Suggestions Box
 

Please post any suggestions for RDSS behaviours, from small nuances to major modules. Please be specific!

I can't offer any guarantee that the Suggestion will be put into the software, or a time frame or even in the first public release. The best Suggestions will be those which benefit the MOST users.

All comments welcomed!

Ted

FTS horses should appear in the Analysis screen
 

FTS horses should appear in the Analysis screens so we can see their Workout and Work Rank fitness, Morning Line Odds, ProfitLine and live odds and Tote Xray info.

So we don't forget about them!

Ted

Status: definitely working on this.

Analysis Screens - change mouse-click behavior
 

Swap left- and right-mouse click behavior: left-click anywhere on the line moves a horse to Secondary Group (currently right-click on Checkbox does this).

Left-click anywhere on a horse's line in the Secondary Group moves it back to the Primary Group.

Right-click on the Checkbox in the Secondary Group moves the line to the Non-Contender Group.

Left-click on the Checkbox in the Non-Contender Group moves it back to Primary.

Right-click on the Checkbox in Primary Group should be reserved for future behavior (e.g. editing the raw times on the Original Screen -- Matchup Voodoo!)

In general, all horses who have pacelines should appear in the Analysis screens. If you really don't want to see some horses in Analysis, uncheck their paceline on the horse screen. (Or maybe a bulk 'move' or 'remove' button in the Group header).

Ted

I noticed the slightly altered data centre with unopen tracks at the bottom of the list. Much better.

Pook

Pace Projection buttons on other screens
 

I would suggest adding Pace Projection buttons to the Adjusted screen and perhaps the TPR screen. I do my projections from those screens and not from the "Original" screen because IMHO the projections are more accurate.

RDSS does all of that great adjusting and equalizing for us and it seems a shame not to be fully utilizing all of that adjusted/equalized data on those screens.

"Fully utilizing" isn't the right term. What I have to do is make notes with a pencil and paper because the program doesn't capture pace projections on those screens.

mick

Horse's splits on Adjusted screen
 

Hi, Ted. As you can probably tell, I'm cleaning out the attic. ;)

I would like to have a toggle on the Adjusted screen to display the incremental splits of each horse with beaten lengths factored in. This would be particularly helpful in turf routes where the third fraction is often decisive.

I've tried using FPS but that doesn't paint the mental picture for me.

Okay, I'll stop now. You're on a semi-sabbatical in Southern California and I feel like I'm harassing you.

mick

Sw%
 

I really love the %PW calculation on the tote screen. It has improved my bottom line at SAR tremendously. I am wondering if the same thing can be done for %SW. I don't know if it has any benefit to betting but it would make it possible to apply Ziemba style analysis to both place and show.

Rx
 

I would just like to see just RX not RX 1-2-3. Just a combo of the 3. Clicking on any of these numbers can change the rankings on the screen. Less decisions we have to make the better.

Bob

Not that major at all but:

Perhaps a "blip" above the workout form pattern abbreviation when you hover over it explaining what the abbreviation is, just like holding the mouse over a stakes race.

First of all, I love the fact that I no longer have to change the date on my computer to go back and look at old races. What a huge improvement. Now to what I would like to see:

1. All the calls for positions and beaten lengths plus all the calls for times that the Daily Racing Form publishes, or the ability to print this out (Can you print pacelines out?). This is for matching purposes especially when a race goes over a mile since the first call position and lengths is at the half mile, but we do not know where the horse was at the quarter mile. Then when you get over a mile and an eighth you don't get any quarter mile info. I realize this is not necessary for the Sartin aspect of the program but it is invaluable for "The Hat".

2. Like Mick states, I would also like the ability to select pace projection times to analyze in the adjusted screen, especially when looking at tracks such as Calder and Gulfstream with the pace differences between tracks.

3. In addition to #2 above, I would like pace projected times to match for races in the original pacelines screen going between 8 furlong and 9 furlong races. In other words, when I select the first call time for an 8 furlong race it is the quarter mile time which doesn't compare to the half mile time in a 9 furlong race.

4. The old RDSS2.06 had the ability to change races I was working on easier with the race selection at the bottom of the screen. Unless I am mistaken, now I have to select card summary and then the race.

Thanks for letting us have input!

James

Password Input Box
 

It's a change in V2.1. Because - people kept forgetting what their Password was, and kept writing me or TrackMaster to find out - LOL! So, I put the passwords in the open (thinking RDSS is typically used in privacy).

However - I will take this as a suggestion to put a checkbox next to the various Password inputs to toggle between display or hide password.

Thanks for the query/suggestion!

Ted

Hi Ted
I know you said that showing the horses individual POWER LINES was redundant but I still would like to have them with the color coding like shown in many earlier races that you did from Woodbine

Rx3 suggestion
 

Hi Ted,

With the Live Tote capability back in play, It would seem possible (not sure if the Live tote is capable of fetching the projected Win price like AmWager does) to calculate a $Net based on 1) the Rx3 win percentage and 2) the live tote price.

