Simple
Software Racing
Overview
The
program is first and foremost a rating system designed to accurately predict as
many future winners as possible. The way we do that is to rate a race based
upon the essential features: time, going, course, distance, class and weight.
The most important of these factors is time, into which we have probably put
more research than anybody else so far. The rating system is therefore
essentially based on speed.
The
research effort that went into David Towey’s book 'The Solidus' is incorporated
into SS Racing but has been further refined. This research resulted in removing
much of the clutter associated with assessing form. For example: the need to
know about weight-for-age scales is removed, as is trying to find collateral
lines of form. These are a huge waste of effort providing you have a
comprehensive rating system capable of accounting for the times that a horse
has recorded. SS Racing is just that. Not only do you need to rate a race
accurately but also to retrieve that information readily to make use of it. Our
form summary does that, cutting out your views of the 'nice to have'
information whilst displaying the 'need to know'. We think this is the best way
of focusing on what matters because there is a danger of being over-faced with
detail, however all the detail is available if required.
We
believe that we have struck the right balance when considering what most users
want to get out of such a program.
The
four most important are listed:
1)
A quality rating system that rates past races.
2)
To utilise that rating system when assessing a future race.
3)
To be able to look up a horse's record.
4)
To be able to look up a complete race.
Front Screen
Options
Race
Type Select Flat or Hunt. All the calculations,
horse or race information depend on this being set correctly at the beginning
of the programs run. It will remember the setting when reloading the program
next time.
Update
(E-Mail) Reads your E-mail mail-in
directory for the weekly/daily update file if you have prearranged the
facility. The file size is between 20,000 bytes and 130,000 bytes depending on
the day of the week and the time of year. Also, depending on your E-mail
provider, the file may be send in a raw binary file (e.g. CompuServe) and no
conversion is required, MIME 64 encoded, (Pipex and later Netscape use this
standard) or UUE encoded for any others. Most providers will convert the update
file automatically. Ring us if you have any problems, we have not been beaten
by any obscure provider yet! The directory your e-mail provider uses to receive
files will be remembered by the program.
The e-mail
update schedule is as follows:-
Monday
afternoon, All the previous week’s results
and Tuesday’s declarations.
Tuesday
afternoon, Monday’s results and
Wednesday’s declarations.
Wednesday
afternoon, The week’s results to Tuesday
and Thursday’s declarations.
Thursday afternoon, The
week’s results to Wednesday and Friday’s declarations.
Friday
afternoon, The week’s results to Thursday
and Saturday’s declarations.
If
there is racing on the Sunday,
Saturday
afternoon, The week’s results to Friday
and Sunday’s declarations.
Sunday
afternoon/, The week’s results to Saturday
and declarations for Monday.
As you can see,
The full week’s data with all the corrections and additions are sent on a
Monday. All you need to decide is when you want the declarations. If you are a
weekend bettor, the updates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are all you need and
you will have the full results and declarations whenever you need them. Just
let me know.
Update
(Floppy Disk) Reads weekly update floppy
disk if you have prearranged the facility. Usually if you don’t have e-mail.
I post the
floppy disk, first class, on Monday with the week’s data to the Sunday the day
before.
Edit
Data. All Race/Horse/Jockey/Trainer data
can be added, deleted or changed. See Edit Data options below. If weekly
updates are requested, this option need not be used.
Browse
Data Browse previous horse runs. See
Browse Data options below
Manually
Calculate Future Race Allows you to
browse ‘automatically’ assessed
or View
assessed Races races or manually add
future race and horse details and perform all the calculations. See below.
Calculate
Full Day’s Racing This allows you to
assess future races but have the option to change some of the assessment
criteria.
Calculate
Full Day’s Racing Assesses a full day’s
racing using the default,
(Defaults) ‘Best rating of its last three runs. Only the
same race type of the future race is searched in the previous races’. This one
also does the filtering and produces output for the ‘Export Tips’ button.
