[Ted Craven]

Cigar, welcome, sorry it took me a few days to get back to you on this.

1. in RDSS (and most velocity software), the race segments shown as F1, F2 and F3 velocity and energy (and subsequently compounded for various Factors) are, for sprints: F1 = 0 - 2 furlong point, F2 = 2f - 4f point, F3 = 4f point - end of race. For routes: F1 = 0 - 4f, F2 = 4f - 6f, F3 = 6f - end of race. In addition, we use the Second Call (SC) in some calculations, which is at the 4f point in sprints and the 6f point in routes.

2. In RDSS (and later Sartin programs) FW = sprints: SC * 2 + F3. In routes, SC + F3 * 2. FX is as you show it above. In longer sprints (e.g. 6f+) FX is indeed often a pertinent factor (i.e. there is enough of a distance in the F3 for that portion of the formula to represent some ability). It may be less pertinent in shorter sprints, although, as sureshotlink wisely points out above, you need to model what impact the different factors have at the different race distances, and at different tracks and surfaces.

The same advice can be given for use of FW - check your models for when it is more important than other times - I would not give an outright 'tip' on this.

3. Re VDC and DCL, your excerpted description of VDC is pretty good for starters, and there is really no more simple explanation, although I have written a LOT more about it and others have modelled it a LOT on these pages (check Rmath, Froggy, et al). Do a Google Site Search on 'VDC explanation' for many more discussions.

The problem with DCL is that it can be a simplistic measurement. Horses that are running the slowest to the 2nd Call usually then slow down the least in F3, thus get a good DCL rank. Conversely, horses who were running the fastest to the 2nd Call tend to slow down the most during F3. Thus,

The 'sweet spot' therefore, is the mix of horses who run well-enough to the 2nd call but then slow down relatively the least. This is precisely what V/DC measures ('deceleration relative to velocity'). In addition, VDC contains a measure of the relative Primary Line Score rank composed of teh 7 Primary Factors showing on the Primary Screen and rank summarized on the BLBL screen tot he left of the PLS Primary Line Score column. So, not only does V/DC measure relative deceleration to relative velocity (and internally, segment by segment) but it is also tempered by the sum of all the Primary Factors, which also happens to correlate fairly well to Total Energy.

4. Total Energy (TE) is a good measurement in ALL races - I am not sure if moreso in Sprints, again check your models. It is best used to winnow down contenders to the Top 5 and ties for the Win position (i.e. a long term model of TE will rarely show the winner ranked greater than 5th on TE, and when it does, a lot of that small subset is accounted for by Matchup considerations (the horse could dominate the first 2 fractions - see numerous examples in the RDSS Teaching Forum by FTL and Bill V).

In the BLBL screen, you will see a high co-relation between TE and BLBL ranks, though not a perfect one.

As for CPR (Composite Pace Rating, or Total Pace Rating), I don't know if it is more or less useful than Total Energy as an overall measurement in a given race category. Having no F1 component (CPR = EPR or 2nd Call + LPR or F3) it is inherhently less granular than Total Energy, and that would seem to be a disadvantage in mid or shorter routes (e.g. <= 6f) where early advantage is generically advantageous.

However - in all things - the applicability of the various factors to various race distances and categories is always subject to the Matchup of how horses interact with each other in the race according to their preferred Running Styles and demonstrated energy disbursement patterns (e.g. the Early/Late Differential sticks on the TPR + E/L screen). Also, whether there is tremendous early pressure on the sure-to-lead horses by others who want the very same position in the 'race-herd', perhaps thus setting up for an Other Than Early finisher with sufficient energy and proximity to the action by the top of stretch to take advantage of collapsing Earlies.

Again, please see numerous discussions in the RDSS Teaching Forum - AND every word in the Hat Check Forum on the Match Up by Jim Bradshaw and Richie P.

Hope that's not too much homework for the weekend

Are you going to Woodbine's opener tomorrow? I decided to hold off (yucky weather) until May 11, my Mum's birthday. Join us if you like!

cheers,

Ted