HTR Seminar 2007

[km]

It's a long way off, but maybe some of you need this information early.

I just signed the contract for our seminar 2007.

Date: Wed July 25, 2007
Place: Gold Coast Hotel, Las Vegas

The GC tournament will be held a little later than usual in order to get both DMR and SAR tracks involved this time; contest dates July 26-28; so that is why our seminar date has been pushed back a bit.


BTW: i was invited to speak at the DRF Handicappers Expo in March as part of a "panel" on 'computer handicapping'. I thanked them for the invite, but turned it down. No way was i going to be a 5-8 minute sound bite in a "topic of their choosing" and then have them use it to sell DVDs later. If they had given me an hour to myself and allowed to select the topic, might have done it.

The Expo takes place March 1-4 at the Wynn, you can check DRF.com for more details. Cost is $499, Vegas room and transportation not included.

DRF is reaching out to computer handicappers now? Not likely. More probable they wanted something in their advertising for the DVD and tapes to proclaim the Expo featured "latest on computer handicapping from the industries top software developers". I can imagine the panel topic would have been something like "using computer to assist with Daily Racing Form handicapping".

We are competitors, the majority of HTR customers stop using the DRF, so i saw a conflict of interest as well. Not to mention that we have our own seminar every year that puts it all out on the table without the sales talk.

[Donnie]

......or maybe you are becoming a Force to be reckoned with.

"Luke, join me and together we will rule the universe!"

I would think that with the continued success of HTR at the different tournaments, their customers are asking for more computer insights.

Back to the topic.....will it be warm in Vegas at the end of July? :rolleyes: Brown?

[tomcat]

You are right. The drf is the most expensive newspaper in the world. I've seen
close to $5 in some places. I'm sure I havent bought one in 10-20 years. I remember
someone saying that track programs would outsell the drf 10-1.

[tbrown]

Close to $5.....yeah, $5.50 is close!:eek:
$5 is bottom line anywhere around here.

[DanG]

BTW: i was invited to speak at the DRF Handicappers Expo in March as part of a "panel" on 'computer handicapping'. I thanked them for the invite, but turned it down. No way was i going to be a 5-8 minute sound bite in a "topic of their choosing" and then have them use it to sell DVDs later. If they had given me an hour to myself and allowed to select the topic, might have done it.

The Expo takes place March 1-4 at the Wynn, you can check DRF.com for more details. Cost is $499, Vegas room and transportation not included.

DRF is reaching out to computer handicappers now? Not likely. More probable they wanted something in their advertising for the DVD and tapes to proclaim the Expo featured "latest on computer handicapping from the industries top software developers". I can imagine the panel topic would have been something like "using computer to assist with Daily Racing Form handicapping".

We are competitors, the majority of HTR customers stop using the DRF, so i saw a conflict of interest as well. Not to mention that we have our own seminar every year that puts it all out on the table without the sales talk.
Gee Ken;

I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to tell them all the virtues of Formulator. :eek: What a riot!

$5.50…Steve Crist will tell you it “should” cost even more. They get a discounted postal rate because they fall under a “news” classification and not a specialty service. That’s the only reason the print version has those 3 little blurbs of world news stuck on page 3.

[BillW]

Back to the topic.....will it be warm in Vegas at the end of July? :rolleyes: Brown?

Tom knows to leave the bunny slippers at home. :eek: :D

[Bob Stark]

Besides, the DRF info is not always correct. How many times have they
missed a blinkers on play? That puzzles me, don't the DRF get the same
info that we do from Equibase?

[BillW]

I just booked a flight from HOU for the Seminar. For you Houston guys - Southwest is currently running an $89 each way special HOU->LAS. I won't swear it's the best deal around (I didn't check with Wm. Shatner :D ) but it seems like a pretty good deal.

Bill

[AwolAtHTR]

Besides, the DRF info is not always correct. How many times have they
missed a blinkers on play? That puzzles me, don't the DRF get the same
info that we do from Equibase?

