FREE Handicapping Software Now Available!
TSN, the Online Racing Authority, is pleased to announce a trio of the
best software programs on the market today! Two new handicapping
packages, Millennium and ProCaps, will assist handicappers in selecting
more winners, and at the same time, both can be used in conjuction with
TSN Past Performance Software to print professional past performances
from the comfort of home.
MILLENNIUM
TSN and Frandsen Publishing, the makers of ALL-Ways handicapping software,
are providing Millennium FREE of charge to all Turfclub members. Millennium
considers 71 comprehensive factors in determining each horse's suitability
to the distance and surface. This exciting new software maintains Pace
and Speed Pars for every track and type of race, as well as calculates
impact values and ROI for all factors considered.
Exotic Strategies
Millennium maintains separate Track Profiles and Track Models for win and
place horses. The Dangerous Non-Contender List spots longshots that cause
exotic payoffs to skyrocket while the Top3 Analysis identifies the most
predictive factors for spotting place and show horses. With the simple
click of the mouse, Millennium allows the user to create Handicapping
Profiles aimed at finding the most likely place and show horses in addition
to the winner. The Database Run Analysis displays the average payoff
and ROI for 29 different kinds of multiple combination wagers on exacta,
trifectas, doubles and pick threes. Users will know how deep to go to
optimize exotic wagers.
Value-Added Information
Millennium players will have access to TSN Pace, Class and Speed Ratings,
Brohamer/Sartin Compound Pace Ratings, Track Models, Percent Early Pace and
ESP Running Styles, Hambleton/Sartin Total Pace Ratings, Hambleton Form
Points, Quirin Race Shapes, Scott Ability Times and many more powerful
ratings. Users also gain the new Hall Pace and Speed Ratings which
project a horse's performance against pars at today's distance, surface,
class level and age/sex restrictions.
Powerful Reports
Millennium handicapping reports are presented in the context of today's
race, including projected ESP Race Shape, pace and speed figures and
running styles of the entrants.
Users can choose any combination of the following reports:
1. Contender Summary and Exacta Matrix
2. Paceline/Oddsline Report
3. All Factors Report
4. Past Performance Report
5. Track Bias and Jockey/Trainer Report
6. Suitability and Pedigree Report
7. Form Analysis Figures
8. Pace Past Performance Report
9. Dangerous Non-Contender List
Try It Today
Take advantage of Millennium, valued at over $1,000, absolutely FREE and
download the Millennium datafiles, regularly priced at $14, for the
introductory price of only $7 through July 31, 1997!
PROCAPS
Solidly grounded in the roots of pace handicapping, ProCaps is an
easy-to-use program which can help all levels of horseplayers pick more
winners. ProCaps allows users to view each race in a multitude of ways,
and handicapping factors can be re-sorted at the touch of a keystroke.
Handicapping Features
Users can define the criteria used in the automated paceline selection
processs, or they can choose the manual override feature to select
different paceline(s).
Utilizing the predictive power of the TSN Pace/Speed Ratings and a host
of other handicapping factors, ProCaps generates a value oddsline for
every horse in each race. Users can compare the ProCaps Line to the
Official Morning Line Odds and spot potential overlays.
Sure to be one of its most popular features, the ProCaps Exotic Wagering
"Models" display win percentage and ROI for assorted WIN, EXACTA,
QUINELLA and TRIFECTA plays. Separate models are maintained for each
track/distance/surface/class combination.
Introductory Low Price
Turfclub members can try out the new ProCaps software by downloading the
ProCaps datafiles for only $2 per card now through July 31, 1997. Regularly
priced at $5 per card, the ProCaps datafiles are available at the
introductory price so users can discover the attributes of this
professional handicapping package.
TSN PAST PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE
Not only does Millennium and ProCaps offer the ability to analyze the
races and select more winners, but the datafiles used for both programs
work with the new TSN Past Performance Software. Turfclub members can now
create, view and print professional premier pp's, condensed pp's, and
early track programs from the convenience of their personal computer.
TSN Past Performance Software is ideal for handicappers, simulcast
players, and telephone betting account holders. Users will find it to be
the premier method of printing their own pp's, not to mention the most
affordable way. Some companies charge up to $99.95 just for the software
needed to use their files, but TSN Past Performance Software is FREE to
all Turfclub members.