Export
Data This
allows you to run standard SQL queries
on the underlying data and export the data to
a standard Comma Separated Variable (CSV) file. These files can be opened
and read by Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123 or
any text editor.
If
you have your own system and need to search for a specific pattern within
the data, complex queries
can be run. SQL programming skills are essential
Some
of the fields are not used. They were put in at
design time but the required data was not readily available.
Export Tips. If you have run the ‘Calculate Full Day’s Racing (Defaults)’ It will export those horses that are worth a bet to a text file.
Horses to Watch If
you are interested in knowing when a horse is in tomorrow’s declarations, enter
its details here.
The tables and fields that could be useful to you and available are:-
Table
Name and Fields
FHORSE Name, Comments, Sire, Dam,
Damsire, Sex, FoalingDate,
Trainer, Owner
FRACE Racenumber,
Course, Going, Goingstring, Comments, Time, Rawtime,
Distance, Racedate, Racetime, Raceclass, Racetype, NumberOfRunners, RaceValue,
HighestHCap, Stallpos, CourseNo, Grading
FRHORSE Racenumber, Name, Jockey,
Handicap, Weight, Comments, Beaten, Odds, TBeaten, Rating, Draw,
Finpos, Racenumname
HHORSE Name, Comments, Sire, Dam,
Damsire, Sex, FoalingDate, Trainer, Owner
HRACE Racenumber,
Course, Going, Goingstring, Comments, Time, RawTime,
Distance, racedate, RaceTime, RaceClass, Racetype, NumberOfRunners,
Racevalue, HighestHCap, CourseNo, Grading, Stallpos
HRHORSE Racenumber, Name, Jockey,
Handicap, Weight, Comments, Beaten, Odds, TBeaten, Rating, Finpos,
Draw, RaceNumName
Exit Save all changes and return to Windows
Edit Data.
The
Sire, Dam, Damsire, Sex, foaling date and trainer can be edited. You can search
for a specific horse or step through the
horses on file one at a time to jump from the back to the front of the
file using the ‘video control’ at the top of the screen.
When
you have found the horse required, you can edit or delete it if you wish. Any
changes will be displayed when the data is accessed elsewhere in the program.
You can add new horse details if required.
Jockey:-
The
Jockey’s information can be deleted, added or changed. Search for a specific
jockey directly or by stepping one at a time or from the beginning to the end
using the ‘video control’ at the top of the screen as before.
Race:-
The
latest race on file will be displayed initially, giving the:-
Race Number. (Used as a
reference and internally to link different parts of the data together.)
Season. (Normally the year the
race was run.)
Course Name.
Going correction. (See full
definition below.)
Going (Text equivalent of the
going correction, “HVY, S, Y-S, Y, G-Y, G, G-F, FST, FRM or HRD”)
Time from standard (The
difference between the elapsed time of this race and the average time for this
distance at this course.)
Elapsed time. (the time it took
the winner to reach the winning post for this race.)
Race date.
Race time.
Race type. (FLat, NHHUrdle,
NHCHase, NHBUmper)
Number of runners.
Race value (Total for all
winners and places.)
Stall position
Options:-
Add
Race.
The next available free race
number will be calculated.
Choose the Course name from the
drop down list by clicking in the little down arrow on the right of the Course
box.
Enter the Going correction or
the Going as available.
Input a going or a going
correction. 10 going descriptions: Hard, Firm, Fast, Good-Fast, Good,
Good-Yielding, Yielding, Yielding-Soft, Soft and Heavy. Abbreviated as: HRD,
FRM, FST, G-F, G, G-Y, Y, Y-S, S and HVY. A minus going correction shows that
the ground was on the faster side of good, for example: -0.2 corresponds to
good-fast. The going description is displayed although the calculation will be
based upon -0.2. A plus going correction shows that the ground was on the
softer side of good, for example: 0.6 corresponds to yielding. If you input a
going in words the program will default to a midrange going correction for that
description of going. This will not be as accurate as inputting a numerical
going correction as going corrections to 2 decimal places make a noticeable
difference. Going corrections are available from quality racing press.