I have never used DRF but have read their TOS and noticed they said that the data is posted before the entries are drawn for the 'early' edition. They emphasize that the user must download the data AGAIN but was not clear when that should be to insure the latest/most valid data would be downloaded!!

just another reason, that I have confidence in HTR/HDW data because, I understand, that Ron will not post until data is '..ready..'. Of course, sometimes an error occurs and he is so good about posting a note on the HTR forum on the rare occasions that something went wrong.

duane

[dehere]

Duane - really? You have NEVER used DRF? Wow, what did you use before HTR?

[Donnie]

Booked my flight tonight. I'll be arriving early in the morning of the 24th, leaving midnight the following Monday.......already looking forward to this trip! Anyone who wants to meet on Tues the 24th to talk DB's, let me know!

[tommyc]

Gotcha....when can we meet to "cocktail" and talk about things OTHER then DB's...??

tommyc

[BillW]

I'll be arriving early in the morning of the 24th, leaving midnight the following Monday.......already looking forward to this trip!

Same here Donnie - always a nice get away. I'll be there the eve of the 23rd. I'll pass a phone No. along as we get closer.

Bill

[Donnie]

tommy....ummmm like POKER??? :D

[tommyc]

Donnie.....EXCELLENT train of thought ! :)

[HBee]

Cocktails sound good. I should be there Tuesday afternoon. Will we meet by the seminar room?

Herman

[lacky]

did somebody say poker?!:)

[Donnie]

Tommy....

I have seen your Poker-face at the tournament table.......

....may I make a suggestion......??.........


http://home.mchsi.com/~mrdon45/monster-masks.jpg


:D

[tommyc]

Hey...I kind'a like the mask on the left...the horny one. And the guy's gut fits me pretty good too....

Thanks !

[km]

Question came up about rooms at the Gold Coast for the seminar/tournament in another thread =

It was $39 for a room last year for contest players. They block a certain number of rooms for the tournament, but if you are not entered in the contest, no discount but the regular price is just $59/night (on-line booking). Rooms can be hard to get in July if you don't have an early reservation. So reserve your room by May if you are not going to enter the tourney.

http://www.goldcoastcasino.com/

A month before the seminar last year, Rick tried to book a room at the Gold Coast but they were full, so we put him up at the Orleans for about $89/night. He was not a contest entrant. Yet other people who entered the tournament, were able to call just a week or two ahead and get one of the blocked rooms.

[lacky]

so, assume i know nothing other than your probably NOT talking about a poker tournement.

what the buy in?

could i play without being laughed at?

nice thing about a tournament with no expectations is I would feel fine busting out.

Steve

[km]

Gold Coast Summer Classic July 26-28, 2007 - Horse Handicapping Tournament

Last year HTR players finished 1-2 and took home about $100,000

We hold the seminar the day before the contest.

WSOP usually taking place next door at the Rio during that same week.
Your choice Lacky, but the entry fee is a lot less at the Gold Coast ($400 vs. $10,000)!

The GC tourney was pushed back another week this year to accomodate Saratoga races during the contest. The WSOP probably begins the week before.

[lacky]

i'm not likely to miss the wsop main event for any reason. however, it runs july 6-17.

finding a poker tourniment to play while you guys play that would be more profitable in the long run. but playing a tournament in a game i've never played would be fun. I'll have to pull up the site and see if i can understand the basic rules.

I still believe in beginers luck

Steve

[lacky]

god, gold coast could at least post some rules. seeing a bunch of pictures of middle aged guys holding checks is nice and all, but doesn't explain much.


edit-is it about like this? https://www.nhcqualify.com/howtoplay.aspx

[dehere]

Lacky, watch out guy. Ask a question here about Gold Coast/Orleans events and you will find that you are talking to some real masters. A good bunch of us have competed at these events in the past, some much more successfully than others.

