Dan, if you have successfully registered at PA (i.e. you can login), then you should be able to both Reply and Vote in the Poll in that thread (Commercial handicapping software tools):
http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/s...d.php?t=125297
If you can do neither, it is a pretty good sign you are not logged in. You would have received an email from the Admin saying you are registered (and if you haven't received it, your email provider might be the source of initial delay as, like P&C, they get a lot of SPAM from some major free email providers and tend to ignore it unless 'poked'. Let me know if you need help with that).
Otherwise, I see no reason why you cannot post. If you also are contemplating joining that PA AQU Pick 4 Contest, it is probably getting close to the wire to get in 10 days play to qualify for prizes (given the occasional winter cancellations) - but come on down, if only for the experience! You DO qualify for the RDSS bonus prizes if you finish in the Top 3, so a chance for
$350 total (though you may have to fight off several other RDSS players)! Once you can login to PA, just post your picks according to the format and rules given in that Contest, in the daily thread provided.
Re paying online contests open to Texans (or anybody) - check out
www.Derbywars.com. Cash prizes. Various kinds of contests, daily, with different entry fees and limits on competitors. Here are discussions about Derby Wars, both on P&C and PA:
http://paceandcap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10321
http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/s...d.php?t=127181
Also, the ultimate in Contests the annual NHC National Handicapping Championship in Vegas, starts
today and runs through Saturday:
http://www.ntra.com/nhc/nhc-rules/ Too late for this year ;-) but you can follow along the mandatory races and compare your skills. There is a whole online and live series of qualifier tournaments throughout the year (including on Derby Wars) and a Tour (like a pro-golf or pro-poker tour). There are usually a couple of RDSS players there, though I don't always know who.
For some interesting reading on someone with high skill level, check out posts at PaceAdvantage.com by Vic Stauffer ('v j stauffer'), former race caller at Hollywood for many years and now largely a Contest player rather than a pari-mutuel bettor.
Perhaps there is a 'silver lining' in every perceived darkness: like the Cubans who maintain fabulous 1950's Chevy's in vintage condition because they couldn't get other cars and parts for decades, perhaps it is the opportunity of Texans to excel at Contest Play rather than pari-mutuel wagering (at least until sanity prevails - it will, won't it
)
Good luck,
Ted