Data Archive depth

[gopony]

I am considering buying the HTR software and was wondering how far back does the data go? I would be hoping for a couple of years of data at some of my favorite tracks.

[km]

As a new subscriber you can get the last 45-days of data immediately after activation.

That is the maximum provided by HDW for a single month of payment.

If you want data older than that, you will have to contact HDW and pay the full subscription fee in cash ($119/mo) for each additional month you want from the past.

There is no service more efficient than HTR for acquiring mass quantities of files over time. You might be able to purchase 2 years of data from an archived source such as BRIS, but even at $1 per file, it would cost in excess of $50,000 for major track races and take an incredible amount of time and effort to download them all. And that might not include the results + charts as we provide.

In any case, i don't recommend acquiring 2 years of data. A rotating 365-days of files is the most practical, predictive and accurate approach. My research in the newsletters over the past several years has been with the 365-day format exclusively.

[gopony]

I realize this can be a difficult question, but would there be a recommendation for starting out a database. I've heard that some say it takes 3 to 4 months and others a few weeks before they can effectively use HTR. I was wondering if this was due to learning curve or having not accumulated enough data or both?

[DanG]

I realize this can be a difficult question, but would there be a recommendation for starting out a database. I've heard that some say it takes 3 to 4 months and others a few weeks before they can effectively use HTR. I was wondering if this was due to learning curve or having not accumulated enough data or both?
That is an individual response as you said GP;

Right out of the box (today) when singing up you get;

• Every track & race run for the last month and ½.
• Well over 9,000 races to build your database with.
• Over 75,000 individual running lines.
• A years track profiles for every track.
• MaxVelocity program. (Killer program!!!)
• Built in ‘robot research and report tool if building external DB’s isn’t your thing.
• If external DB’s are your thing you can export virtually every piece of data purchased with HTR.
• 1st crack at the best newsletter in racing 6+ times a year.

The learning curve is obviously different for everyone, but for myself by the time I felt comfortable with all the nuances (not mastered; that evolves as the program does) I had well over 3 months of data and had a real strong database built and put my previous 10 year DB into mothballs.

For anyone on the fence wondering if enough data is available, my only recommendation is good health willing; we will all see another Breeders Cup. If you subscribe today by the time they load the fist race in October you will have well over 30,000 races to query to your hearts content.

Between the amazing updates due any day, a fantastic seminar this month and the meat of our summer racing this looks the perfect time to jump on board imho. Jump in head first / print out and read the newsletters every rainy day and by this time next year I’ll bet; you’ll never look at racing the same way again.

Best of luck with your choice!

[Paladin]

I am considering buying the HTR software and was wondering how far back does the data go? I would be hoping for a couple of years of data at some of my favorite tracks.
Remember that you are not buying the HTR software. Unlike a lot of other sw, it's FREE. But it's the data you are buying.

So when you start a subscription, you can first download the past 1 1/2 months (at all tracks if you want). Then you can either play (bet) or research and and not play. So that after the first month you have paid for is over, you will then have 2 1/2 months of past data to "play with", while adding more with every month you subscribe.

[njcurveball]

I am considering buying the HTR software and was wondering how far back does the data go? I would be hoping for a couple of years of data at some of my favorite tracks.

Everyone comes into this with high hopes and big dreams, so kudos to you that you are on that path.

One of the biggest mistakes I have made with software is trying to use a large database to validate some idea that is making money NOW. On race day, there is no BOOK ANSWER. There are people here who could give you spot play queries that would make you quit your job and take out a loan.

Unfortunately we all know that those races have been run and the ones coming next may put you in the poor house and working 3 jobs.

You have favorite tracks, so you KNOW what goes on there. If one is Arlington, you know rule #1, beware the Calabrese mafia! :rolleyes:

With the last 45 days you are definitely well equipped to win. Most do not because it takes a while to make the ideas and factors in HTR their own.

Here is my suggestion to you as a new user.

1.) Download as many previous days results as possible. Even if you are not playing those tracks, keep em around to check things out if you can bet them.

2.) At YOUR tracks, see if you can use HTR factors such as the K rating and Average Pace to narrow a race down to four WIN contenders. If you play exotics, DO NOT look for place contenders at the same time. Many horses have some "ugliness" and some of them have no shot to win, but can come in 2nd. If you bet trifectas, look for show contenders in a 3rd pass. Each horse has some value in this race, many longshots have the most value underneath in exotics.

3.) If you feel good about something working and want some long term validation do some searches on this board and peruse the Newsletters. There is a good chance it has been tried before.

Dan's post is SPOT ON and if you want more great stuff check out many of his other posts.

Welcome aboard and remember the old elephant joke. How do you eat an elephant? ONE BITE at a time, so take it slowwww at first.

Good luck to you and welcome aboard!

[gopony]

Appreciate the information and help. I'll begin my journey.