A good place to start is to look at past HTR newsletters for March/April, July/August and, I think September/October. There are some extensive discussions in these newsletters about preparation hints and after the fact war stories. I suspect a fairly complete set of rules are also included in at least a few of those newsletters.

Grab a cup of coffee - sit down with some newsletters and enjoy yourself.

[N1X]

i'm not likely to miss the wsop main event for any reason. however, it runs july 6-17.

finding a poker tourniment to play while you guys play that would be more profitable in the long run. but playing a tournament in a game i've never played would be fun. I'll have to pull up the site and see if i can understand the basic rules.

I still believe in beginers luck

Steve

Horse racing tournaments are fun, but there are a ton of them that aren't running during the WSOP. I might be able to pry myself away from the side action for one day for the seminar but
there's no way I'd make it to the tourny.

[AwolAtHTR]

Duane - really? You have NEVER used DRF? Wow, what did you use before HTR?

well Henry, I got a chuckle out of this misunderstanding.

what I shoulda said was '... I have never used the ON-LINE DRF...'

Once, I lived in downtown Reno and went to OTB to collect DRFs for a Beyer system that I was researching. So, my data cost for three forms was zero and I manually entered the data for over a month before accepting the method was a loser.

So, not only have I done some DRF handicapping/betting using the old fashioned PAPER but have spent a bit of time using it for research.

thanks for the laugh and for my lesson in composing thread replies.

[njcurveball]

Does anyone have the block code for the Gold Coast?

You cannot find out if they even have a tournament by calling the hotel and I usually get the entry forms in the mail a few weeks before the tourney.

I also cannot find an entry form on-line anywhere.

Any help is appreciated.


thanks,
Jim

[njcurveball]

I guess everything in Vegas happens last minute.

I have tried calling, Emailing, and anything else to get info on HOW to enter this tourney with no luck. I could reserve a room at the premium prices, but I figure it will be just a big hassle getting them to switch it with the right code when they figure it out.

I would like to plan a trip and make sure I get my vacation days approved at least a few months in advance.

Anyone who has a contact who will be helpful, please post here. Hopefully with so many HTR people in Vegas, I will pointed in the right direction.

thanks,
Jim

[MikeDee]

Right now all of the people you want to talk to are involved in the contest this weekend.

You might try again next week.

I think they have another event in May at the Orleans before the summer event at the gold coast. so they ma not be taking entries for the summer event yet.

The contest at the Gold Coast will be the Thur-Fri-sat after the seminar. I wouldn't worry about getting shut out. You have plenty of time to get your entry in and the discounted room.

The awards ceremony, payoffs and earlybird contest are done on Sunday Morning so you may want to schedule your flight Sunday afternoon or evening if possible.

[MikeDee]

here are some numbers you can try if you havn't already.

888-566-7223 info and registration for contests
www.coastrace.com
e-mail: contests@coastcasinos.net

[njcurveball]

I will try the number tonight Mike.

No luck with the Email

--- The message cannot be delivered to the following address. ---

contests@coastcasinos.net Mailbox unknown or not accepting mail.
550 contests@coastcasinos.net... No such user

thanks for your help,

Jim

[MikeDee]

mybad try

contest@coastcasinos.net

it's hell to get old

[njcurveball]

SPOT ON advice Mike! Thanks!

I finally got an Email reply today. Still haven't got a call back, but I think I am in the right place now.

Hope to see you in July!

Jim

[km]

They can be insufferable for getting news and info NJ. Usually they don't start taking registration for the Gold Coast until after April 1st. They send the brochure in May or June; so get on the mailing list and you'll get regular notices in the mail. They are not high-tech at all, the still prefer snail mail and telephone over email and on-line interaction.

We'll keep you updated on it here as the date nears.

[njcurveball]

Ken,

You have your finger on the pulse! I will probably be the first entry. LOL!

I will have to remind them that with flights needing to be booked and vacation schedules approved, 3 months is not a lot of lead time.

I am happy to get my vacation approved, so I want to make sure I have all the other T's crossed and I's dotted.


