Using Today?

[JimG]

As you handicap today's races, what program are you using as your primary contender selector? Thought it would be interesting for an update on this subject. If you use more than one or one not listed (as I do), please specify in a note below. Thanks in advance to all that respond.

Jim


PS...For me I am primarily using Work Horse Pro 2.0, I also take a look at Equisim as they use the same file.

[Tom]

HTR is my primary tool. I am also learning and doing research with Equisim (and the results are very promising). I use ProPace as a secondary tool. On top of that, I make my own pace/speed figs and use those somewhere in there too.

[Lefty]

I tried to vote for more than one and couldn't. But from your own post and the other one we're all 3 using more than one.
I'm currently involved with HSH and Equisim and have several i'm just not currently using. Been concentrating mostly on Equisim but now HSH has new upgrade and will concentrate on that in Oct.
so many programs, so little time.

[anotherdave]

I use HTRF especially because of its morning line.


AD

[JimG]

Originally posted by anotherdave
I use HTRF especially because of its morning line.


AD

AD,

I'm confused. Of course, the morning line should be the same in any program. I would guess you are talking about the software program odds? If not, could you elaborate.

Jim

[anotherdave]

Sorry I used the wrong term. I like the odds line it gives. I find it better than ones in other programs I have tried.

AD

[keenang]

I USE A ODDS SILVER WITH HOR$ENSE.

[JimG]

With 37 votes in the results to this point are interesting. Not surprisingly, "homegrown" leads the list. There are many talented handicappers on this board so it makes since many of you have devised or had someone devise your own software.

Equisim seems to have a good following. HSH is still holding its own pretty well. I am surprised there are not more HTR users on this board. Beleive they got more votes last time I posted a poll on this. They have a terrific users group and I guess alot of them just participate on their own board.

Thanks to all who have voted and I hope more get a chance to vote.

Jim

[Secretariat]

I use Lightning Profits Pro and Method Developer 2.0

[John]

A+ for years .

It has its good and bad days like all the Programs.


STK2000

Nice little program, BUT, I can't make it win for me.

[Richard]

Lately,I've been using a combination of SNAPCAPPER PRO SE and EASY CAPPER.

[JimG]

Thanks to all for voting. Only 2 surprises for me. The first surprise was only 6 people responded they were not using software. Secondly I was surprised that Equisim was the most used of those that responded.


Jim

[Larry Hamilton]

a more interesting and perhaps, flammable question would be:

Which software did you purchase, use, and discard?

and as some of us have purchased more than one of the products listed, some way to indicate that would be accurate.

[JimG]

Larry,

Certainly more controversial but would be an unfair question where I am concerned. I'm a little like Lefty, I bounce around a bit from software to software. In fact, I have several of those listed on my hard drive now and some others I did not list.

As vendors add features and/or data prices change, that leads me to look at the rotation<g>.

I have kept the ones on the hard drive I like...HSH, Equisim, All-Ways, WHPro2, Capsheet, HTR, and PlusV. That's seven pieces of software...and I like them all. Currently I am using WHPro2 and Equisim (using the same datafile) for capping. That could change tomorrow (I like some of the new HSH features). I consider myself lucky to have so many good options to help me get contenders in a race.

Jim

[Larry Hamilton]

after I thought about my comment awhile, I realized that in order for such a thread to work, Software Developer "X" would not be tempted to put a bad mark on someone elses software to make them look bad. I realize we dont have such jerks in this group, but we MIGHT...Biz is BIz

[mhrussell]

My home grown software that I am using and have continued to improve, is based on the Handicapping Magic principles but I am using BRIS pace and speed figures in lieu of fractional times and the raw DRF speed rating.

This has worked very well for me and I am looking forward to the upcoming HM Seminar in a few weeks (Oct 18-20) to share ideas and see everyone again.

regards,
Matt

[John]

Yah Larry, I discarded a few Handiacpping software after I asked a lot of questions and got no answers. I was told that this software is not for computer illiterates such as I.

Should I have to think if I spent several hundreds of dollars for a program that says " here are the top 4 choices[ contenders. ] whio do you like ? "

you made a good point Larry.

[socalsportsbook]

I use and love Synergism V1 from Bob Purdy

[jk3521]

Even though I own Equisim, I have not found a way to make money with it yet. I find myself going back to an old program named "Procapper" that I purchased in early 1999. I am hoping to hear good news about an update, soon

[Vinnie]

Equisim,

Hands down simply the finest handicapping tool out there of any that I have ever seen or used personally.

Also, it is a handicapping tool that only continues to evolve. In using Equisim I have been put onto horses or more closely scrutinezed many horses that previous to using the program I would have never even given a second thought.

All the BEST!

