Using HTR

[JimG]

It seems to me most on this board use HTR coupled with a database. When I use HTR, I have found downloading the quick picks (1 page report) and supplement with my own handicapping works well.

Just wondering, how do others use HTR?

Jim

[Donnie]

I could be wrong Jim, but I think the dbase users are actually in the minority! I don't know the total number of subscribers, but seems a handfull post here! And I know there are many more who don't post at all!

Some folks use the dbase to help make selections, others use the dbase to confirm selection criteria. And some, like yourself do rather well with the program just how it sits!!

This is the only program on the market that I know of that allows subscribers access to the raw data...very nice for the enterprising handicapper!

Ken is pretty gutsy in that approach! You gotta admire that!

[George]

Jim......that is a little difficult to answer as I use it in many ways. One of thee original MPH testers, Ernie, once described HTR as consisting of many different information windows. Part of getting the most out of HTR is knowing which windows are important for the type of race you are working.

I am one of the db users who run several spot plays every day. I do this mostly because the computer does a better job of scanning all tracks for these plays errorlessly than I can. It also does it a heckuva lot quicker than I can.

On days (mostly weekends) when I have time, really enjoy using Ernie's information windows. I use HTR velocity screen and pscan screen priimarily. Also view the race thru IMPACT and PRAT. Usually peek at it with TLC also. After I get the feel of the race from the above a hard look at the PP lines thru screen five is in order.

Final check is the KEY RACE info on the tandem screen. By then I either have a clear picture of the race or am on info overload. If overload I pass the race.

I also like to check the quick picks if playing exacta's. If playing straight bets seldom look at quick picks. Hope the above gives a small overview of how I use HTR.

[JimG]

Donnie: Appreciate the response...but generally speaking..how do you use the program?


George: Great response and much appreciated! It is interesting to me to know how different folks approach the races with the software.

Jim

[Glen]

Jim,

Think Donnie is right about Access users...My guess is that only 10% to 15% of users use Access. If you make it out to Vegas, you will find that only a few utilize it.

As far as KM Quick picks, you don't wan't to use real money on Ken's picks. That is just random number generation...Best to roll 8 or 9 sided dice, depending on field size...Actually, KM Quick Picks is based on % of Probability. The most accurate selector factor in HTR. A good start. What you need my man is the ole Stardust program. Send me an email to
love_glen@hotmail.com and we'll get you hooked up.

[JimG]

Thanks for the reply Glen...and I sent you an e-mail.


Jim

[Carl]

Jim,

First, a warning, the following is from one of the 15% db guys. Just want to let you know why I do what I do, and why I do not/will not bet any horses my db does not spit out at me.

I've been with HTR for a year and a half now, and one of the things I have found out is just how bad a handicapper I am. I always suspected I was bad (had been going to the races for 35 years, never had a winning year till I got HTR), but never had proof before, I think I just kinda thought I was "supposed" to lose.

If anyone thinks I am just "bragging" about how bad I am, just check out my picks under "selections" in our recent t-shirt contest. 0-fer-20, and don't even remember hitting the board..... And Glen can tell you about my style playing horses without access db last year in Vagas. I would have a few glasses of wine and play post positions.

So that is why I do db capping. Frankly, I stink otherwise. When I try to do "serious capping" it seems like first I think too much, and then I second guess my thinking, then I get more mixed up. (Not quite the process George describes above hehe.)

I think HTR has good numbers, but even that can't help me.

Re-reading this, it is a pretty "duh" post, but I'll post it anyway, because that's how it is for me.

And I really enjoy working with the db developing plays, and maybe that is the only important part for any of us, that with HTR I/we can handicap in a way that is enjoyable (and in my case has turned out to be profitable as well--which may be what makes it enjoyable or maybe a side benefit, I donno.)

later,
Carl

[MikeDee]

Jim most of the frequent posters on the board are also the access users. There are many HTR players that use the HTR program, they just don't run at the mouth like us dbers'.

I have become a early speed player, resisted it for some time, because I always liked the come from behind types, but finally accepted the fact that a runner that gets on the lead uncontested has a real advantage. May not win but has a very good chance to finish ITM and thus a contender for exoctics. Like Ken said last year at the seminar, sooner or later a front runner will find a field he can beat.

If I can't find a espeed runner with a advantage I pass the race, when I do I key it the exoctics with the other top htr runners. Like Pow, ppscan, K, and trainer. Not really a system sorta handicapping with the HTR factors, odds and looking for value plays.

[hurrikane]

Jim. thought I should check in though I'm really a novice at HTR. Only here since Oct. I am a db guy but incorporate it in my regular handicapping which was base on speed and trainers before HTR. I mostly use the db to run ideas around and look for what is working where. Last meet at HAW I was completely dumbfounded and went 58-2 before I threw the track away. This meet I am kicking butt...(now that's a statement to make if I want to start losing). I don't know if it is because I've gotten better with HTR or learned so much from the people up here.

As for what I do,

My db kicks out spot plays I make every day..without looking at the race.
Then it kicks out races where horses have an advantage..ie lone e/f horses, K1, false favorite, JT matchups etc etc. These races I handicap if I have the time.

Not knowing a lot about all the fields in HTR I use a lot of PRAT. I will use the trainer and jtcombo screens and always look at the alerts screen. For me though..the greatest piece is the modeler. It tells me whats happening at certain tracks. I had a great time at FG just wheeling the the MLO horses with some other picks only because the modeler was showing a huge winning in the exotics with the top 4 MLO.

Perhaps the biggest piece Ken had added since I came in and that I think has added to everyones ROI is impact. Still working with the numbers and finding plays with nRES diff >=10 just like nESD >=10.

I use the TLC program but only because it give jockey changes, claims and moves in class that don't pop out in HTR..at least not that I know about.

I peronsally am looking forward to LV to learn what all the other screens are about.

One thing I will say about me..I have learned much more from the people up here than I would have ever learned on my own. Need these other lurkers to start putting in thier 2 cents worth. I haven't seen anyone beet down the odds..well except George and he was usually on the horse before anyone else.

:o :o

[Glen]

Yeah Carl, that was funny. The desk jockeys behind the windows would'nt give you a free DRF. So you had to resort to post position exacta boxes. IF I recall, it worked out well for ya.

MikeD is right about us dB users being blabber mouths on this board. Think that is what happens to us dB users chugging and plugging too much time into the PC. Also think that 80% of the HTR users don't post or view the board. They prob have better things to do...

Man, you guys sure do a lot of stuff for daily play. Make me feel like a wee boy...

[Carl]

Ah yes, good old Belagios. Funny how Rhoda was able to go to the counter and get a free form no problemo, then I went up and tried to get one and they wanted to charge me two bucks.

Vegas, whatta place. Guess it helps to be drop dead gorgeous and be able to bat those baby browns? (Mind you, she don't pick horses bad either. Maybe the the "guarder of the Racing Forms" guy was looking at that?! You never know.......but I suspect....)

Later,
Carl (Looking forward to Vegas)