Easy To Use
The new TSN software operates under the user-friendly Windows operating
system. Pull down menus and dialog boxes, along with interpretive screen
graphics, make running this software easy. A downloaded handicapping file,
containing official Equibase information and TSN value-added data, is
converted into past performances in just minutes.
Choice of Reports
TSN Past Performance Software allows the user to run several different
reports, including the Ultra Past Performances. The Ultra PP report
contains value-added information such as extended trainer and jockey stats,
TSN Race and Class Ratings, and pedigree information essential for
handicapping maiden, turf and two-year-old races. The Ultra PP report
also provides Track Bias statistics for the meet and the current week.
Perhaps the best edge a handicapper can possess is that offered with the
Ultra PP Race Summary in which the most important information is neatly
summarized and placed in an easy-to-read chart which helps create a visual
image of how the race is likely to be run today. The Millennium datafile
is required to produce the Ultra PP report. With the Pace Selector or
ProCaps datafile, the user can view and print off the early track
program, Premier Past Performances, and the Condensed Past Performances.
The latter is exactly what the name implies -- pp's in a condensed format.
The Condensed Past Performances provide a wealth of information with an
entire race printing on only one page!
The Premier PP report is a traditional style past performance report. The
user is given the option of printing the last three, six or 10 past
performance lines. It also contains the TSN Pace and Speed Ratings and
an extensive workout history including the 12 most recent workouts.
The Early Track Program is popular because it contains information such
as program numbers, morning line odds, medication and jockey changes.
Download the software FREE from the internet at
http://www.tsnhorse.com A computer capable of running Windows 3.1 or
Windows 95, and at least 10 megabytes of free disk space, is required.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPERTOTE -- A Smashing Success!
LIVE ODDS from the comfort of your home available on the tracks you want,
when you want them! The new SuperTote has arrived and is available through
the TSN Turfclub or Clubhouse.
Simply enter either the Turfclub or Clubhouse and click on the SuperTote
banner. Then, choose the tracks of interest to you, entering a maximum of
five racetracks. Your personal SuperTote board will display the tracks
you've chosen. The SuperTote will show the track code, race number, listed
post time, actual minutes to post, and most importantly, the LIVE WIN ODDS
FOR EACH RUNNER.
Handicappers can also access the probable EXOTIC PAYOFFS, including
EXACTAS, QUINELLAS and DAILY DOUBLES, for the track of interest. The
SuperTote will display a user-friendly exacta matrix, while still listing
the win odds for each runner. Another single click gives the user
real-time RESULTS for the tracks selected on the SuperTote!
SuperTote features:
-------------------
* Customize your own in-house toteboard by selecting the tracks of interest.
* Timely data refreshes the odds board every 30 seconds.
* User-friendly menu allows you to add or delete tracks with a few
simple keystrokes.
* Exotic matrix plus Win odds provided all on one screen.
* Quick and timely access to Results.
* Unlimited around-the-clock usage through the Turfclub or Clubhouse.
Wagering from home has never been easier. A live toteboard with real time
odds is just a click away at www.tsnhorse.com!
----------------------------------------------
Handicapper's Edge in PDF
The nation's premier daily newsletter devoted exclusively to Thoroughbred
handicappers is now available in a new print version. PDF files, which are
viewed using the free Adobe Acrobat software, display the newsletter in an
easy-to-read print edition on fewer pages than the text version.
The FREE Handicapper's Edge daily newsletter offers many popular features,
including news, tracks at a glance, spot plays, weather forecasts, and
the Track Bandit's graded stakes analysis and selections.
The new PDF version of the Handicapper's Edge typically averages about
100,000 bytes so it is quick to download and print. It is available daily
after 11:00 p.m. at http://www.tsnhorse.com, and found by clicking on the
"Racing News" icon.
----------------------------------------------------------
Technical Talk
The following information is a quick tip for using Adobe Acrobat, the
necessary software for viewing and printing PDF files such as the
Handicapper's Edge, Premier PP's, Selection Sheets, the Traditional Program
and the Condensed Past Performances with Class Graph.
Q. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO PRINT THE PAST PERFORMANCES IN PDF FORMAT, MY LASER
PRINTER SEEMS SLOW PRINTING. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?