[JimG]

Again, thanks to all that voted. Looks like the 4 most popular commercial programs by users of this board (a smart bunch indeed) at this time are:

1. Equisim
2. Horse Street Handicapper
3. HTR
4. Handicapping Magician

Of course the most votes were cast by folks who have their own "homegrown" version. If your winning with something homegrown, that is truly a feat as the rest of us will have a devil of a time duplicating it.;)

[zazzle]

Jim G
I see you mentioned WH2Pro and Equism. I've used Wh2Pro for 6 years with more than good results. Where would I find Equism?
Thanks
Nick

[JimG]

Jim G
I see you mentioned WH2Pro and Equism. I've used Wh2Pro for 6 years with more than good results. Where would I find Equism?
Thanks
Nick

www.thorotech.com

Jim

[garyoz]

Synergism VI as my main software when I'm playing regularly. I also run and look at the Allways ouput for the NYRA tracks (I have a few angles that work).

I almost always use the software in conjunction with pace/speed figures--either C.J.'s or Equiform for form cycle and figure hdcping--also to make sure the appropriate pacelines are selected.

[ratpack]

I am just curious about the list and does it have a limit?

I have been using ComuTrak and just started using MaxcapperDB.

[Maxspa]

All,
Finding the best software to handicap is extremely important! However, I believe that developing a handicapping procedure or Modus operandi is a definite key for success . Like many of the responses on this thread, I too have taken valuable sections from software I've bought and have created an approach that I consistently use to prevent the zigs and the zags. I'm never satisfied with the status quo and am always looking for ways to improve my handicapping. Examining new software and handicapping ideas are part of my daily quest for excellence.
Recently I was asked by a member of this board to privately test a trifecta software program he had written. His unique style focused in on price horses and his results were terrific. This only reinforces my thinking that one should be aware of new software offerings!
Two of the people who have contributed to this thread are real students of the game. They've paid their dues and are very knowledgeable. When they have something to say I listen carefully!
Maxspa

[rickyb]

Darkhorsenet.com.........no improvements in 5-6 years......but it wins.....limited tracks.....I first used in early 90's......numbers are great and probable odds line makes money for me........odds line for early late and final......I have found them to be very predictive........flaw... you have to take DH download or can do your own inputs entries and results.......you maintain the database which is your own......not lots of bells and whistles but it wins for me......rickyb

[azmike]

I am just curious about the list and does it have a limit?

I have been using ComuTrak and just started using MaxcapperDB.

I believe you were one of the early adopters of AIO V6. Just curious if you still use it as your primary software. I have used AIO off and on for years (right now off). Thanks

[Hank]

I got curious about Equism amd went to there site,I must say I left impressed,I'm still on the learning curve for AIO v6 and I know that jumping from app to app[never mastering any] is a sure loser ,But if I add another app It would be Equism.Is the learning curve steep on this app?

[Binder]

Hi

Since the change to the TM files
in Feb I have been using Speculator
for my Sartin methodology wagercapping
It took me along time to break away from Val 3
I am happy with Speculator. Val 3 became unreliable (my opinion)
since it was not updated to work with the new speed rating/ track varient
formula

GS

[Tom]

What is different about Speculator - does it use a different type of variant?

[Binder]

Hi Tom

I'm not really sure what is different

I kind of think of the Eric Clapton song
from the movie The Color of Money

Its in the way that you use it

I really don't understand what is going on

Its just the speed ratings were made faster and I heard something about they were using half the variant
I can only do this one way
Here are two past performances from the two programs
Speculator 150 and Val 3 Both lines are from the same data file
Philly 0415 Today's race for horse # 3
The top of the screen shot is from Spec 150
The upper half shows the adjusted lines
the lower half of the spec 150 screen shows the original lines
In the middle in the Val 3 screen shot the program shows the same horse
from the same data file but look at the difference in the Speed ratings
Look towards the right under were it says SR
in Bucks 2nd most recent race
on Spec 150 Buck gets a 69 Speed rating
Look what it gets with Val 3 a 95 also please look at the original lines section for each program On Spec 150 and Val 3 Buck ran a 144.4 for 8.5 furlongs
Spec 150 adjusted it to 138.2 which seems more like the 8.0 lines Buck ran at Philly
But Val 3 adjusted the 8.5 line down to 132.9 which is too fast
Hopefully some of my friends, Ted Craven Socanta RichieP
can explain this better
anyway this is what I meant by I can't rely on the adjustments since they changed the formula Val 3 was set to work with the old formula
The newer Speculator 150 has beeen updated to work better with Trackmasters
new formula
http://www.bindfold.com/images/530_Spec150.gif

GS
Bill

[46zilzal]

What is different about Speculator - does it use a different type of variant?
full, older used half variant

[Tom]

Thaks, guys.
I'm learneing Vla3, recently, so not much to compare to befroe, but I and impressed with the prices I get when I use it. Very first TAM race I did, i hit for $32.......more than enough incentive to keep plugging away at it. More than a few have followed. But I might be using it more mechanical than you advanced users do - I follow a few simple guidelines, try to do a couple races for each guy as 46 suggests, and then look at BL/BL and the early/late graphs. Not a lot more - sometimes I look at the supplemental screen, but usually, E/L and BL, take the best odds and go for it.

