Thaskalos needs handicapping software advice - Horse Racing Forum - PaceAdvantage.Com

thaskalos · 12-01-2023, 02:48 AM

I am a total neophyte when it comes to using commercial handicapping software, but I have finally reached a point where I am tired of all the handicapping calculations that I do on my $9.99 Walgreens calculator. And I am wondering what the best "automated" handicapping option is for a total computer neophyte like me. I am still willing to apply myself in the game, and I can withstand any reasonable learning curve that this new endeavor may require...but I don't want something that would make unreasonable demands of my time at this point of my life. I guess what I am looking for is some software that isn't too intimidating for the beginner at the start, which I could eventually get to grow into and become more comfortable with as time passes.

I know that similar questions as this have probably been asked many times here in the past, but I am not too handy with the search engine of this site. And I thank you in advance for any suggestions that you offer me.

Poindexter · 12-01-2023, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaskalos

I am a total neophyte when it comes to using commercial handicapping software, but I have finally reached a point where I am tired of all the handicapping calculations that I do on my $9.99 Walgreens calculator. And I am wondering what the best "automated" handicapping option is for a total computer neophyte like me. I am still willing to apply myself in the game, and I can withstand any reasonable learning curve that this new endeavor may require...but I don't want something that would make unreasonable demands of my time at this point of my life. I guess what I am looking for is some software that isn't too intimidating for the beginner at the start, which I could eventually get to grow into and become more comfortable with as time passes.

I know that similar questions as this have probably been asked many times here in the past, but I am not too handy with the search engine of this site. And I thank you in advance for any suggestions that you offer me.

As a fellow neophyte, had a similar discussion in the rookie question thread. Your post is not very clear on what types of calculations you make (writing an excel program took me maybe an hour and now I just enter data to get the output I need). I assume you can do similar. If you are doing Sartin stuff I am sure there is software out there that can help you. I would talk to Ted Chervin (spelling ?). If you are doing anything else (home grown calculations) I think excel might be your best bet. Also see my last post about being able to use voice dictation to enter data. But your post is too vague for anyone to really respond to imo.

As far as software is concerned, I don't use software but both Jeff Platt and Dave Schwartz supposedly have excellent software and I would talk to them about what you might be looking for and whether they can help you.

Tom · 12-01-2023, 05:51 PM

Depending on your budget and level of play, I suggest looking at HTR.
You have a multitude of screens you can use. Ithas the Brohamer style pace ratings, it has Quirin style pace and speed fig, it has a multitude of text files you can download to a database, and last I knew, you got the cjarts for every track every day in comma files. And a robot function that lets you test factor or spot plays. Start with what you are familiar with and add as you go. There are a lot of reports that will tell you what is winning and where.

And a discussion boarsd with lots of people eager to help, and a monthly newsletter and years of back issue on the net.

I have been gone for 6 years now, so knowing Ken, they are light years ahead of what I remember.

http://htr2.com/km/index.htm

PaceAdvantage · 12-01-2023, 07:47 PM

HTR isn't a bad choice, especially for a software neophyte.

I would also suggest checking out Dave's HSH and also Jeff's Jcapper. I mention Jcapper because that's the only one of the three I have never used and I selfishly want to hear what you think of it...lol

Saratoga · 12-01-2023, 08:47 PM

All 3 are fine but the learning curve will take you 3-6 months...

davew · 12-02-2023, 12:39 AM

do you like the results of your calculations and want them automated so you can download a card and get your numbers?

or do you want to learn something new?

Jeff P · 12-02-2023, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davew

do you like the results of your calculations and want them automated so you can download a card and get your numbers?

or do you want to learn something new?

Imo, the bolded part is a great question.

-jp
.

JustRalph · 12-02-2023, 08:57 AM

Maybe look at Ted Craven’s stuff too

RDSS

https://www.trackmaster.com/products...20deceleration.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these mentions.

It’s just the learning curve and amount of time you want to invest.

Ted · 12-02-2023, 07:29 PM

I do not knw where you get your data from or if any of it is proprietary. If it is standard data which you might get from DRF. If what you are doing works for you, you might want to take a look at the Alldata Excel project.

https://alldataexcel.weebly.com/

I think the spreadsheet comes with some sample data and results files so you can test what you are doing now. It works with BRIS drf and jcp files.

If you are happy with what you are doing, it is an option to take a llok at.

atlasaxis · 12-02-2023, 09:52 PM

Why start from scratch when you already have something that's been working for you all these years. Just find someone to automate your calculations and all you have to do is download the data to the software that they've created.

Saratoga · 12-03-2023, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted

I do not knw where you get your data from or if any of it is proprietary. If it is standard data which you might get from DRF. If what you are doing works for you, you might want to take a look at the Alldata Excel project.

https://alldataexcel.weebly.com/

I think the spreadsheet comes with some sample data and results files so you can test what you are doing now. It works with BRIS drf and jcp files.

If you are happy with what you are doing, it is an option to take a llok at.

I totally agree if you know Excel.....

Data is easily loaded and you can make your own calculations on a new sheet

Look at how decent the PP's look too.....

You can link these cells in your own calcs

crestridge · 12-03-2023, 06:44 PM

I'm exceedingly biased, I have no ax to grind, but JCapper can give you a HTML report, PP's, many options for data search, but can also with a press of the button get scratches. But to optimize the software, and learn what Jeff is doing, yes, requires a big learning curve. All who are functional at programing would be eager with this tool. I'm not comfortable with programing, but there's enough structure even without progaming.

But I kinda go along with others, a Excxel design to place your already system/method to cut back on calculations by hand, would probably "fit" you nicely.