Are handicappers always considered last at your track??

[Fastracehorse]

OK,

I know not all of you use DRF. But of those of you who do, what would your racing experince be without it??

Could you imagine N.Y. OTB's without DRF for sale if U didn't have a corner store to pick up the form??

That is what the Spectrum at Northlands Park is doing as of May 14th. NP is in Alberta. The Alberta oil sands are the leading exporter of oil to the United States.

The economy is incredible here - but Northlands' distributor of DRF to OTB's is quitting. They say that they don't want to get into a losing business. How much could they actually lose??

My opinion is that if they want to stimulate gambleing - they should at least provide the horse player with probably the most popular tool available.

They are passing the buck - they say it is DRF's responsibility to find a distributor.

I've heard that really they wants us to download the paper version of the form - $2 per track; irrit

[Fastracehorse]

Are handicappers always considered last at your track??

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK,

I know not all of you use DRF. But of those of you who do, what would your racing experince be without it??

Could you imagine N.Y. OTB's without DRF for sale if U didn't have a corner store to pick up the form??

That is what the Spectrum at Northlands Park is doing as of May 14th. NP is in Alberta. The Alberta oil sands are the leading exporter of oil to the United States.

The economy is incredible here - but Northlands' distributor of DRF to OTB's is quitting. Northlands doesn't want to distribute the form - they say that they don't want to get into a losing business. How much could they actually lose?? Up the cost - I'd pay.

My opinion is that if they want to stimulate gambleing - they should at least provide the horse player with probably the most popular tool available.

They are passing the buck - they say it is DRF's responsibility to find a distributor.

I've heard that really they wants us to download the paper version of the form - $2 per track; irritatingly small print; no trackman; no scratch board; la de da de da.

Owners have stated their opinion. I phoned the racing manager and didn't like what he had to say. I said, 'basically your pulling the rug from underneath the horse players feet once again."

If anyone has an opinion here I'd like to send it to the manager of NP. So keep it as clean as possible :mad:

fffastt

[cnollfan]

Have you tried contacting DRF? I wonder if they even know about this. I assume that they would care.

[Tom]

Download the PPs for $2 and then go sell them for $10.:cool:

[JustRalph]

Download the PPs for $2 and then go sell them for $10.:cool:

You could probably setup a kiosk to do it for you..........piece of cake! ;)

[Indulto]

... Could you imagine N.Y. OTB's without DRF for sale if U didn't have a corner store to pick up the form??

That is what the Spectrum at Northlands Park is doing as of May 14th. NP is in Alberta.

... The economy is incredible here - but Northlands' distributor of DRF to OTB's is quitting. Northlands doesn't want to distribute the form - they say that they don't want to get into a losing business. How much could they actually lose?? Up the cost - I'd pay.

... They are passing the buck - they say it is DRF's responsibility to find a distributor.FRH,
Does the @DRF mean you work for DRF?

This appears to be a logical consequence of DRF's own policy of driving customers to their website rather than fully support the print edition customer.

If NP believes that not making the Form available won't reduce on-track attendance, now's their chance to prove it. IMO this will drive NP-playing DRF customers off-track which is what DRF ostensibly would prefer anyway.

Sounds like a great opportunity for an energetic young entrepreneur.

[Ron]

Seriously, although I don't mind when my friends buy the DRF, the printed version is clunky and messy. When I buy that thing at the track or bring it with me, my hands and clothes are covered with black ink before I leave. Plus when I put that thing in my back pocket it looks like I have a George Costanza wallet.

I'd much rather download. I think the original poster is preaching to the wrong crowd.

[HuggingTheRail]

Well, I dont know how it works in Edmonton, but I can relate how it works here in Vancouver.

The DRF is available in about 50 stores, often 7-11's, in area that stretches over 50km (30 miles) from Hastings Park. With gas prices at $1.25/litre (closing in on $5/US Gal), I can't see how a distributor could make much money, unless they were distributing something else at the same time. Most outlets around here only have about 3 issues of the live DRF anyway, and I rarely find them sold out when I have stopped to pick one up.

If DRF can find a distributor to do it for a wee amount of money, they will...If not, they wont worry about it. Ultimately, the tracks will decide if its worth the expense to distribute.

[socantra]

Why should it be Northlands Park's responsibility to distribute your private racing publication of choice?

Are there not Equibase past performances available?

They obviously do not think there is sufficient demand available for them to go to the trouble and expense of distributing the DRF.

If you disagree and see a significant demand for the publication that they have overlooked, why don't you contact DRF and become their new distributor?

socantra

[the little guy]

FRH,
Does the @DRF mean you work for DRF?