A. When the Adobe Acrobat software is installed with certain printers, the
software resolution defaults to 600 dpi (dots per inch). Under Printer
Setup, try lowering the resolution to 300 dpi. The past performances
should print much faster with a lower resolution. Also, some users have
upgraded their computer's RAM memory and/or their printer's memory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
TSN Testamonial - $2,613.80 Payoff
The following testamonial arrived via email from TSN Turfclub member
Dick Hudson:
Dear TSN,
I thought you would want to know that I hit the Pick Six at Santa Anita.
There was no complete six winners and I was paid as one of the five out
of six winners with a carryover to the next day.
What I feel you might find interesting is that I used only the TSN morning
line and KEYSTATS (Option C) in order to make my selections. I have done
very well with KEYSTATS over time and I find it to be the most information
for the money available anywhere. I boxed (two) fairly low dollar trifectas
on the same day but none of that compares to the $2,613.80 that I won on
an $8 Pick Six ticket: 2, 1-9, 7, 1-6, 5, 7. The last horse, #7, ran
second or I probably would be unable to email you from the Great
Paddock in the Sky.
Gratefully yours,
Dick Hudson
----------------------------------------------------------
A Checklist for Winners
By: Richard J. Nilsen
Thoroughbred handicapping is not a science but rather an art. Nor is
racing a spectator sport but rather a game where each one of us participates.
It is more than a numbers games because humans and animals are involved.
Experienced handicappers know all of this, but many times, we fall into the
trap of looking for the "magical" number or method to produce winners. There
is no such thing. Playing the horse with the fastest fig last race will not
work. Playing a certain post position will not work.
What works is having a proper procedure for handicapping the races. What I
present here is a suggested five-point checklist.
DISTANCE/SURFACE
----------------
One of the most underrated, yet one of the most relevant factors with
horses is the distance of the race. Just like Olympic runners, horses
have their own preferred distances. One of the biggest traps that
handicappers fall into involves subtle differences in distance, e.g. six
furlongs versus 6 1/2 furlongs.
These "small" changes in distance can be extremely important. The Kentucky
Derby (G1) highlights this fact every year. Horses who win going away at
nine furlongs, are sometimes found huffing-and-puffing at the Derby's 10
furlongs.
The surface of the race can be just as important, be it the turf or an
"off" track. How a horse will perform at six furlongs on a fast track may
be quite contrary to how he will run at seven furlongs on an "off" track.
This may be obvious to the veteran players, but one of the first questions
a handicapper should ask is, "Is this horse suited to the distance and
surface of this race?" If not, we are probably looking at a vulnerable
runner.
ABILITY
-------
Is this horse capable of winning this race? Has he already been defeated
numerous times under the same race conditions? For example, if this is an
allowance race for "non-winners of one other than," check to see how often
the horse has lost this race.
In my opinion, if a horse has lost this type of race five or more times,
chances are he will not win today. It would take some type of serious
change, for example a trainer switch, for me to consider this type of horse.
Proven losers are bad bets.
On the same thought, we must ask, "Is this horse fast enough?" The TSN
Speed Ratings, available in Keystats and Premier PP's, are essential to
indentifying contenders and pretenders. Remember to keep in mind the
distance and surface when analyzing speed figures. So what if the horse
ran a 45 on the turf his last out; today, he is going six furlongs on the
dirt.
Improving form is another essential factor. A horse may be a couple of
points slower than other rivals, but if the horse has undergone a positive
change (e.g. returned sharper since a layoff), he may be fast enough to
win today.
CONNECTIONS
-----------
Both the trainer and jockey are important, although the trainer has a much
stronger influence on the outcome. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of
the conditioners at the track is of extreme importance to serious
handicappers. When runners change barns, via a claim or just a trainer
switch, they will usually either improve or decline in form. Predicting
this beforehand can give the handicapper a tremendous advantage. Trainers
specialize with certain manuevers. Take the California trainer Wallace
Dollase, for instance. According to Track Stats 1996, this trainer is 0%
since 1994 with first-time starters.
Hold on to your chair. Dollase is a 42% winner at a flat-bet profit with
second-time starters! His runners are not pushed in their debuts, but they
are ready to fire in their second starts. Knowing this type of information
is essential to the horseplayer.
Jockeys are very important when it comes to rider switches and running
styles. Certain jockeys tend to perform well when riding horses with a
particular running style. Make it a point to notice how the jockeys on
your circuit are winning. Are most of the wire-to-wire winners ridden by
only a handful of jockeys? This is important to know when analyzing rider
switches. Some of the best longshot winners have been a result of a
positive switch to a jockey who best utilized the horse's running style.
