puntz, i appreciate what you are saying, all i would add is that if one can clearly state the objectives & requirements of ones desired betting "program", then those objectives & requirements can almost certainly met by someone with a sound knowledge of excel,lotus etc.

after all what lies behind all these $10k "racing programs"? - a spreadsheet, a data base & a word processor, integrated into a neat package.

whilst i dont use a "system" as such, i have developed a mechanical method for "doing the form" which requires about 5-10min of data entry per race (tedious work at times which is often worthwhile & regularily not!).

now what i need to do if find a way to import that data directly from the net (for free of course!), a task which has proven difficult so far...any help anyone?