HTR Updates Coming Soon

[km]

Update information April 2008
I'm working on changes and additions to the HTR2 and Maxvel software for the July seminar upgrade.....

re: Maxvel
Dan's kind post in the tournament forum praising MaxVel software has been echoed by many others via email and particularly the gang i see regularly at the Vegas tourneys.

PLEASE DON"T MESS WITH THE MAXVEL

I may do a few cosmetic changes to get the EPR, VI etc. aligned with HTR2; and might add some functional additions such as a print-to-file. but.....

Maxvel is a great example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". So i won't - no worry. One good suggestion is to add an odds filter to the Modeler= that's something i'm going to do. That would be a nice feature to get a list of winners at certain price levels and find out what they have in common.

re: Robot
Others have requested NO changes to the Robot because of their spot plays. I'm going to add the following items for sure and this may disrupt some of you because these items must be replaced on the filter box - -- not added. I'll take a poll later of the items least utilized on the Robot Filters box to replace with these items....

L1 (1st Lasix)
L2 (2nd Lasix)
Just Gelded

I also would like to add some way of removing FTS or 2TS from the mix when testing L1 and L2. That could be more complicated.

Personally, i think the BF is somewhat useless. As reported in the newsletter, any favorite that is not K=1,2, is a bad bet - period. And that can be tested easily without the "BF" item. On the other hand, there are several other items such PED 450+, K=110+ on there that can also be configured elsewhere on the Robot without a separate filter.

HDW has added "1st Gelding/Gelded Last" flag to our data files recently. I'll mark this on various screens and by the time we get the software update, there will be enough data to test the "just gelded" factor for the last few months (March 2008 - forward).

HDW is also providing us with a helpful new download. A scratch file that is updated regularly and i can seamlessly have you remove all scratches by pushing one button on the Scratch screen (as we do now with the ATR program). You may not get 100% of them, especially if they are late in the day scratches, but it will save quite a bit of time initially when handicapping the card.

Ron is working on an early PDF for us also with generic PPs as soon as the entries are drawn, maybe 1 to 3 days ahead of our regular data files. No promises on the completion date, but when it is done, you'll be able to do some early analysis, sans the Program Numbers, MLO, or HTR factors computed.

From my end i have lots projects going, i'll keep you informed and maybe have a few surprises at the seminar.

Thanks for sticking with HTR, we will continue to earn your support by trying to exceed your expectations.

[MikeDee]

I for one would really like a scratch screen.

Just wondering out loud how this will be implemented.

For example would I go to HDW and look at the time the scratch file was last updated. If there is new data would I download the file and then use the htr scratch button to get the scratches reflected?

[Mark]

Ken, allow me to reiterate my appreciation of your possible retention of BF as an item filter.

Identifying BF factors through LEARN ALL and LEARN MORE has promoted profitable spots on K1 and K2 under various BF scenarios. Should I devote the time a K3 spot is probably doable.

Your efforts and willingness to listen are not lost on me nor, I suspect, anyone. Thank you.

[Ron Tiller]

I can't comment on how Ken will implement the scratches feature but I can comment on the file, which we've been making for awhile.

Every 10 minutes, we poll the server for all the scratches in the database for today's race cards and remake the scratches file. The scratches usually come in to us between an hour to 1/2 an hour before first post (sometimes just before first post, depending on the track). These are the late scratches sent from the track to Equibase to us and then to you.

To clarify a point about scratches - there are several categories of scratches:

Program scratches - these are horses that may be initially entered in a race but are scratched by the time the entries are finalized for the track program. Because we make the HTR files after the entries are finalized, these are never in the racefiles. Early files might very well include such horses though.

Scratch Overlays - these are program scratches that nevertheless are printed in the track program as entered and scratched. This usually involves state regulations that require the publishing of horses entered that scratch within a certain time period before the race (e.g. 48 hours in a stakes race). These are never in the racefiles.

