Value Tech Blog

This is a well written article focusing on the two sides of the medication issue. 

CHANGING THE FOCUS AND POWER IN RACING BY FRED A. POPE
http://www.horseracingbusiness.com/changing-the-focus-and-power-in-racing-by-fred-a-pope-8250.htm

The Horseplayers Association of North America says more than 74% of its horseplayers favor a ban on drugs. That research provides the path to revenue. For example, if the host event writes conditions without medication and that race competes against seven other races at the same time, the race without medication has a huge advantage. That race becomes a “brand name” in a generic market

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

This is remarkable: The third increase in purses this year for Oaklawn Park. This in a year that sees thoroughbred racing struggle with lowered handle. They’ve had double digit increases in handle this meet as well. Remarkable.

Oaklawn Announces Third Purse Hike of Meet
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67922/oaklawn-announces-third-purse-hike-of-meet

Oaklawn Park announced it is raising purses for the third time during the current meet thanks to double digit increases in wagering and Instant Racing revenue during the month of February.

The latest increase goes into effect with the nine-race card March 9.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Significant that February handle is up for Fair Grounds, even though they’re down a bit overall for the meet. 

February daily betting at Fair Grounds slightly up from previous year
http://www.nola.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2012/03/february_daily_betting_at_fair.html

The Fair Grounds showed a slight increase in average daily handle in February over the figure for February 2011, according to statistics provided by the Louisiana State Racing Commission. For 17 racing days last month, average daily handle from all sources was $2,724,822, an increase of 0.8 percent from the daily average of $2,704,040 for February 2011.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Could be a great season for Monmouth Park…

Monmouth Park commences May 12
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/08/2683120/monmouth-park-commences-may-12.html

Monmouth Park, under management of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NJTHA), will begin its 2012 racing season on Saturday, May 12. The historic racetrack’s 67th season will feature 75 days, pending approval by the New Jersey Racing Commission.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Four violations in a year? That we know about? If bettors are going to be confident about the honesty of the product, a 60 day suspension and $5,000 fine is simply not enough. This is a leading trainer, this is a black eye to the sport and could have deleterious consequences to the handle nation wide.

 faces stiff fine, suspension in Indiana – ESPN
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7657076/amoss-faces-stiff-fine-suspension-indiana

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission has initiated an administrative action against trainer Tom Amoss that could result in a 60-day suspension and $5,000 fine.
According to an Amended Administrative Complaint filed Feb. 24, a positive test for the Class 4 drug methocarbamol in the Amoss-trained Hero Heart at Hoosier Park on Oct. 21, 2011, was the trainer’s fourth violation within a 365-day period.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

via bloodhorse.com

While it’s a good thing that this incident was quickly investigated, I can’t help but think that incidents like this can help erode the confidence of the betting public.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

First of all, my thoughts and hopes for the speedy recovery of all the jockeys that were injured, as well as the horses. It's a reminder of how dangerous this sport can be. From the perspective of the ValueCapper, though, it should remind us that a horse race is largely a random event. It has more in common with the spin of a roulette wheel than a mathematical formula to be solved. The only solution that makes sense is to insist that when you invest-when you bet-you are getting the best value that you can. That is all you have control over, the rest, as this video reminds us, is out of our hands.

Here's the link to the video of that February 29, 2012 race at Charles Town: 

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Will Rogers set for opening. Wish they’d book it in Vegas. 

Horse racing: Will Rogers Downs track in great shape for start of season
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sportsextra/article.aspx?subjectid=416&articleid=20120303_29_B5_WAAEWl687265

So while thank you notes might be in order, Will Rogers Downs has the same sentiment to its fans. The track is coming off its most successful year of operation since it reopened for live racing five years ago.

“The horsemen say the track is in outstanding condition,” racing secretary Kelly Cathey said. “The track is in the best shape it’s ever been since we opened. The mild winter has played a part, but Jake Wilson, our track superintendent and all his guys have done a phenomenal job getting it ready for the spring meet.”

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology

Severe Weather Closes Turfway, Churchill
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67767/severe-weather-closes-turfway-churchill

Updated: Saturday, March 3, 2012 10:17 AM
Posted: Friday, March 2, 2012 1:53 PM
Severe weather moving across Kentucky the afternoon of March 2 prompted Turfway Park to cancel live racing and simulcasting and for Churchill Downs and Keeneland to halt simulcasting operations.

Posted via email from Michael Pizzolla On ValueCapping™, Horse Racing, And Technology