[46zilzal]

Thaks, guys.
I'm learneing Vla3, recently, so not much to compare to befroe, but I and impressed with the prices I get when I use it. Very first TAM race I did, i hit for $32.......more than enough incentive to keep plugging away at it. More than a few have followed. But I might be using it more mechanical than you advanced users do - I follow a few simple guidelines, try to do a couple races for each guy as 46 suggests, and then look at BL/BL and the early/late graphs. Not a lot more - sometimes I look at the supplemental screen, but usually, E/L and BL, take the best odds and go for it.
TOTAL energy and true speed are corollaries VERY IMPORTANT for routes. Total is NOT as important for sprints but Ture speed USUALLY works there as well

ALSO for the e/l review the posts on e/l relativity: amazing results sometimes.... tabbed the Blue Grass winner today with JUST that screen.

[46zilzal]

program often gives you SPLIT-zacts (first and thirds) as the relative early/late rankings do here.
Horse Jockey Win Place Show
7 Sinister Minister . Gomez 19.40 9.20 5.80
3 Storm Treasure Guidry 47.80 16.00
4 Strong Contender Prado 4.20

[Tom]

That is Speculator in your example?

[46zilzal]

That is Speculator in your example?
Yes, but before the trackmater speed rating re-calibration, validator was getting many of these as well.
THESE are are RELATIVE. To get a flavor for what this screen does, take a race you have already worked and then go over it again (after writing down lines from let's say THREE horses). Write down horse A line 2, horse B line 4, and horse C line 2. Remember them.

There is an option when you FIRST do a race (screen where the total races are shown after you load the card) F10 "change distance/surface." Sequentially change the distance both UP and down from the ORIGINaL distance carded (if it was 8.5 go to 7.0 8.0 8.3 9.0f) and then see how the e/l numbers change from these same three lines. They ONLY change in total, but RELATIVELY remain the same relation to one another.

That was a SPLIT-ZACTA before

[ezpace]

have 3 more pace/speed figures sets for U to try ;)

U sound like me, CJ's overall highest weighted here , the 1948 time/squared set of figs, and my own

all used with a NY based application of quality controlled speed points ;)

since your adjustments re: the 30% Q point method .. what would U use for a percentage

on those ny based ones ??? ;)

[Binder]

Thaks, guys.
I'm learneing Vla3, recently, so not much to compare to befroe, but I and impressed with the prices I get when I use it. Very first TAM race I did, i hit for $32.......more than enough incentive to keep plugging away at it. More than a few have followed. But I might be using it more mechanical than you advanced users do - I follow a few simple guidelines, try to do a couple races for each guy as 46 suggests, and then look at BL/BL and the early/late graphs. Not a lot more - sometimes I look at the supplemental screen, but usually, E/L and BL, take the best odds and go for it.

Thanks Tom
Yes that method has worked best for me over the years

BL/BL - E/L - Odds
nice $19.00 winner at Mountain
0415 race 8

4 El's Demaloot 19.40 7.00 4.80
6 Awtair 4.80 3.60
8 Aeras 7.00

[ratpack]

I believe you were one of the early adopters of AIO V6. Just curious if you still use it as your primary software. I have used AIO off and on for years (right now off). Thanks

I am off AIO#6 right now, mainly for the $100 a month.

[mainardi]

Hor$ense Pro... just following the poll rules by specifying.

[facorsig]

All In One user, both earlier version 5 and current version 6

[Richard]

More recently,AIO V6 for me.Manually input everything(results charts,PP's,wagering results).AIO produces,IMHO,a very good betting line.

[Sailwolf]

More recently,AIO V6 for me.Manually input everything(results charts,PP's,wagering results).AIO produces,IMHO,a very good betting line.

Doesnt that take a lot of time????????

[Richard]

At first it did,but I've gotten better with practice.As far as results go,currently I enter results for BEL,HOL,and BM.If you're wanting to maintain profiles for many tracks,then I would probably go ahead and get the HDW data service.

[MIKE D]

I use a combination of James Beavers old dos programs and Lightning Profits 2

[Lefty]

I use a combination of James Beavers old dos programs and Lightning Profits 2
Lightning Profits2? Is that Mel Shawder? Could it be I am not familiar with this prgm?

[MIKE D]

Yes lefty thats Mels program,actually its Lightening Profits pro 3 which allows the user to to design the methods for handicapping different distance/surface/track specific races if you choose to do so.its a very unique feature.it suits my style and has been a good investment for me.May not be for everybody.Mel and Mike are not writing any more software programs so there will not be anymore upgrades.As we all know James Beaver has passed so I feel fortunate to have found this combination and a way to utilize them

[Lefty]

Thanks, Mike. Best of skills in the future.