Example, say a horse has an Rx3 win percentage of 40% and its live tote price is Even (1-1). Since we know that Even on a $2 bet is $4.00, you could multiply 40x4 and divide by 100 to get that horse's $Net on a flat single wager. In this case, this Rx3 horse would have a $Net of $1.60 based on its relative win percentage from Rx3. If the horse's price went higher, the $Net would increase and vice versa. As pacelines and/or contenders are chosen or eliminated, the $Net's would also change.

Obviously, when you're betting multiple horses to win, the $Net would change. However, when looking at runners individually, this would be a good gauge of value relative to the live odds and could be a good add-on to RDSS. It could also be a good thing to model, as it could show if our winning contenders are profitable in relation to the final tote. However, since last minute odds changes after the bell always happen (and we can't bet post-hoc), it may not be totally accurate, as we can only play positive $Net runners before the race goes off. Still, how do our Rx3 40% runners usually fare? Are they typically underlaid or overlaid? Hope I explained this clear.

~Tim

Hi Ted
 

Is there a way, that when RDSS crashes. RDSS just shuts down

As I have talked to mentioned to you in the past,
When I am at Surf-side race place at Del Mar.
I am using two RDSS's I am watching the tote, I am placing my bets
on my online account , at the very last minute, and I am watching videos from tracks like Parx.
All this at the same time ,on not the greatest laptop .
My RDSS's crashes every few races.

But since the updates now when RDSS crashes. It seems to be going through a long process to try to recover, but it never does. I usefully just shut it down and restart anyway, It is frustrating because while RDSS is trying to fix itself
I can't do anything else. The only answer is shutting down and restarting anyway. So can RDSS just give up once it thinks it should crash

Thanks Bill

Hello Ted,


These are my suggestions:


1. Note aberrant variants by placing them in red so they will standout to the user when picking or confirming pace lines.


2. Where it shows the POR add the POR 1st FR and the SC. This would allow matchers and everyone a better view of the horse as to what pace it can win against, The POR total energy does not tell how it the horse achieved its POH rating.


3.Provide the old Late Energy rating (rating from the stretch call to finish). This would allow the user to compare it to the 3rd FR to better ascertain where high deceleration took place. This could help determine if a horse can further stretch out or needs to cut back to win.


4. On the FPS screen convert those FPS to a scale of 100 similar to TPR so the user can better understand the numbers. Few if any can determine how much a beaten length is using the FPS screen, particularity with different fractions representing different distances.


Hoping Santa comes,
Mitch44

Hi Mitch,

Re: aberrant variants - such a setting is a good idea, and would have to be based on what the user defines as the "normal" range. Some may prefer a looser/tighter range than others.

I also like the idea of a "simplified" FPS. I know that BLAM users have the option of viewing that program's "Master Pace Rating" (Pizzolla's version of Total Energy) and other compounded velocity ratings in either FPS or a simplified version set to a number scale. Not sure if it would be possible to set the other velocity/energy ratings to such a scale, but IMO it would improve upon the Phase I (PMTR) numbers currently available to us in RDSS.

While on the topic of new ideas, I would like to see the TS+F3 on the Segments screen removed (or user option to remove) in favor of the standalone F3, but keeping it on the BL/BL screen as a Supplemental corollary. Validator's MUG screen only showed F1, F2 and F3 on the graph. I know that FTL has mentioned that the TS+F3 basically weighs F3 twice, as F3 is taken into account in getting the TS rating.

Good stuff, Mitch.

~Tim

Hi Tim,


On unusual variants: the user would still have the ability to set the variants, that would not change but it would immediately alert as to one that is not normal, I.e. last week there were a couple from PRX that had -56's., also not uncommon at MVR. It could be flexible to be say 10 above or below one's settings. We're looking for extremes here.


The PMTR and the FPS are obtained in different ways. FPS are much more accurate but difficult to analyze. I wouldn't advocate changing other formula because their used in many other factors but the FPS screen could be a much greater tool than it presently is Internally the numbers would be the same ,just viewed in a different manner.

Hope your doing well Tim.
Mitch44

I am loving RDSS but having a hard time transitioning from Bris Ultimate PP's. One of the difficult issues I am having with RDSS is projecting the pace of the race.



For instance with the Ultimate PP's I can see very easily the equalized pace numbers of the front runners since two points equals one length at all distances. That helps me determine not only the projected pace of race but also what type of pace the the horse is comfortable with from it's past races. Not only that, but also I can tell that when a horse gains in position between first and second call that it means more when the second call figure is higher than the first, and means less than when not. I just can't do that with FPS.



