ESP Ratings
 

It seemed like to me that one of the biggest part of the methodology was to rate the horses as to how they run - their running patterns, so you could predict how they would run today. But somehow the computer programs never seemed to focus on this. Do any of the programs rate the horses as to E, EP, P, or S? Does the newest RDSS program do this?

Hi James. RDSS ids both the visual running style of the horse as well as the computer generated ESP.
Tim

ESP Ratings
 

What's the difference between the visual running style and the computer generated ESP style? Do they ever disagree with one another? And when they do, how do you choose one over the other?

Hello James,

The visual style ESP is based on how far a horse is from the leader basically at a call. Not a very accurate way to determine a horse's true ESP. Its primarily used for the matchers and those using the match up. I have found that a very small number of people can employ the match up with any success. And why even brother as its included within the RDSS program.

The computer driven ESP is much more accurate (% Median) and is based on Total Energy and how the horse distributes that Energy. A horse can go wire to wire and not be an Early horse as an example. Many horses on the lead slow down and only do what they have to in order to maintain that lead.

% Median is a seldom used tool today but an effective one if properly employed and with a through knowledge of its capability and limitations. It will increase one's ability to get winners.

Mitch44

Mitch explains it very well. The computer generated compounded ratings are far superior to the visual. In fact in 1998 the Doc himself went away from the visual matchup in favor of the compounded ratings. If you have time go to the library section and watch the Docs' 3 tape presentation. If I remember correctly the info I just stated is on video #3.
Tim