Late scratches - these are scratches after the entries have been finalized and they are normally transmitted to Equibase before the start of the race card. This could include vet and trainer scratches, as well as Main Track Only horses (horses entered only if the race is taken off the turf and Also Eligible horses (horses in the queue should another horse scratch). These horses will be in the file, insofar as Equibase has them.

Gate scratches - these are horses scratched at the gate (horse won't load, horse escapes and starts running all over the place, and other problems that cause a horse to be pulled out of a race moments before the race starts. These horses will be in the file after the fact but not before the race is run; they couldn't be.

Itch scratches - these are jockeys that have an itchy butt and scratch it. Sorry, we don't have that information.

Ron Tiller
HDW

[njcurveball]

Sounds like a great update Ken and Ron!

The tedious chore of going race to race being replaced by anything less tedious is wonderful news!

Great stuff Ken, you have already exceeded my expectations so as they say "this is gravy'!

Thanks to you and Ron (and the many others who contribute) for all your hard work!

[km]

I'll implement the Auto-Scratch the same as we have now with the ATR link.

You'll click the red "Auto-Scratch" in the Scratch screen. It will seek the file that HDW provides for the latest update and download it. Then it will search the current racefiles and tag the scratches for removal. All very seamless.

Mike = i'm not sure what you meant: "I would really like a scratch screen" - we've always had the manual Scratch screen in HTR2; i'm guessing you meant an automatic or robotic scratch method which is what we're going to provide. The one-button approach will save lots of time and you can use it as often as needed throughout the day to get updated scratches.

Thanks Mark and NJ for your comments.

[MikeDee]

No you're right Ken, I didn't mean scratch screen, I was thinking about some kind of scratch report or output.

In my case I export every day to my db where I do my handicapping. So if I want to incorporate scratches I have to use htr to do many re-exports of my data as scratches become available.

As the day goes on it would be nice if there was a way to see a scratch report (screen) that would just list the scratches by track by race. I was thinking that if there was a button that would show the scratch list I could easily see if there were any new scratches posted, that I have not yet incorporated in my export.

[km]

You'll get your wish Mike; the new file is text and can be read easily in any viewer

[dehere]

Plans sound great Ken - as always. I'll just throw in a wish for when the early pp files become available. It would be really nice if this data was exportable so it can be utilized for our access reports. Thanks.

[MikeDee]

sounds great......looking forward to it..........thanks Ken & Ron

[ggpagels]

The new "Auto Scratch" sounds fantastic!

[Bob]

...to be able to model 2nd place finisher.

I feel kinda sheepish about making this request in light of the "if it ain't broken..." comments but I love to play exactas and having the ability to model the 2nd horse would really help.

I love Maxvel Ken, thanks for this great addition to our research! Did you see my question about the robot error with spot20b?

[DanG]

Fantastic news on the updates!

As always; 110% satisfied customer here but just throwing things out there for this, next or any update 5 years from now.

• An EPR version of projected pace.
• For HDW: A “place holder” for missing results to eliminate the extra step of going into HTR to see what track sends their results by carrier pigeon! It takes an extra 4 seconds!!! :)
• In HX4 export…default (or missing) CLCH as -999, instead of “0” which is a legitimate number.
• HX9 workout export; Assuming there is room; include the days back of work (that 3 of which are now in HX3) and the grade of work that must be extrapolated from HX4.
• PED; The horses turf rating regardless of today’s surface can give good insight into artificial tendencies and / or long term intent with a young horse. (and vice a versa on other surfaces)
• The ability to export all track profile tracks with one click instead of individually. Again…must be a good 23 seconds wasted here!
• The ability to export any and all exports with one click, although opening HTR several times is a viable alternative.