So with that said,

• I really like Mitch44's suggestion in post 15 above (really all of his suggestions in that post) of converting the FPS to a scale that can be comparable to one another in some fashion at each fraction.

• Would like to see an option of having the adjusted screen times reflect the adjusted times with beaten lengths added.

• Would like to have the ability to change the QSP next to Running Style when not agreed with, (such as we currently have the ability to select the Running Style.)

Thanks Ted for all you do with this great program!

gptx;

I use both Bris ultimate PP w/ comments in conjunction with RDSS. The BRIS are more complete and contain more helpful information while all in one place.

The BRIS pace figures are pretty good and I used them for years. However the RDSS pace figures are better because they actually measure the time and correct distance for the fraction or element being measure. Both time and distance have an effect on how much a beaten length actually is worth. Even more so as 3rd Fr. really vary at difference distances. For ex. at 10 F the last quarter is 2 F. Hooray for Bris because everything is measured by 2 F, one 1/4 of a mi. But what about a 7 F race where the last Fr is 3F or a 1 1/16 where the last FR is 2 1/16, 9 F race last FR is 3 F etc.

If you do figures for different times such as 45 for 4 F and 48 or 49 for some cheap horses you will see that the speed traveled (faster speed by faster time) that the beaten lengths vary.

So you can see the length varies depending on the distance and time being measured. One could argue that these differences are insignificant. Hell no!! These differences are very significant, think of how many races are won by small margins such as a nose, head or even one length. Do any of us want to give up those margins?

To help solve your problem in RDSS use the TPR tab on the summary screen(compares all the horses or contenders for the lines selected). The TPR figures are on a scale of 100 and more easy to comprehend. While it doesn't rate the 1st FR the 1st FR is contained within the SC 100 scale number. Go back and forth with the FPS screen and this should eliminate the problem. On the FPS screen you can tell if a horses ran better in a certain FR or declined( decelerated).

Mitch44

Thanks Mitch! Man, I can't believe I didn't think to use TPR; and using first fraction FPS will give more insight to see who if any is really gunning it early.


Very good advice, Thanks again!


Wife and I are going out of town tomorrow for the weekend but when we get back I might post a few questions on the forum for some guidance. One thing for certain that I have seen on this site is everyone's willingness to share information and to help. Thanks to All!!!


Jess

Hi Ted,

I know you are insanely busy right now with the changes TrackMaster dropped in your lap, but at some point in the future, if you could consider adding the following feature, I know it would help me.

If I could have a comment line, like 80 characters would be great, where I can enter my thoughts on a horse, that would then be able to be seen in the analysis screens, that would be awesome. For example, I select line 1 of horse 1, and notice he is dropping from a MSW to a MC, I would like to be able to note that so that when I get over to the analysis screens and I am making my bet, I will be reminded why even though its last line isn't great, I liked the horse.

Thanks, and keep up the outstanding work,

Dan

Dan, that's a great suggestion, one I've thought about before too. It would be for later this year.


I'll think about the architecture where to permanently store that info, where to display it. We'd likely need a new Analysis Tab: Comments/Notes.


Ted

Hi Ted,

I would put the user entered info in the line below the RDSS data for that paceline, so each horse would by default have two lines in height instead of one.

Also, when I was working on Synthesis years ago, I found that cutting the DTV and track to track adjustments in half really improved results. I see you allow us to cut the DTV in half, but do you do the same to track to track? If not, I think that would be an excellent feature to add.

Thanks,

Dan

Dan, thanks. I will eventually investigate these user-added notes by race, saved for future. Optionally expanding the rows to double-height (like the Entries screen with its [+] expander Icon) is a possibility.

InterTrack variants are either used (100%) or not used at all (0%), per the Configure Tab Inter-Track Variant settings. That's what I got from Doc and Guy W in the Validator code. I could put in some setting to apply it at a sliding user-defined scale (including 50%), including different scales (%) for different segments and different by distance structure. (Some have already requested this). I can see the value of different applications of variants (both DTV & ITV) by distance. So, perhaps some day!

Ted

Not sure how my luck will be again for a suggestion but I seriously think we should add a harness thread. Here’s why:

1) I like handicapping my local track Grand River in elora ontario

2) others may like harness tracks but don’t post

3) It keeps it organized and thoughtful to post for big races (Hambletonian, BReeders Crown)


For WIW it is up to Bill and Ted to decide upon this and I am all arms to accept or decline a offer.

Doc
 

didn't Doc Sartin have a program for Harness?


Bob

Yes he did, but he didn't really support it.