Enter
the Time from standard or the Elapsed time as available.
Slower
than standard can be represented either with 'a' or '- prefix',
Quicker than standard is
represented either with 'b' or '+' or no prefix to the value.
Choose
the distance from the drop down list by clicking on the little down arrow on
the right of the distance box.
Enter
the Race Date. (If a date of an incorrect format is entered, the program will
enter today’s date.)
Enter
race time. The ‘Off’ time (If a time of incorrect format is entered, the
program will enter the current time from the computer.)
For
Flat races FL will be entered for you. For Hunt races choose one of the options
at the top right of the screen and the value will be transferred here.
The
number of runners will be entered by the program as the horse details are
input.
The
Race value can be found from the quality racing press and be entered in numeric
form.
The
Highest handicap mark for this race will be calculated by the program as you
input horse details.
The
stall position (N)ear, (F)ar, (C)entre if applicable. Flat races only.
Click
on OK when all relevant data is entered. If any crucial data is omitted or data
is input in the wrong order (top to bottom is advised) a message prompt
advising you of the omission will be displayed.
Delete
Race. For safety, the program will prompt for confirmation before a race is
deleted and, if there are any horses still ‘attached’ to this race information,
the program will refuse to delete it. (Select Add/Edit Horses to delete runners
in a race)
Edit
Race. Race details can be edited but may affect the ratings of the horses
already entered into the database for that race. If any one or more of the
course, distance, going correction, going, race type, time from standard or
elapsed time fields have been changed then the runners have to be recalculated.
(See Add/Edit Horses below.)
Search
For Race number. Enter the race number you are interested in. You would
only need this if you are editing a specific race. The relevant race numbers
are displayed in the browse and calculate race options.
Add/Edit
Horses.
Name,
Jockey, Handicap, weight carried, any comments, distance beaten by the horse in
front, distance beaten by the winner, Odds, rating, finishing position and the
draw for each horse is displayed.
Options:-
Add
will clear all the fields ready for new race horse data.
The
Name, and jockey can be entered by typing the at least the first letter and
clicking on the little down arrow at the right of the box. Using the mouse,
scroll down or up the select the correct name.
The
handicap for this horse is the official
handicap mark awarded to the horse by the BHB.
The weight
the horse is carrying must be entered in the form 10-5. This should include any
apprentice allowance. A message will be displayed of the weight is entered in
the wrong format.
Comments
can be entered if required.
The
distance beaten by the horse in front in lengths can be found in the racing
press. Whole numbers can be entered (e.g. 4) or decimals (1.75) fractions ( 1
3/4) , NK, SH, HD, DH etc. are usually acceptable and will be recalculated to
their decimal form.
The
total distance beaten will be calculated as data is input.
Odds in
the form 100/30 or 4/1 etc.
Rating.
This will be calculated when all the data is input and the OK button is
pressed.
Finpos.
The finishing position value will incremented by one as each horse is input.
So, start with the winner and add the horses in order of finishing. The value
can be over written is you wish to take account of dead heats (give them both
the same finishing position or a value of the number of horses in the race,
last, if the horse did not finish.
Draw.
The stall number. Only applies to the Flat .
Click
on OK when all the data is input.
The
rating calculations should never need to be recalculated for data input from a
weekly update. Also, if you input the Race data correctly first time and enter
the horses in that race in the correct order there should not be any errors.
But, if you have to change some of the race details of a race that is already
on file or the finishing positions of the horses already entered in a race
because of stewards involvement, the horse ratings will have to be recalculated
as follows:-
Exit
the Add/Edit Horses screen to the Race Screen and reopen the Add/Edit Horse
screen. This will sort the horses into their finishing position order. Starting
with the winner, (Finishing position 1) click on Edit and then, without
changing any of the horse data, click on OK. Do the same for the
second horse, the third and so on. The finishing distances between each horse
and changes to race data will be incorporated in the new ratings.