Can’t think of much else before more coffee is poured, but these would also be nice additions… :p


• A built in web cam that is fixed over Ken’s shoulder while he is betting for advice.
• An alarm that lets us know when Donnie steaks are medium rare and Henry’s wine pairing recommendation.
• A fog horn that goes off when Gupta is shorting a stock that we just took a positive position in.
• Jim’s [NJCurveball] fantasy roster for the week so we can bet both lungs on the pitching staff he plays.
• Dave Tuley’s GPS signal so we can follow him around Vegas like watching a video game searching for lines.
• A blood pressure monitor on Ron Tiller when he gets 19 phone calls in 30 seconds on why results aren’t in for Kamloops.
• A real time score card for Mike Dee on the links; because word is he handicaps much better when he’ shoots par in the morning.
• A Cafe Du Monde ‘Bat-signal that Rick can operate when the Beignets are hot.
• Mark’s legitimate favorite button, because I have a hunch when he backs the chalk its close to a lock.
• Tomcat’s NFL draft screen so my Buc’s can stop drafting from the Ivy League in the late rounds and start getting some Ohio lunch pail guys.
• Finally…David’s Honeymooners audio card that lets out “How sweet it is…” after every major score.

Apologies to anyone I left out and there is a good reason for it…My memory is too full with horses and numbers, so its not what it used to be. :o Come to think of it…apologies if you “were” on the list are more in order! :D

Keep it rolling Ken, Ron and thanks again for the best handicapping products…bar none.

Now...back to some good coffee with the great one...
http://www.nndb.com/people/612/000022546/JackieGleason4-crop.jpg

[edw]

Ken,

Thanks for continually making a great thing better.


Dan,

Great suggestions. I know the following may embarrass you but I simply cannot resist. In addition to your great handicapping information and insights, your great generosity, and your great suggestions that you share with us almost every day we are also blessed with your frequent doses of great humor. You are, indeed, a treasure and appreciated more than you can know. Thank you.

[Gambler]

I agree EDW.

Question.
No one ever mentions past post positions. There not in any export. I would think they would be important. Maybe they arent that important.

Would like some opionions.

Do you think they are important?

Thanks
ed

[Mike T]

<i>The ability to export any and all exports with one click, although opening HTR several times is a viable alternative.</i>

Agree with DanG, not a real problem but this option would be great. It will save me from myself. :) I have a bad habit of starting an export, switching to another computer to do something else, and remember an hour later.

[km]

Bob, i finally answered your post on the spot play error, sorry for the delay

DanG - AWESOME suggestion box; keep em coming, even if you only get 10% of it done, that will still be a lot. Thank you, good stuff and appreciate the nice words.

Edw thanks for kind comments

Ed = Past post-positions could be easily placed in HX5 if enough other people want to replace a current item. I look at it when handicapping races for sure, for example a horse stuck on the rail in a sprint at any SoCal track in a large field is almost automatically shuffled at the start or has to rush up; it is a viable visual trip note and usually gets mentioned in the trip notes "inside, squeezed back start" (HX5 has the trip notes), but as a numeric quantity I don't see it as useful in any way. You need to know the nuances of the various tracks and whether the Post-pos had a detrimental effect. You can test the statistical part of post-postitions at any track using HX4 or the Track Bias options.

MikeT Dan, i have had this suggestion for years. If i had known that we would someday reach the extent of the Export options we have now (blame Access for 255 field max) i would have coded a loop to do process all them at once. As it is, there is a lot of archived code, years of piled up work, in the Export, I better not tinker with it and create a bigger mess to upset everyone. MVM had sent me a possible solution, he listed all the distinct items from each export (excepting HX5) and thought that i should re-code for two major output files. That's a project I considered, but users too vested in the current output and formatting with their daily db habits, that changing it to a new file format would be a lot of extra work for everyone. I usually defer to MikeDee and Donnie on these things, they seem content with leaving it be, despite the slight extra effort to export them all separately.

[edw]

Ken,

I understand the difficulty and limitations of changing the content of the export files and it sounds as if changing those may not ultimately be possible or practical. However, for those looking to squeeze a little more efficiency out of the export process perhaps that screen could be changed to allow multiple exports to be indicated so that all of the export file requests can be queued at the same time.