Jim

[tommyc]

NJ....I am still out here in Vegas and will be seeing the folks at the Gold Coast tomorrow. Post ur mailing info or email it to me at tommyc@airmail.net and I wl make sure to get it on their mailing list.

[njcurveball]

Thanks Tommy!

I got a reply using the number Mike gave me and will be making a call on Friday to put my entry in.

I have to strike while they are giving me the days off. ;-)

Hope to see you in July!

Jim

[Donnie]

Jim-
just make your plans....get the time off.....the tournament will happen! The seminar will definitely happen! Looking forward to meeting you! DanG, how are your plans coming along??

Tommy--
How is that poker-playing coming along out there? You got any plans for AP on April 7th? I may be heading to HAW this weekend for their 2-day shin-dig! Gotta get it cleared with the Boss first! They are having a WSH qualifier. Top 5 get a travel voucher for $500 and an entry into the WS. How far will the Mariah run on $500 of gas? I know a Lincoln Continential can make it to Florida and back on $500!!

[DanG]

DanG, how are your plans coming along??

Donnie…

Just how late in the game can I secure a seat?

Just like the last two years I won’t know until late. Remind Ken there is a beautiful conference room in Gainesville at the University of Florida that I know I can make!!!:D

I’m not worried about lodging, but I know Ken needs commitments within a reasonable time.

[Donnie]

Actually there is no need to reserve anything....but it's always nice to anticipate who you may meet. Even the tournament takes walkins. The seminar is open to the public, so KM does have people wandering in off the street. We always like to take a "show of hands" so we can get an accurate number for handout copies and such!

[DanG]

That’s what I wanted to hear… :)

Thanks Donnie!

[km]

Come as you are, last minute arrivals ok. We take a poll a few weeks before the seminar to give us some idea of what to prepare for, but our seminar has averaged 40-50 people for years, so we know what to expect. I make about 65 handouts to ensure everyone gets one.

Our conference room has 50 classroom style seats set up inititially, we did have an overflow a couple of years ago, so we steal chairs from next door. Everyone will be accomodated no matter what.

My contract with GC has the big tvs on live racing again this year during our meeting, and our seminar contest (first prize = $300) will included SAR and DMR races that day with interactive handicapping using new stuff we have learned that day.

[tommyc]

Donnie...my "Poker Week" is going really cool....reading poker books, playing one or two tournaments online each day and a live tournament at the Golden Nugget or Binions each night. Haven't won one yet but I think I'm playing pretty well, not making many mistakes and holding my own to now. The poker seminar I'm going to is Saturday after which I'll be heading home.....

Can't make AP....did register Rube and I for the online qualifier to qualify for the qualifier on April 7....we'll see how that goes.

GOOD LUCK at HAW.....Keep Firin' !

[lacky]

if you have any poker questions feel free to ask tommy.

[tommyc]

Appreciate it Lacky, nothing right now..............

[OPM]

Just noticed that the Gold Coast conflicts with the DMR tourney, will be a hard choice for sure.
Gupta

[tommyc]

DMR won't have Massa to expound or me to harass you.....be sure you consider that. :D

[OPM]

Just remember, I would've have won the last tourney if that f... horse who had an 8 L lead at the tos in a 5F race at 35-1 didn't lose........:D :D

[Donnie]

....and I won't be at DMR to pick your ass up off the floor as you writhe in pain like a little girl after another beaten nose! :D :eek:

[OPM]

How are EmD, they have it the same Sat. The got some young hotties at DMR that usu do the picking up:D :D except most of the time I end up in the dumpsters. I am making arrangements for Vegas, keeping my fingers crossed

[njcurveball]

I am IN!!!! :cool:

I am probably the earliest bird here, but I am all set to go now.

I should be arriving Sunday night to get a good nights sleep and then 2 days of fun!

I just remembered you CAN bet baseball in Vegas! OH BOY!!!! :D

Hope to see lots of you guys there. I am really looking forward too it!

