Quote:
Originally Posted by JJMartin
I think a lot of people are too lazy to learn how to use it and/or they perceive the level of complexity to be beyond their ability to comprehend.
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If you think of the it as a program that allows users to create their own methods for data mining, then it becomes an invaluable tool. I feel that most are looking for a plug and play program that gives you the answer without any work.
The basic methods included in the program are ok, but it was not until I started to build my own columns with logic steps built and incorporate them into methods that I really started to turn the corner. You have to think of how you attack a specific type of race and then build columns that think like you do and then build methods specific for those type of races.
I try to break the whole thing down into objective data vs subjective data.
Obj data is weight,days since last race, trainer roi etc. Subjective data would include pace, class, etc.
After building all the methods, I then mine my db (which I have tuned for the condition book timings rather full histories) looking for factors that are significant for the type of race. Once these factors are found I then take those factors and build the final method for the specific type of race.
I tune using Fast for surface, Distance specific and I use Race Grade.
If the surface is off, then I have built a pace specific modeling method just for the surface.
The secret that I have found is to use methods to build methods. So at the end I will have 18 methods that get tuned into 4 methods that then get tuned into a final method that I use with Live Tote to look for holes in the public.
If you think of the program as tool to help you program your methods then it is an invaluable tool. If you think of it as Black Box type that will give the answers hands free, then it will probably leave you wanting.
I started using it because I wanted to full trust the integrity of the data and the only way that I could do that was by building my own data mining tools.
There are a lot of programs that give you the information but understanding where it comes from is what I was looking for. I wanted to unmask the wizard behind the curtain and feel that I have done so.