This appears to be a logical consequence of DRF's own policy of driving customers to their website rather than fully support the print edition customer.

If NP believes that not making the Form available won't reduce on-track attendance, now's their chance to prove it. IMO this will drive NP-playing DRF customers off-track which is what DRF ostensibly would prefer anyway.

Sounds like a great opportunity for an energetic young entrepreneur.


That poster has no association with DRF whatsoever.

[GMB@BP]

The @ some of us have came from a contest PA had here amonst message boards, heck at least 4 years ago.

[cj]

The @ some of us have came from a contest PA had here amonst message boards, heck at least 4 years ago.

We'd have been right there at the end if andicap had remembered to put his picks in the last day! :D

[Tom]

They never forget! :D

[Greyfox]

OK,

$2 per track; irrit

I see your point. Play 4 tracks that's 8 bucks.
Does Northland's have slot machines? This looks like a "I could give a crap" move about horse players to me.

[Fastracehorse]

I see your point. Play 4 tracks that's 8 bucks.
Does Northland's have slot machines? This looks like a "I could give a crap" move about horse players to me.

I agree.

It makes no sense - they License out to OTB's for the signal and the wagering but stop distributing the most popular ( for sake of argument I won't say the best product ) product.

fffastt

[Fastracehorse]

Why should it be Northlands Park's responsibility to distribute your private racing publication of choice?

Are there not Equibase past performances available?

They obviously do not think there is sufficient demand available for them to go to the trouble and expense of distributing the DRF.

If you disagree and see a significant demand for the publication that they have overlooked, why don't you contact DRF and become their new distributor?

socantra

I talked to a Western N. A. distributor in Seattle, Washington today. He said they are looking into a contractual obligation Northlands may have.

No Equibase pp's on track.

I'm sure Northlands is losing money on that particular product - but isn't that thinking by the track short-sighted?? They have a take-out to think about.

Also, if I'm having a good day I may play tracks I normally won't if they are in the form. I don't play #'s or silk colors.

fffastt

Oh yah,

I don't want to distribute the form - just read it.

[Fastracehorse]

Have you tried contacting DRF? I wonder if they even know about this. I assume that they would care.

I talked with the DRF's VP of distribution in New York this afternoon. He is going to talk with mgmt of Northlands Park.

fffastt

[Fastracehorse]

FRH,
Does the @DRF mean you work for DRF?

This appears to be a logical consequence of DRF's own policy of driving customers to their website rather than fully support the print edition customer.

If NP believes that not making the Form available won't reduce on-track attendance, now's their chance to prove it. IMO this will drive NP-playing DRF customers off-track which is what DRF ostensibly would prefer anyway.

Sounds like a great opportunity for an energetic young entrepreneur.

The print edition is an incredible tool. I hate the inet version. I also hate the short paper version.

Why would a racetrack stop distribution of DRF to OTB's?? Doesn't that seem Mickey Mouse??

fffastt

[Fastracehorse]

Seriously, although I don't mind when my friends buy the DRF, the printed version is clunky and messy. When I buy that thing at the track or bring it with me, my hands and clothes are covered with black ink before I leave. Plus when I put that thing in my back pocket it looks like I have a George Costanza wallet.

I'd much rather download. I think the original poster is preaching to the wrong crowd.

I had ink on my nose this morning - but that is st I don't mind.

I actually think the form is very easy to organize. And the newspaper print is easy on the eyes. If you are handicapping 5 hours a day or more - that is extremely important. Heck, I have friends that can't see what number horse got up for 2nd on the monitor. And the short paper version of DRF has black print on the glare of white paper - very hard on the eyes.

That is why so many people get headaches being on the 'puter for long hours - the health of their optical nerves become compromised.

fffastt

[Fastracehorse]

Well, I dont know how it works in Edmonton, but I can relate how it works here in Vancouver.

The DRF is available in about 50 stores, often 7-11's, in area that stretches over 50km (30 miles) from Hastings Park. With gas prices at $1.25/litre (closing in on $5/US Gal), I can't see how a distributor could make much money, unless they were distributing something else at the same time. Most outlets around here only have about 3 issues of the live DRF anyway, and I rarely find them sold out when I have stopped to pick one up.

If DRF can find a distributor to do it for a wee amount of money, they will...If not, they wont worry about it. Ultimately, the tracks will decide if its worth the expense to distribute.

U make good points from the perspective of the distributor.

And, I can see why NP wouldn't distribute to stores - but to OTB's?? The health of racing is amazing in Alberta - I don't think U can say the same about racing in Vancouver. I was at Sandown Raceway over X-Mas and they said the government won't make a deal with the Casino - is that still the circumstance??

fffastt

[HuggingTheRail]

U make good points from the perspective of the distributor.

