Introduction

The TrackMaster® F.A.S.T. (Front-runner, Alternator, Stalker, Trailer) Sheets are computer generated handicapping reports which analyze pace scenarios and ratings, speed and class ratings, and numerous pertinent handicapping angles resulting in a contenders list along with an acceptable odds line for each contender. A report can be used as a selection and analysis sheet. The data provided can also be used by seasoned players as a shortcut in their handicapping process. By having the computer analyze the complexities of each race in a structured and precise format, a high level of consitency is maintained and large amounts of data are examined. Unlike a human selector, a computer doesn't experience fatigue or the monotony of handicapping race after race, day after day. Our results have shown that a high level of consitency and efficiency can be maintained over a vast number of tracks with the computer often outperforming its human counterparts.

Race Format

The Race Header contains the basic information regarding the conditions of the race as well as the wagering options available. The number after CR: is the Class Rating for the race. A Contenders list is provided along with Race Analysis regarding the pace scenario and key angles for the contenders. Only some of the key positive angles for each contender are highlighted, but all positive and negative angles are reflected in the acceptable odds line. If you see the same comment repeated for different horses in the Race Analysis section, it is due to more than one horse in the race having similar characteristics. The race format sorts the horses from highest to lowest first by Running Style then by Early Figure. This allows the user to see the likely position of the field in the early going as well as by early pace figures.

Wagering Strategy

Basic Strategy: The TrackMaster® F.A.S.T. Sheets are designed to give the user the edge one needs to win at the track. This sophisticated program assesses each horse’s probability of winning and produces acceptable (fair) odds for the contenders. As post time nears, if only one contender has odds equal to or higher than its acceptable odds (an overlay), then a wager on the horse to win is called for. If there are two overlays in a given race, a wager on both horses to win is indicated. If there are three or more overlays in a given race, a bet on the overlay with the largest (post-time odds to one)/(fair odds to one) ratio is indicated.

Exotic Strategy: For exactas and trifectas, one strategy is to box the overlays and play the overlays with the other contenders. For serial exotics (Daily Double, Pick 3, etc.), an acceptable strategy is to key the contenders that are overlayed versus the morning line and play them with the other contenders.

F.A.S.T. Running Style

Front-runner: Usually on the early lead.

Alternator: Has no particular Running Style. One of the other Running Styles is assigned based on recent races. An Alternator can also be deemed a Non-contender.

Stalker: Normally sits just off of the Front-runners in the early stages of the race.

Trailer: Usually near the back of the pack in the early going.

Unknown: Running Style not known, usually because the horse is a foreign horse or a first time starter.

Race Styles

Dominant Front-runner: A Front-runner that has the highest Early Figure and Finish Figure.

Dominant Stalker: A Stalker that has the highest Early Figure and Finish Figure.

Dominant Trailer: A Trailer that has the highest Early Figure and Finish Figure.

Lone Front-runner: Only one horse in the race is a Front-runner.

Lone Stalker: Only one horse in the race is a Stalker.

Lone Trailer: Only one horse in the race is a Trailer.

Fast-paced Race: At least four horses in the field are Front-runners. Favors the Stalkers and Trailers.

Paceless Race: There are no Front-runners in the field.

Basic Race: This race has a balanced pace scenario.

Dominant Class: A special situation in which one horse has a decided class edge over the rest of the field.

F.A.S.T. Sheets Statistics

Class: The median Class Rating of up to a horse’s ten most recent races within the last six months. If a horse hasn't had a race with a Class Rating then a blank appears.

Speed: The median Speed Rating of up to a horse’s ten most recent races within the last six months. If a horse hasn't had a race with a Speed Rating then a blank appears.

Early: A horse’s average Pace Figure at the first quarter call. This figure is normally taken from its last ten races.

Late: A horse’s average Pace Rating for the last quarter call. This figure is normally taken from its last ten races.

Platinum: The horse’s average Composite Pace Figure adjusted by Average Class Rating, Average Speed Rating, TrackMaster® Power Rating, and Average Earnings Per Start.

Break: The horse’s propensity to break during a race. A habitual breaker will show as "high" while a horse that has not exhibited a history of breaking will show "none".

Driver: This race's driver.

Trainer: This race's trainer.