Search
can be used for looking for a horse in a race with a very large field.
Delete
a horse from the race will ask for confirmation before the horse is removed.
Edit
will give the same screen as the Add option but not clear the fields
first. Click on OK when finished editing a horse.
Close
to get back to the Race screen.
Close
the Race Screen to get back to the edit screen.
Trainer
This
simple database allows you to add, delete Trainer names. It is used as an input
file for Add Horse Data.
Browse Data
A horse
search screen will be displayed. Select Latest or best get the
previous runs in date or rating order.
Search
for Horse will find the first horse matching the first few characters you
type in.
When
you have displayed the horse you are interested in, click on List All
Outings. All previous runs of this horse will be displayed in the order
specified. The basic information for the horse is displayed. If you want the
information on the full race involved, click once on the row chosen and then click on the Display Race
button.
Fastest Horses
This
allows you to list and print the
fastest flat or hunt horses from a date specified. If you want to save time
deciding which horse to back or you haven’t time to do a proper assessment,
pick the fastest from this list
Press Close on all the windows to return.
Manually Calculate a
Future Race
This
contains a small, separate database for future races. To rate a new race you
must first enter some basic information about the race. Some is required for the
calculations.
Add New Race will
generate a new Index for the race. Choose a course and distance from the drop
down lists. These are required for the calculation. The date and time of the
race are for your reference. If an invalid date or time is input, today’s date
or the current time is input.
Delete Race will be
disabled if the race contains horses. Otherwise the race information can be
removed after a confirmation prompt.
Edit Race will be
disabled if a race contains horses. This to force the relationship between the
course and distance and the horse data.
Add Odds. This option
divides the odds entered by the amount of winnings required. (default £10) to
get a bet that will return that amount. It does not take into account tax
(currently at 9% off course or 0% on). Don’t forget, the starting prices do
shift even after the ‘off’.
Get Race Decs (Race Declarations)
If the declaration information
has been e-mailed to you the evening before the race, this button will display
all the declared races for the day. The information includes the date, time,
course, distance, value, race comments, class, race type, number of runners,
going and whether the course is on turf or all weather.
Just double-click on any part of
the selected race information and all the data will be transferred.
The data is sent via the normal
e-mail update and is the 'Final declarations' before the day of the race.
Please check for non runners and any other information that may change before
the off. The course, distance, date and time are 'copied' into the normal input
boxes so that you can change the data before the program does its calculations,
if you wish.
Export Race
You can export the race data
calculated in this screen in a standard
CSV or 'Comma Separated Variable' form. This can then be opened by
Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123, any text editor or imported into a palm top
computer like the Psion Organiser.
Add Horse. A screen will appear
giving four options.
Display Options.
Over twenty items of data can be
ticked or un-ticked as required. These items will be displayed when you browse
previous runs of a horse. You only need to tick the data you are interested in.
The order of display can be selected by clicking on one of the round ‘grouping’
buttons corresponding to one of the data items. The order of display can be
reversed by using the Ascending Order
tick.
Click on Close when you
have finished selecting the data and order you want. The options are saved when
the program finishes. If no horse has been requested, you will be prompted for
one.
Search For Horse
Enter the full or partial horse
name you are looking for and all previous performances of this horse will be
displayed. Select the one that is most applicable by clicking anywhere on the
line - here we have built in flexibility for users to select the race they
consider to be most applicable to the race in question. Obviously this is
necessary when considering the going. As a general principle we recommend that
you select the highest rating from similar going with the greatest emphasis
being placed upon the last 3 outings. An average of the previous runs’ ratings
(without any zero rated races) is displayed at the top as a guide to the rating
movement of the horse. The program only prompts for the new weight carried and
HOHM of the future race if available. These two items are required to calculate
the class rating. The HOHM is the current highest official handicap mark of the
runners in the race. If you do not know it, enter 0 (the default) and the
program will assess it for you from the past performances of the runners
involved.
