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mhrussell
09-16-2005, 05:08 PM
All-

I've been getting some confusing responses from BRIS on exactly what they are going to do in their PP data files regarding the new Turfway polytrack surface.

The latest that I know is that (re: their DRF multi-file format .csv files), file #3 field #109 will now have an "A" (for All Weather Track) which indicates the race was run over the polytrack surface. But I still don't know about the symbol for todays race surface and the earlier surface designation in each running line (file #1, field #5 and file#3, field#12 ; respectivley). I guess this will continue to be labeled "D" but with the "A" appended in the new filed #109.

I know the other .csv data files will have similar modifications; so a heads up out there to those of us with "home grown" software; we will need to make a minor mod in our programs to check for the "new" surface code indicators in whatever field(s) the finally end up in.

Stay tuned.. and I would appreciate any feedback from others if they have addtional information on this. We need a complete, concise and clear explanation of what is going to be done re: data files before our codes start to 'bomb' as the TP horses start shipping elsewhere.

thanks..

P.S.
It would be nice if someone at BRIS would reply and post a clear, complete explanation of what is going to be done. My replies to my email questions have been curt and incomplete at best.
BillW
09-16-2005, 06:13 PM
FWIW, TSN is showing it as "D", the regular dirt track. Up till now the TSN exotic results files have been a carbon copy of those generated by Bris.

Bill
GameTheory
09-16-2005, 06:42 PM
FWIW, TSN is showing it as "D", the regular dirt track. Up till now the TSN exotic results files have been a carbon copy of those generated by Bris.That's probably so it will work in their software....
Jeff P
09-16-2005, 07:24 PM
I'm watching closely to see what Bris starts listing in their DRF Single files in field #'s 306-315 for Track Condition and field #'s 326-335 for Surface once horses that have raced at TPX start appearing in races later on. I imagine they will have to come up with some symbol to differentiate the rubberized surface from other dirt tracks.

-jp

.
BillW
09-16-2005, 07:34 PM
I'm watching closely to see what Bris starts listing in their DRF Single files in field #'s 306-315 for Track Condition and field #'s 326-335 for Surface once horses that have raced at TPX start appearing in races later on. I imagine they will have to come up with some symbol to differentiate the rubberized surface from other dirt tracks.

-jp

.

I just found one - #1 horse in the 5th tonight back after 5 days. No change in TSN files. Still using Fast and Dirt. This doesn't mean it won't change at some point in the future.

Bill
Tom
09-16-2005, 11:35 PM
Plastic parts we make have to have the symbol <PP> molded in on the back - polypropylene, or <PE> polyethylene! It's for recycling. :D
thoroughbred
09-17-2005, 12:43 AM
Sure, it may be useful to have a new letter to designate the track surface, but I think, a more important thing to see will be the new par values and variants.
takeout
09-17-2005, 01:17 AM
My replies to my email questions have been curt and incomplete at best.
You get replies? What’s your secret? (seriously)
mhrussell
09-17-2005, 02:15 AM
Takeout-

Yeah, I usually get replies.. and they have been fairly timely too (within a business day or less) but not very comprehensive. The Pedigree rating questions I raised last year still have not been completely answered or dealt with.. but I did a work around with their help. So, for the most part, the support has been OK. Stuff like this though they need to get out to their customers sooner BEFORE we start having problems with our programs.

It looks like from their updated file format description (in the Library section of their website) that they will keep the "D" <dirt> designation for the polytrack and then add the "A" indicating the "All surface track" in two separate new fields. If so, our existing codes will not be impacted but we would need to add a new variable.. then check to see if this "dirt" track is also a "polytrack all weather surface" and then use that information.

But bottom line, it looks like all custom programs would NOT need to be altered to check for a new "A" indicator in an existing data field.

Of course what we 'do' with this new surface compared to 'dirt' will depend on getting a lot more data....
takeout
09-17-2005, 11:36 AM
Takeout-
Yeah, I usually get replies.. and they have been fairly timely too (within a business day or less) but not very comprehensive.
Thanks. Maybe they will get to mine sooner or later. :bang: