With respect Puntz, I think the favorite is 'the favored to win' by the majority of punters, not the actual winner which is another thing entirely.

The favorite SR is the best result that all punters collectively [represented by the prize pool] can deduce from ALL info. available to them by whatever means or methods.

The fact that this SR hasn't changed since the year dot[anyone with figures on that ?] is the most amazing thing. All the advances in collecting and analyzing race data hasn't changed the the SR since I don't know when [?].

That fact speaks volumes about how good previous generations where at selecting winners from scant basic race info. [a lot by carrier Pigeons too]. That fact raises some big questions regarding the actual value of a lot of the extra race variables and form facts available today.

Min. info.= 30% fav.overall SR. Max. info= 30% fav. overall SR [???]

Computer programs and aids for racing etc. have produced ease and time saving in collating info. but hasn't improved the average fav. SR overall. Individually sure, but not overall.

Any real 'evidence' [not just anecdotal] that computer technology has improved the SR of punters using them must be accompanied by evidence that those who don't use them are getting worse at selecting winners.

If computers have improved the Fav. SR % for computer owners, then the SR % of those punters who use manual form guide methods must correspondingly be declining for the average fav. SR to still be around 30% overall. I don't believe this is so as there is no evidence to support it.

Makes one think before lashing out on the next gee-whiz computer racing product with ridiculous SR and rags to riches claims.

Cheers.


[ This Message was edited by: crash on 2004-05-11 09:57 ]