Jim

[Donnie]

COOL BEANS Jim! But you will have to get to the back of the line! I have been ready for almost a month, and I am sure Ronnie Hopkins is way ahead of me!!

Looking forward to meeting you!

[dehere]

Ken (or anyone who knows) - what time in the morning do things get going at the seminar. I forget what time we got started. I'm thinking of flying in early on Wednesday and wonder how much I'll miss if I don't get there until around 11 am.

[km]

We start at 10am, but it goes all day and night until about 9pm. I'll post an itinerary and schedule in June.

[km]

Mel Moser joins our lineup at the seminar - he'll be presenting during our "tournament hour" on Wed afternoon. Check the 'Tournament Forum' herein for more info.

Thanks Mall!

[njcurveball]

Looks like the Aladdin is now a MUST destination for Vegas week!

http://baltimore.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=17904

[km]

Seminar Update (the newsletter this month will have this + more info)
May 6, 2007

If you plan to come to the seminar, but NOT take part in the tournament, make your reservations at the Gold Coast asap. Last year they sold out of the regular rooms by June1 because they block 200 rooms for tournament players.

You can book your room online for Tues - Thurs (July 24-26) for $59/night. A good deal, so i suggest you grab it now before availability goes down and prices go up.

https://reservations.synxis.com/LBE/rez.aspx?Hotel=11290&Chain=5325

Tournament players, book your room when you enter the contest. Be sure to reserve by June 15. I believe the rate is $49/night, iincluding Friday & Saturday when general rates double.

[njcurveball]

Ken,

I don't have the bill here, but I believe they charge me $59 for Thurs and $84 for Friday and Saturday.

That was the same bill as the one with the tourney entry, so I guess that is the tourney rate?

Jim

[Ron Tiller]

Well, I just booked a ticket and a room at the Gold Coast. Start collecting your rotten tomatos to throw at me - Ken gauarateed my safety. Feel free to bring any questions, comments, suggestions, slanderous rants, etc. At my last attendance a few years ago, TommyC and Gabby corrupted this poor innocent soul beyond repair - only the moderating influence of Wes Burquest has kept me on the straight and narrow path.

Ron Tiller
HDW

[tommyc]

ALRIGHT !! It HAS been a few years.....and now time for "booster shots" of adult beverages to allow you to swerve on that stately Burquest path......:rolleyes:


Can't wait to see ya'....... !

tommyc

[njcurveball]

Great to hear you are coming Ron!

We may kid you on here, but we all appreciate what you do.

Jim

[Bob]

...but I am grabbing the time from my schedule to come to the seminar in July!

I own 10 restaurants and, not complaining, well mayble a little :), but they have been absorbing all my time the last year.

I do want to let everyone know that I still read all your posts, continue to learn much, and enjoy them immensly(sp)! I just hope that I can start contributing (paying you back) soon.

So Ken, put me down! Looking forward to it!

[DanG]

...but I am grabbing the time from my schedule to come to the seminar in July!

I own 10 restaurants and, not complaining, well mayble a little :), but they have been absorbing all my time the last year.
Bob,

The fact that you have posted 57 times puts you in the Guinness Book for people involved with more than 9 restaurants. (I’m being serious!)

As a former member / “slave”;) of the industry…A sincere salute to you and yours! :)

[burk]

Ron, Sorry I didn't see your post until today. I believe you are being overly generous. I am not sure that "moderate"and Burquest go together. And Tommy, stately cannot be attributed to me unless I am in disguise.

[Bob]

...Been a "slave for 26 years" in September...loved "almost" every minute of it!

I re-read my post and I came off sounding like I was bragging by mentioning that I owned 10 restaurants but I didn't mean to, believe me. These days, you have to own multiple locations in order to make a decent living!

Thanks again for your comments! I love reading yours and everyones posts...helps keep me in touch with this great sport!

