Software Mini-Comparison

[JimG]

I took 2 random cards from yesterday...Hoosier Park and Santa Anita and compared the output of 4 of my programs using the bris data. While this sample is extremely small I chose 2 tracks that differed in class quality. Both tracks were fast and their were few scratches (which I did not do scratches)

I looked at the output of the top 3 horses each program picked in default mode. Their were 11 races at Hoosier and 10 at Santa Anita.

The 4 programs I compared are Speed Handicapper (SH), Work Horse Pro 2.0 (WH), Equisim 3.5 (EQ), and TP Analyzer (TP). The following are the results:

Winners in top 3:

SH 10/21...69.00
WH 11/21..71.80
EQ 13/21..118.00
TP 11/21...89.80

Winners on top:

SH 6/21..36.20
WH 4/21..23.00
EQ 2/21..7.40
TP 5/21..29.60

Exactas in Box:

SH..4/21..86.60
WH..4/21..92.00
EQ..4/21...118.20
TP..3/21..66.20

After choosing the cards and running the data I was pleased to see their were really no huge longshots or a big string of favorites at either track for the day to skew this small sample.

Again, all 4 programs were run in "default" mode which would not be recommended by any of the 4 programmers. I just thought it would be interesting to share.

Jim

[andicap]

I think one lesson here is that you can use different pieces of software in different ways. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses and quirks so you can't always say one is "better" than another.

Whatever you're comfortable with.

[JimG]

Andy,

I agree completely. I lost yesterday and when I got up this morning, thought I would do a comparison for fun on the two tracks with various pieces of software I have laying around.

Comfort is very important to me in using computer software. If it is not easy to use, I generally will not stick with it. Of course making a profit is most important, and I have been getting cought in the switches alot lately. It's beginning to look like my Breeder's cup win on Valponi will be my last triumph. However, we all know that it just runs in cycles.

In my opinion all 4 pieces of software did a reasonable job in getting contenders without alot of user effort.

Jim