I'm assuming that for whatever combination of tracks, paceline, date, "all" file or not, and results selection a person choses, more often than not (if not every time), they will want that combination to be in effect for every Export Option (HX1 - HX9) they intend to export. So, once the combination is selected it would be more efficient (admittedly only slightly so) if we could - at one time - mark multiple export options, say for example, HX4, HX5, HXV, HXD, and HX9, and then click on "Export Now" and have the program cycle through all 5 exports sequentially until, in this example, all 5 have been exported.

As it is now, if you mark HX4 and then mark HX5, HX4 becomes unmarked so that only 1 file can be exported. I understand that requiring the user to mark the various Export Options after each previous export is hardly cruel and unusual punishment and that the process to change the code to get the program to conform to this suggestion may be horrendous but it's the only bit of efficiency I can see that is missing outside of the earlier suggestion. I doubt that even with the great amount of trivia they are constantly talking about that even Clinton or Obama would find this suggestion rising to a level worth talking about but since the general topic was put on the table I thought I'd toss this out FWIW.

[MikeDee]

As veteran with htr (9 years), I have seen many different versions of the export files.

The one thing I am sure of is that over time Ken will continue to come up with new fields for us to export so we will always have this issue of where to put new fields. IMO if you can't get it into 1 single export file then it does not matter which one you put them in.

Even a single button to export all files is problematic. My guess is that very few export all 7 files and that each of us export some combination of them, but not the same combination.

In access I have a menu with a import button on it and with the click of a single button I import the files that I use into tables and then put only the selected fields that I use into a single access table.

Lets have Ken work on new stuff, not rearrangeing export files to meet our sense of organization. Use access to organize the data any way you want. After all that's why we use access or any db program, so that we can slice and dice to our hearts content.

[Rick]

Using Macro Magic you might be able to set up macros to automate your exports. The biggest problem would be trying to set the timing between exports. You would probably have to set delays between the keystrokes to start the next export. Wouldn't do any good for the macro to run before the program was ready.

http://www.iolo.com/mm/

I have been using the program for years.

The program can also record mouse movements but I try to advoid that one.

If I was going to try to automate exports I would try to select the day with the most races and time the exports and add a little cushion to the delays.

[DanG]

As veteran with htr (9 years), I have seen many different versions of the export files.

The one thing I am sure of is that over time Ken will continue to come up with new fields for us to export so we will always have this issue of where to put new fields. IMO if you can't get it into 1 single export file then it does not matter which one you put them in.

Even a single button to export all files is problematic. My guess is that very few export all 7 files and that each of us export some combination of them, but not the same combination.

In access I have a menu with a import button on it and with the click of a single button I import the files that I use into tables and then put only the selected fields that I use into a single access table.

Lets have Ken work on new stuff, not rearrangeing export files to meet our sense of organization. Use access to organize the data any way you want. After all that's why we use access or any db program, so that we can slice and dice to our hearts content.
Mike, you make too much sense! :)

Good points; and something I selfishly didn’t really think about until I read your post. :o The more we ask of Ken / Ron to shave seconds off downloads and exporting is that much less time they can devote to the next generation “workout” rating, scratch utility etc...

Now…about grouping all the exports…What if we try? :D

[DanG]

Using Macro Magic you might be able to set up macros to automate your exports. The biggest problem would be trying to set the timing between exports. You would probably have to set delays between the keystrokes to start the next export. Wouldn't do any good for the macro to run before the program was ready.

http://www.iolo.com/mm/

I have been using the program for years.

The program can also record mouse movements but I try to advoid that one.

If I was going to try to automate exports I would try to select the day with the most races and time the exports and add a little cushion to the delays.
Thanks very much Rick!

[Rick]

If any of you are going to try using Macro Magic to automate exports I would suggest that you open the export screen and map out the tabs. The tabing is not in order.

If I was going to do it I would try tabbing first even though recording mouse movement may be easier.

