Definition of a 'system'
Reading another thread got me to wondering what the actual definition for a system would actually be. Whilst the dictionary offers these interpretations:
1. A group of related things or parts that function together as a whole.
2. An ordered set of doctrines, ideas, or principles.
3. A particular method of procedure, organization, or classification.
For our purposes a racing 'system' seems to be something different again. I know what I think a racing system should be and am wondering what you think?
For starters, here is an off the top of my head definition.
My racing system should be any collection of data that once analysed gives an indication of a horse which represents a better chance of winning a race than the other horses in the same race.
That's a bit wordy but I am sure I could rephrase it if I thought about it, but the sense is clear, it should be able to assist you to select a winning chance. However the purpose of selecting a winner is not always the only consideration. I know you need to make a profit, and sometimes this does not involve selecting the winner per se, but perhaps just a minor placing or an exotic selection etc.
What about gut-feeling, the most powerful weapon yet devised by man for picking winners? Anyone have that little voice inside that screams at you DON'T back that one, PEN this one, NOT with your money, and so on. How do you program that into your system?
Systems are different things to different folks, so what are the commonalities? When speaking in specific computer terms, what are the prime factors, secondary factors and so on? Is a system better if it involves more factors, or does the KISS principle work here as well?
As some of you know I am formulating a system, I have some computer skills and lack in other areas, but don't lack experience on and off the tracks. So I am asking for a set of criteria from each of you, what makes your system tick? What is important to you. Not only will I benefit from your answers in compiling my own system, but the sharing of ideas may force some of you to rethink your own systems and modify them and perhaps improve them in terms of profitability.
I don't think the telling of what defines your system will harm you, the game is to big and there is no such thing as the perfect system, but that should not stop all of us from striving for it anyway :-)
Tailwag
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