The screen will display the
horses chosen in the order of the Clock speed rating or the Class rating, as
selected.
Horse Decs (Horse Declarations)
If the declaration information has been e-mailed
to you the evening before the race,
this button will display all the declared horses for the selected race. The
information includes the weight, any handicap figures, the Jockey, Trainer and
Owner.
Just
double-click on any part of the selected horse information and all the data
will be transferred.
The data is sent
via the normal e-mail update and is the 'Final declarations' before the day of
the race. Please check for non runners and any other information that may
change before the off. Horse name, weight and handicap figures are copied into
the normal input boxes for the ‘Search For Horse’ option above, so that you can
change the data before the program does its calculations, if you wish.
Betting Strategy.
This is rather a personal
choice. I will give you a couple of choices.
One strategy (mine!) is to cover
as many of the top rated horses for the cost of half the required winnings.
This should return double your stake, ignoring SP shift, if one of your
selected horses wins. I find I get a hit rate of 70-80% and is the method I
used when I published my Saturday race on my Home page. Good, accurate starting
prices are a must. If the odds shorten the winnings are less and the stake is
less than doubled. If the odds lengthen ,your winnings are more but more horses
could have been covered for the same cost, increasing your chances of winning.
It is not always possible but calculate and bet as close to the off as you can.
The above strategy works but is
very hard work. I now do a simple level bet to win at Betfair. www.tippingleague.co.uk shown me that
was the best long term strategy and is a lot easier.
Some customers will only have
one or two bets a month. They will wait for the right rating to appear at the
right price, in the right race.
I had an E-Mail message from on
of our customers this year:-
“Having great success with the
racing program, as long as the top three are backed then a definite profit can
be made. Also, I have noticed that, if the top three are more than 10 pounds
clear of the rest, then it is worth doing a combination tricast which cost £36
and for a recent race in Ireland I got £3,127.60 returned.” (‘Pounds’ are the units the ratings are calculated
in.)
I will let you decide how to use
the program, but let me know how you get on.
Close to return without
choosing a previous run.
EXIT
Returns
to Windows and saves all the default settings for the screens and display
options.
Always
exit SS Racing via EXIT.
NEVER
just switch off.
This
also applies to other programs.
Machine Requirements
IBM
compatible PC 386 and above running Windows 31, 96, 98 or NT, XP or Vista.
Free
hard disk space 500 Mb.
Loading SS Racing.
To
load the Program and data from CD:-
Put
the CD in the relevant drive.
It
should ‘Auto Start’.
If
the set-up program stops and warns about other programs running during the
installation, close down any Microsoft Office Desk Top tool bars or any Anti
Virus software that might be running. They will restart automatically when you
restart the machine.
The
set-up program will create all the relevant directories (C:\Program
Files\SSR132), icons and program group as necessary.
To
run the program open the program group SSR1 and click on the running horse
icon.
There
is a utility included that will repair, de-fragment and compress the database.
Give us a ring if you have problems and we will explain how it all works.
If you need any help, contact me on any
of our Simple Software’s Numbers 0208-744-6740 or mobile, 07802-400425 or fax
0208-744-6740. Please use normal office hours (if you can!) and we will be
happy to guide you through.
Simple Software Racing Forum
Finally, I have a group of customers who
exchange ideas and strategies on using
the software. Join at http://www.racingsense.com/forum
.
The
Solidus
This
was the 1993 book the original MS DOS program was written from under Davey’s
direction.
The program has been ‘honed’ and
improved since as technology has progressed but the underlying system is
exactly as Davey devised.
The book has 100 pages and all
the original colour graphs and charts and explains the system in Davey’s
original style.
We have no copies left now and
have no plans of having it reprinted again.
Mick
Johnson.
9th January 2008