And, I can see why NP wouldn't distribute to stores - but to OTB's?? The health of racing is amazing in Alberta - I don't think U can say the same about racing in Vancouver. I was at Sandown Raceway over X-Mas and they said the government won't make a deal with the Casino - is that still the circumstance??

fffastt


To say that the racing is in poor health in Vancouver would be giving it too much credit. It has gone downhill for the last 15-20 years.

The casino company is hoping to get the slots into Hastings soon, but not sure that will be the miracle cure that some think it is. When you read some of the statements, etc...they dont seem to be overly committed to the racing side of things. They know Hastings, Fraser Downs, Sandown and all the other OTB will still be busy for awhile...sad to say, but other than those who work in or for the industry, there really arent too many true racing fans left here.
Go to Hastings any race day, there is never a problem getting a spot at the fence by the paddock, etc.. Out here we have bettors, not horse racing fans...most of these people would be happy if they offered pari-mutuel betting on what the price of gas will be tomorrow...$1.30 a Litre now, or about $5 per gallon...

[Fastracehorse]

To say that the racing is in poor health in Vancouver would be giving it too much credit. It has gone downhill for the last 15-20 years.

The casino company is hoping to get the slots into Hastings soon, but not sure that will be the miracle cure that some think it is. When you read some of the statements, etc...they dont seem to be overly committed to the racing side of things. They know Hastings, Fraser Downs, Sandown and all the other OTB will still be busy for awhile...sad to say, but other than those who work in or for the industry, there really arent too many true racing fans left here.
Go to Hastings any race day, there is never a problem getting a spot at the fence by the paddock, etc.. Out here we have bettors, not horse racing fans...most of these people would be happy if they offered pari-mutuel betting on what the price of gas will be tomorrow...$1.30 a Litre now, or about $5 per gallon...

Have U seen the purses at Woodbine lately?? That is all due to slots.

Hope B.C. gets them.

The difference between Wdb and Northlands is that NP cares more about the slots than the horses.

fffastt

[Stewball]

Being formally in the newspaper business, if I understand correctly that The Form won't be availble in stores also, it is very common and benificial for a dealer of a newspaper to take it on. The dealer has a contract with one or more companies to deliver the newspapers to stores and home delivery. Since they already go to those stores anyway, they can pick up the contract and make more money per delivery.

You might look in the phone book for the dealer's of popular newspapers in your area and give them a heads up. They will generally take the ball from there and try to get the contract.

[Fastracehorse]

Being formally in the newspaper business, if I understand correctly that The Form won't be availble in stores also, it is very common and benificial for a dealer of a newspaper to take it on. The dealer has a contract with one or more companies to deliver the newspapers to stores and home delivery. Since they already go to those stores anyway, they can pick up the contract and make more money per delivery.

You might look in the phone book for the dealer's of popular newspapers in your area and give them a heads up. They will generally take the ball from there and try to get the contract.

Interesting.

I guess I have a vendetta against Northlands Park - but that heads up is a good idea.

fffastt

[Tom]

Try this, fffastt:

http://www.drf.com/help/formfinder/formfinder.html

[46zilzal]

I spoke to the general manager of Hastings Sunday. BOTH handle and attendance are down. There is a new HUGE casino opening about 5 miles away with NO slots in sight there: no construction going on to accomodate them even though the B.C. Supreme court has ruled against a group with an injunction against them. Their point of view? There will be gambling in their neighborhood!! Like people who move next to an airport and then bitch about it, the track has been there since the late 1800's where gambling has been going on and the community, if it were ever going to change, would have done so a long time ago.

[Fastracehorse]

Try this, fffastt:

http://www.drf.com/help/formfinder/formfinder.html

:(

Thanx,

fffastt

[Fastracehorse]

I spoke to the general manager of Hastings Sunday. BOTH handle and attendance are down. There is a new HUGE casino opening about 5 miles away with NO slots in sight there: no construction going on to accomodate them even though the B.C. Supreme court has ruled against a group with an injunction against them. Their point of view? There will be gambling in their neighborhood!! Like people who move next to an airport and then bitch about it, the track has been there since the late 1800's where gambling has been going on and the community, if it were ever going to change, would have done so a long time ago.

The VLT's here in Alberta are omnipresent.

OTB owners use them to pay the rent. The provincial government is addicted to them as well. And, some people can't stay away from them.

As a horse player I have no interest in them, thankfully. They are insidiously addictive. I can understand B.C. not wanting them - it's just sad to see racing going down the drain because Hastings is a good product.

I see one of their best trainers is now at Woodbine - Terry Jordan.

fffastt