PACE AND TRACK BIAS
-------------------
The pace scenario of the race in question and the prevailing track bias
go hand-in-hand. Handicappers should be in tune to the general bias at the
track from their own notes and observations or from reliable sources such as
online reports. In other words, what type of running style and post position
is preferred for this race?
Serious handicappers will compare this knowledge to the recent track bias.
If anything has changed within the recent week, they will compensate for
this change. The Track Bias Stats found in Keystats provide such an analysis
for both the meet and the most recent week.
Horseplayers should analyze each horse's running style in respect to the
track bias and the expected pace scenario. Is there a lone speed horse on
this speed-biased racetrack? If closers are winning, then who has the best
closing kick? There are numerous scenarios, but the point is clear:
Compare the horses in the race to what is winning on this racetrack.
VALUE
-----
Finally, demand value at the windows and don't opt for a horse just because
he is lower odds. An online subscriber recently told me that he found an
outstanding longshot at Keeneland, based on solid trainer stats, but he
used the horse underneath in the exactas. Who did he use on top? The
favorite who was ridden by Pat Day because he felt that this horse would
probably win. Of course, the longshot romped and Day's horse finished second.
This fellow failed to cash on the race, even though he pinpointed an
excellent longshot. He just failed to have conviction and bet properly.
In summary, a BEST BET will pass the following checklist:
1 - Is suited to the DISTANCE and SURFACE.
2 - Shows the ABILITY to win today's race.
3 - Has positive connections, especially in regards to the TRAINER.
4 - Fits the PACE scenario and TRACK BIAS.
5 - Offers VALUE on the tote board.
** The HANDICAPPER'S EDGE runs a handicapping article every Wednesday. If
you have any questions, comments or suggestions for future topics, please
email me at Rnilsen@TSNHorse.com
------------------------------------------------------
Handicapper's Answer Book
TRACK STATS 1997
"This racing fan has found it an invaluable tool. The handbook compiles
statistics on the human and equine players in the sport that can be a major
boost to your daily handicapping efforts."
John Asher
Eclipse Award winning broadcaster
The popular statistical guide TRACK STATS from Thoroughbred Sports Network
has been updated for 1997. You'll love the new, updated guide because
TRACK STATS 1997 has been enhanced with some of the following additions:
* SPEED RATING PARS -- Broken down for age/class/sex/distance.
* "OFF" track analysis (best posts/runstyle) in TRACK BIAS!
* TRAINER/JOCKEY combos in a easy-to-reference section of its own -- the
best and worst on the circuit!
* New JOCKEY STATS -- including OFF tracks, Best Running Style, Favorites
and Longshots!
The Handicapper's Answer Book, TRACK STATS 1997, remains at $24.95 for each
circuit plus $5 shipping and handling per order. Make your reservations now
and save on shipping by ordering more than one edition. Call TSN at
1-800-876-0330 today, or send or fax the order form below! Turfclub members
can also charge any orders to their internet through the TSN bookstore on
the web page.
TRACK STATS 1997 ORDER FORM
Fax (606) 223-1854
Please send me the following editions at $24.95 each (plus $5 shipping and
handling per order):
__ Florida (GP, CRC, HIA, TAM) __ Maryland (LRL, PIM)
__Del/Penn (DEL, PEN, PHA) __ New Jersey (ATL,GS,MED,MTH)
__ Illinois (AP, HAW, SPT) __ NEW YORK (AQU, BEL, SAR)
__ Kentucky (CD, ELP, KEE, TP) __ Northern Cal. (BM, GG)
__ Louisiana/Ark. (FG, LAD, OP)__ Southern Cal. (DMR, HOL, SA)
__ Enclosed in a check (made out to Thoroughbred Sports Network
Charge my credit card: __ AMEX __ MC __ VISA __ DISCOVER
_______________________________________ EXP. ______________
Send to:
NAME ______________________________________
ADDRESS ___________________________________
___________________________________________
PHONE ( )______________________________
One Book = $29.95 Two Books = $54.90 Three Books = $79.85
First Time Track Stats Buyer? __ Yes __ No
MAIL TO: TSN * 801 Corporate Dr * Suite 210 * Lexington KY 40544
FAX TO: (606) 223-1854