Hi Bill,
I always liked the free contests and I've done fairly well with them.
They are very competitive.
The
data suppliers, the individual tracks, software people and contest promotion venues are having a party with them.
I'm probably one of the 5 you mentioned that will participate in todays BRIS contest.
Actually, I'm in 4 individual contests today which includes the NTRA TVG,
Equibase, and PaceAdvantage Riders Cup contests.
Tomorrow, I will participate in the NTRA free contest as well.
I believe it gives the average guy a chance to compete and make a few bucks at no real expense other then the data sheets.
You know what they say, "If you throw enough Sh_t against the wall, some might stick".
In my opinion, horse racing is a dying industry and a poor economy is contributing to the demise of the pastime. Contests are promoting interest and keeping a dying industry alive.
Free contests are the Stimulus of the horse racing enthusiast and keeps the sub-industries as mentioned above thriving.