Com Charts

[km]

Use this space for comments, info and feedback regarding the new Comma-Delimited Charts files.

[dehere]

A question about the export. Why was the abbreviated version of the trouble line/trip note included rather than the long (and more descriptive) version?

[km]

H' if you are referring to the "Comment Line" in the Com Chart files, it is the same 22 char summary type trip note we get throughout HTR2 pps. I don't think it matches our text charts, which also includes "ridden by <jockeyname>..", etc.

[dehere]

Ken, yes, that was what I was referring to, but my question was whether we could get the longer comment line that now appears at the bottom of the charts printout that is already available in the HTR program? It is much more descriptive and represents a primary reason why I look at charts when handicapping a race. Among other things I like is that it includes notations of ground loss on turns. Or am I being greedy?

[Ron Tiller]

I left the longer version of the comment line out because Equibase has indicated they are looking at discontinuing it. If there is enough interest, I can put it in, with the proviso that it may go away at some point. I've already lobbied to keep it but I don't know their long term plans.

I also left 2 other data elements out that bear an explanation.

1. The race footnotes - these are the verbose comments, published in paragraph form detailing how the race was run. These comments are linked to the race, not individual horses. Because they are so verbose (the longest in the database would take 70 250 character fields to contain), they cannot fit in a single file comma delimited chart. If we are going to 3 or 4 or 5 files per chart, then we would be making a completely different product, a product Ken and I decided against.

2. The complete text of the race conditions. The same considerations apply here.

Ron Tiller
HDW

[dehere]

Ron, thanks for the reply. The omission of the complete text for race conditions is no big deal - we can grab that information from the HX_3 table if we want it.

I am not sure whether the information I hoped to get for the comment line is the longer comment that you mention and that could be included or the race footnotes or is part of the race "footnote" which you indicate cannot be included.

I have included a copy of a charts file that is now included in HTR. The stuff I would like to get is the line for "Whiskey Park" that reads "quickly in front, set pace inside, drew clear when roused" at the bottom of the page. If it is impossible to get that stuff then cool, but if it is possible, even for a limited time, I would like to get it.

[BillW]

If there is enough interest, I can put it in, with the proviso that it may go away at some point.


Leaving it in gets my vote.

Bill

[dehere]

Well, since I posted the initial database that I prepared for this charts thing it makes sense to post the latest version. Again, the link to the location of the database which you need to download to use my work is as follows.

www.webontherun.net/horseracing/

What is now posted is quite a bit different from the original database. I have fixed some of the spec notations so that, among other things, the date components are now input with a date/time format rather than a text format. Mostly, though, the new database includes several additional queries and reports (and subreports).

The primary report which is included, which is labeled “Charts Report” is set up so that you can grab an enhanced race chart for a specific race. Therefore, you need to select the track, date and race of the chart that you want before getting the report.

I have posted a sample copy of what you will get once you populate the database with data. One of the nifty things which is included in this chart report is a listing of what each horse has done since the charted race took place. Check out the bottom of the enclosed attachment to see the type of information you will get. Rumor has it that Ken’s new HTR program will automate this stuff, but its in the chart report in case you want it.

Before using this thing you will need to population the charts download from the new comma delimited data. Also, because a lot of the information in the chart report is grabbed from historic HX3, HX4 and HX7 tables you also need to input that data into the database. I have labeled those “all” files as noted above.

Anyway, let me know if you have questions or whatever - I hope this does someone some good.

[tbrown]

Excellant chart!
I love the ability to now trace future perfomrances - the old key race idea.

[DanG]

Henry,

Thanks for posting that PDF.

Very encouraging that this information will be retrievable.

The timing is also a pleasant surprise. With Equibase seemingly making it more difficult to access and store chart data I didn’t see this option coming.

Hats off to Ron, Ken, all the beta testers and Henry for taking the lead.

Just think; we haven’t even seen Ken’s update yet!:D

[Mike T]

Ken,

Can you set me up for access as well?

Thanks.

[dehere]

I've continued to play with my charts report and am about finished (for the time being). I still have some things to clean up with respect to the internal fractions but I should have a completed report by the seminar next Wednesday. I'll bring along a copy with me in case anyone is interested in grabbing the thing. I've posted a sample of what the current report looks like and includes.

Here's the problem I am having and would appreciate help on in case someone wants to spend some time with this. I am trying to get internal fractions for every horse but am having difficulties because of different calls for different distances. I have ironed out lots of the problems with respect to the final call, but am having difficulty getting the correct data for the stretch call. I'd appreciate spending some quality "fix-it" time with anyone who might be able to help me with this.

Also, any input on ways to improve this thing would be appreciated.