I would make sure the export screen was full screen if I was going to try recording mouse movement. By default it doesn't look like the export screen opens full screen.

[Mike T]

No problem Ken, fully understand. I have some code in a program I made for sports that I wouldn't want to touch either.:)

[Paladin]

First I'd like to say that the new planned Scratch Feature sounds terrific, kudos to Ken and what a help for everyone !

Second, regarding the Robot's "Get My Plays".
IMO the Robot is used basically two ways:
1. For Research and Development (Past Races).
2. For Current play (Todays) Races.

One suggestion I'd like to make is to have an option box for the way the Robot's "Get My Plays" Results are displayed:
1. For Research
.....Display Alphabetically By Track (method from yesteryear) - With Exact Payoffs (instead of rounding off) -

2. For Current Play
.....Display By Post Time - The current display.

The "Get My Plays' is a valuable tool in doing research, because instead of just running the standard test and getting the overall results for a month (for example), you can identify (by day) each Robot selection, and (then) go into much more depth about what kind of horse is in your query.
This research is usually documented alphabetically by track, with exact win-place-show prices .
Just my 2cents. Thanks

[DanG]

Under the category of these guys never have enough… :o

“Wet” track stats in the trainer file, regardless of today’s surface would be a nice addition with all the summer rain coming. I’m sure its tricky with the original coding of the surface, but if its feasible…it would be helpful.

BTW: High volume guy who really struggles in the goo…(last 2 years) :eek:

tTRN STS W P S W% WP% WPS%
Gross Reid 500 40 46 57 8% 17% 29%

Thanks again!

[DanG]

Ken;

Have you ever tinkered with a “horse-rating” with similar criteria and the same range as the Jky & Trn rating?

I realize you have various lightly raced scenarios, but the K could be a nice default until the animal ran enough. Maybe even a minor’ class adjustment, so the 10 for 20 ‘400 “super-horses” from TUP aren’t equal to the So Cal '400 “super-horses”.

Just a thought for future updates. I really think it would provide a very interesting bridge when combined with the J / T numbers.

I know…Some birthday present…these guys are never satisfied! :D

[km]

We did the 'horse rating' at one time Dan. Just as you describe. The problem is that about 40% of the horses are not rateable with the formula as 10 or more N.A. starts were needed to compute it.

So unlike the PED, TRN, JKY rating that can deal with more than 99% of the entrants (the other 1% are defaulted to a standard rating typical of low sample size) there were too many holes in it and the HHR screen was born instead. The EPS is pretty much just as effective, or useless, depending on how you look at it!

Paladin = there is a new option in the Robot that produces a quick post-time list of all your spot plays for the day without the overhead. Results are displayed as well and totaled at the bottom.

[DanG]

If at all possible in the future the 'min – max claiming price per horse would be a great addition to an export. In the optional claiming races and when claiming ranges are offered it’s a good factor of intent imo.

It’s about time to close this thread Ken before the inmates keep demanding menu changes from the warden!!! :D

[km]

Dan, our binary race file does not contain the minimum claim price. It has the maximum (nominal listed price) and the actual claim price each horse is offered for, which could be slightly less to get a weight break. That latter item is not shown or extracted in HTR.

The only way to extract the minimum possible price (even if no horses are entered for it) is to look at the race conditions text :eek:

Rick, Mike Dee and I have completed the update to HX4 and finsished beta testing it - in fact, Dee gave me the final stamp of approval today on the output and file spec. So we don't want to unsettle it this update cycle.

But contact me after the seminar and i'll work on something for you with a small custom addition. Perhaps i could loop the actual entered claiming prices for each and find the lowest for you and stick it somewhere in the export without re-tooling the field numbers.

(as far as Trainer "Wet" record, that's something Ron would have to add to the Trainer Stats, but he is over burdened at the moment working on some other stuff for us!)

and good idea, thread is closed, we are deep into the updates now, with the Export and Robot additions completed first.