[Donnie]

Hey Bob! Glad to hear you'll be at the seminar! Let's be sure to hook up for a drink or two. Anyone paying attention would know from your previous posts you were in the restaurant business as an owner/operator. Anyone who thinks that is an easy position, I dare them to try! Kudos to you! See you in July!

[OPM]

I'll be there. I was looking for cheap flights, found one for $29 and in my haste, booked the wrong dates:confused: Do you think I should pay the $75 change fee:D

[km]

That's terrific Dr. Gu !

I'm so glad you are coming. I knew Mall would have drawing power :)

[Mall]

Don't blame this on me Kardiac Ken. Ge: Isn't the logical solution to go the weekend you've already booked, and then again the weekend of the contest? That way you'll win twice as much moolah. Speaking of (wrong) dates, the NHC's site and an email they sent a colleague indicate that while they haven't finalized a location, they have scheduled the contest for 1/25-26. Those are two of the same days the WS will be taking place, according to coastrace.com. Given that I haven't qualified for either, it might be presumptous on my part to be thinking along these lines, but one possible solution might be to engage a van to shuttle HTR players between the two sites in between races. Of course, the key will be finding someone who has experience as a getaway driver for bank jobs, or on the Nascar Circuit, to do the driving.

[km]

We will be having our annual 'eve of the seminar meeting' at 8pm next to the seminar room upstairs in the conference/tournament room section of the Gold Coast. Just go up the elevator - we'll be right there at the top.

This happens a week from today (Tuesday July 24) - 8pm-9pm

This is mandatory rehearsal call for =

Ernie
Ricks
Donnie
Mel
Herman
Ron
Tommy
Paris

Everyone else is invited if you are around that night, come up and say hello

[tommyc]

Forget Ron and Donnie, PARIS !!! Alright Ken, don't know how u talked her into showing up but I'm a HUGE fan...I'll be there early.... !!!!!!!!

tommyc

[Donnie]

...pipe dreams, Tommy. Pipe dreams.....:D

[Blueboy]

Can anyone attend the seminar? Do you need to bring a computer? What exactly will take place? What are the exact dates and time? I'm not currently using HTR. Does that matter?

I'm in Vegas, so I'd like to stop by.

Thanks

[Rick]

Everyone is welcome to attend. You don't have to be an HTR user.

Read page 2 of the May/Jun 2007 Newsletter (http://www.homebased2.com/km/pdf/HTRReport-MayJun07.pdf) for more detail.

[Mall]

That's the only hint I'm prepared to offer until Wed regarding the new venue for the NHC Blueboy, but I am willing to guarantee that if you come to the seminar, you will hear at least one or two things about contests that you won't hear anywhere else. Hope you can make it.

[Rick]

HTR2 Upgrade - Seminar (July 25) Version

http://www.homebased2.com/km/seminar/HTR2.EXE

http://www.homebased2.com/km/seminar/Critical Analysis Screen.pdf

[dehere]

Okay, I'll be the first. WOW! May the light bulb be your friend!

[Rick]

Is that what everyone is going to be saying after the seminar?

"May the 'light bulb' be with you."

[DanG]

HTR2 Upgrade - Seminar (July 25) Version

http://www.homebased2.com/km/seminar/HTR2.EXE

http://www.homebased2.com/km/seminar/Critical Analysis Screen.pdf
Rick,

Is this considered the final upgrade as far as you know?

All the best to the Vegas bound HTR nation!!! :)

I’ll be thinking of you when I try and get Harvey Pack to autograph an HTR printout. :D

[Rick]

This should be the final before the seminar.

I would expect at least a "bug fix" within a week or two.

Depends on what people find that doesn't look right or maybe suggestions.

Of course suggestions may have to wait for the next upgrade.

Have fun at the SPA.

[njcurveball]

I am in "light bulb" land. My screen only shows the #1 horse for all of the races.

Can anyone help turn the light bulb on?

thanks,
Jim

[Rick]

Click on the light bulb again.

And again

And again

etc

[njcurveball]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

The light bulb just went on!

Thanks Rick!