophy and have negative results, I wouldn't think too much of the general approach. The differences between different types of figures (either speed or pace) are almost always exaggerated. On the other hand, if you find a significant difference using other figures, you might try his. Remember this. Unless the figures are hopelessly inaccurate, the handicapping approach is much more important than the accuracy of the figures. Even the old DRF speed figures have some value these days!

[aaron]

I used the Xtra sheets on Belmont day and game up with a $60.00 horse and the horse that ran 2nd in the Belmont.My friend hit with Turf Surfer in the 12th. A good day for Blinkers Off.
Has anybody else tried this product?

[The Gambler08]

Did you read the book and use the product? Just wondering.

[aaron]

I read the book "Blinkers Off" and have purchased the product.I find the product to be excellent if you can afford the cost.It is also a fun product to use.

[The Gambler08]

The cost is $28 a track? Hmm. I will have to look into it. A big step up from my ultimate pp's at Bris.

[Zaf]

I am 80 % done with the book. I am enjoying the read. I may try out the xtra's in the future, but at $28 per track (OUCH) I doubt that I will ever use them on a regular basis. When I go to a race book I like to bet between 3 - 5 tracks during the course of a day. Thats a hefty price to pay right from the start.

ZAFONIC

[Zaf]

I just finished the book and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. In my opinion Mr. Fotias has some great insights. It really has me thinking.

I consider form cycle analysis one of the weaker aspects of my game. I recently won an auction on E-bay for a copy of Mark Cramers " Thoroughbred Cycles". I look forward to reading that also. I am interested to see how he treats form cycles.

Any posters out there who have read both books. I would appreciate a sneak preview into Cramer's insight on Thoroughbred Cycles. I anxiously await the arrival of the book.

ZAFONIC

[The Gambler08]

I will have to give Blinkers Off a try. I know what you mean about the cost of $28 a track. That can get hefty, especially if you like to pick your spots.

So, the book is a good read even if you do not use the products?

I have not read that Cramer book.

[Zaf]

Originally posted by The Gambler08
I will have to give Blinkers Off a try. I know what you mean about the cost of $28 a track. That can get hefty, especially if you like to pick your spots.

So, the book is a good read even if you do not use the products?

I have not read that Cramer book.


I believe some of the concepts in the book can be transferable to other types of pace & speed figures.

[Zaf]

Originally posted by The Gambler08
I will have to give Blinkers Off a try. I know what you mean about the cost of $28 a track. That can get hefty, especially if you like to pick your spots.

So, the book is a good read even if you do not use the products?

I have not read that Cramer book.


I enjoyed reading the book. I feel even if I do not use the XTRA's, I have learned some little nuances from the book which will help my handicapping in the future. I enjoy reading handicapping books even if I don't subscribe to the methods within.

The Pace and final figures used in the XTRA's are velocity based. They look to be excellent figures, but again not every player can afford $28 a card. They offer a card for $10 on a daily basis. This may be a better way to test them. I will probably try them out a few times in the future. As I said in my last post which I hit the send button prematurely. I believe some of the concepts may work with other good pace figures, but it would be impossible to apply all of the concepts in the book without purchasing the XTRA's. Personally, I enjoyed the book. There are some very good concepts within.

ZAFONIC

[andicap]

Why not download the freebies they offer on past cards and handicap those?

On Cramer's book, sorry to disappoint you but the title is misleading. It doesn't really get into form cycles in the way that the Sheets players and Fotias do. Still a good read and interesting book, but nothing about tops and bounces and horses circling back to new good races. More of an angle book than anything. For example, he talks about some horses specializing in say, 8f one turn races. These horses only do well in these types of races so you can ignore their bad races at other distances and get a price when they race at 8F.

Best book on form cycles is Ragozin's book. I have used the Beyers with his theories and it has often worked out, especially with younger horses.

[David McKenzie]

//On Cramer's book, sorry to disappoint you but the title is misleading. It doesn't really get into form cycles in the way that the Sheets players and Fotias do. Still a good read and interesting book, but nothing about tops and bounces and horses circling back to new good races. More of an angle book than anything. For example, he talks about some horses specializing in say, 8f one turn races. These horses only do well in these types of races so you can ignore their bad races at other distances and get a price when they race at 8F.

Best book on form cycles is Ragozin's book. I have used the Beyers with his theories and it has often worked out, especially with younger horses.//

I concur with the above. Additionally, you may find the Ragozin audio tapes helpful; I certainly have.

[Zaf]

Originally posted by andicap
Why not download the freebies they offer on past cards and handicap those?

On Cramer's book, sorry to disappoint you but the title is misleading. It doesn't really get into form cycles in the way that the Sheets players and Fotias do. Still a good read and interesting book, but nothing about tops and bounces and horses circling back to new good races. More of an angle book than anything. For example, he talks about some horses specializing in say, 8f one turn races. These horses only do well in these types of races so you can ignore their bad races at other distances and get a price when they race at 8F.

Best book on form cycles is Ragozin's book. I have used the Beyers with his theories and it has often worked out, especially with younger horses.

I bought Ragozin's book at Saratoga 2 summers ago. The gift shop had it on special for $10. I never read it. I just dug it up. Thanks. I'll download the freebies also.

ZAFONIC

[The Gambler08]

What is the title of the Ragozin book? Is that "the odds must be crazy?"

[Zaf]

Originally posted by The Gambler08
What is the title of the Ragozin book? Is that "the odds must be crazy?"


Yes, I believe its the only one he has written. I believe it is still in print.

ZAFONIC

[GR1@HTR]

Never used them but read his book. The Xtra sheets can also be had for $10 if you go w/ his "track of the day" download.

[Zaf]

Originally posted by andicap
Why not download the freebies they offer on past cards and handicap those?

On Cramer's book, sorry to disappoint you but the title is misleading. It doesn't really get into form cycles in the way that the Sheets players and Fotias do. Still a good read and interesting book, but nothing about tops and bounces and horses circling back to new good races. More of an angle book than anything. For example, he talks about some horses specializing in say, 8f one turn races. These horses only do well in these types of races so you can ignore their bad races at other distances and get a price when they race at 8F.

Best book on form cycles is Ragozin's book. I have used the Beyers with his theories and it has often worked out, especially with younger horses.

I am half way through the book. I really like what he has to say on form cycles. You are right Andicap, this is an excellent treatment of form cycles. Ragozin certainly speaks from experience. He has been at this game for a little while. I think Fotias adds an important dimension acknowledging pace. After all, the pace can have a huge effect on the final number.

ZAFONIC