Yes
 

Tes Jim Bradshaw and Doc Sartin had a version of Thoromation,
call Trotomation. They did support and sold it. After about a year
Doc discontinued harness racing as part of the methodology.
He considered shady activity detrimental to win therapy

I was up at Grand River a couple of weeks ago. Big changes going on up there. I guess no more sitting by the window and having a leisurely dinner while handicapping the races. I go once a year when I visit my sister, Took me a while to figure out harness, but good money to be made if you do. Last year there were 2 races where a shipper from Saratoga had extremely fast times, but locals were staying away from him because they didn't know him. Both races were won easily at a great price.:)

That’s awesome Barb! Yes big renovations here in Fergus/Elora for Grand River.
Dimes ways they could improve but things are looking good with renovations for table games. Shippers go well!!

sorting
 

I came across a problem in sorting for tracks that have two turf courses. They are exported as t and T. Excel cannot distinguish case when sorting. It would be nice if we used T and it. Then there would be no confusion.

Good suggestion Charlie. I'll come up with some future differentiation other than "T" and "t", which are the raw values provided by TrackMaster.

Meanwhile, in Excel, you can do your sort on a virtual column based on this formula (where the 'Surface' Col is Col O as it is in the Excel Export sheet):

=IF(EXACT(LOWER(O1),O1),"it",O1)

This checks the value for Surface in O1 (and in all the rest of the rows, when you copy the formula down to all existing and thus future new rows). If the value is lowercase ("t" is the only lowercase value now that AQU inner surface "d" is no more) then replace it with "it", otherwise use the value that's there (e.g. "T","D","P" or whatever new values may come).

Sorting on the new virtual column will group all rows with Surface = "it" together, distinct from those rows with "T".

If you really want to control that ONLY a lowercase "t" gets converted to "it" (though there are no other lowercase Surface codes), just add an extra term to your IF formula:

=IF(AND(O1="T",EXACT(LOWER(O1),O1)),"it",O1)

Now the formula will only convert to "it" for codes = "T" or "t" (and then only for "t") and NOT for Surface codes = "d","e","f" ... (though these don't exist).

Hope that helps for now!

Ted

haven't checked to see if this has been asked already
 

I like the Excel export feature.

If I may, I'd like to suggest:

when the next master template (probably 5 or 6 ---> not sure)

is available that each running line collected would also have a column

which tells us how many days back from today's event each of them are.


Thank you,
Mike

Mike, thanks for the suggestion!

1. Why (out of curiosity)?

2. The model gives the number of days since the horse's last race (Col L, Layoff), for analysing Layoff patterns. As seen on each Analysis screen (where the days since the selected paceline is not shown).

3. Would you accept the date of the selected paceline? Then you could calculate with your own formula any time-related data which interests you (just like you can create whatever other formulas you like to manipulate the raw output data according to your analysis needs).

Ted

Export Ideas
 

I've been thinking a little about this recently as it happens. I'll throw my half baked ideas into the ring.

As is, the Excel export is geared towards race analysis. From the perspective of an individual horse it might be an idea to add an additional export button or box to tick for individual horse format.

Ideas for individual horse 10 line export.
1st section replicates the original screen, at least up to the Finish Position column. Also the workout, trip tabs and top section earnings/win% box and standard horse data.

This would allow anyone to conduct basic form analysis in Excel, perhaps somewhere when RDSS isn't available to them, but Excel is.
If it's easier, this could be added to the end of the current export. This would avoid any wholesale changes to existing spreadsheets used to extrapolate data.

Personally, I would find it a great benefit to have the basic horse data as a part of the excel export. Hopefully others think so to.
Hopefully too it isn't too onerous a task to add.

Hi Ted
I know this probably won't fly,but I would like to someway be able to do the ACTUAL. % medium,not what the winner had in his last line I used. Even a small added feature to free of even a small extra little downloadable like Doc used to sell. I for one would pay whatever you thought was appropriate for your time and effort!


Stay safe and enjoy!


Papa John

Please elaborate. What is "the ACTUAL % median”?

Ted

Hi Ted,


On my wish list I would like to see that where ever the ESP (by % Med) not the visual RS that it be able to be sorted from either E to L and L to E.


This would allow me to interpret the readouts by ESP or segmented to determine who the best is in each category such as best of the E's(E,Ep & P) and S types such as Sp, S, & L ) by readouts etc. This was a recommendation put forth by Tom Brohamer as how to view races for more clarity and understanding. I do this mentally but its a pain.

As an E.g. on the Analysis screen if one clicks on the Velocity- POH tab the visual RS can be sorted but not the ESP style or % Med computer style. They both are used by different users and both options should be available.


In advance, thanks for your consideration.


Mitch44

to answer 1:

I believe there may be a distinction between lines 3+ that may be less than 100 days ago as opposed to 200+ days ago.

to answer 3:

the date of the paceline would be helpful, if days before today's event can't be done.

Overall if I'm going back 4 or more lines, I think the date of that paceline would complete the picture for me,

while saving time from toggling back & forth from screen to screen, etc.

Done! As soon as I can get an update out :) Thanks for the idea!


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