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 consistency 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 consistency and efficiency can be maintained over a vast number of tracks with the computer often outperforming its human counterparts.

List of Races

The List of Races page has the top conteders for each race listed with their morning line odds (ML) and acceptable odds (AO). The acceptable odds are the fair odds needed to make a win wager on a particular horse.

Race Analysis

The Race Analysis section contains abbreviated data regarding the race and analysis of the pace scenario and the top contenders. The number after CR: is the Class Rating for the race. The expected pace scenario is described, and key angles for the contenders are noted as well. 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.

Ratings

The Thoroughbred race format sorts the horses by running style, then from highest to lowest 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. The Quarter Horse race format shows the horses in post position order. This allows the user to see how horses next to each other break from the gate. The Arabian race format has the horses sorted from highest to lowest first by running style then by early position. This allows the user to see the position of the field in the early going based on early positioning. The format for other breed races list the horses by lowest to highest based on early position. The detailed race conditions and exotic wager offerings are also listed.

(Note: The top figure in each numeric category is underlined and in bold print)

P#: A horse’s official program number.

Horse: A horse’s name.

PP (Post Position): A horse’s post position.

ML: A horse’s morning line odds.

Style: A horse’s F.A.S.T. Break Style (listed below).

Earl Fig (Early Figure): A horse’s average pace figure at the first call. This figure is normally taken from its last five races at today's distance (sprint or route) / surface (dirt or turf).

Fin Figure (Finish Figure): A horse’s average Speed Figure at the finish. This figure is normally taken from its last five races at today's distance (sprint or route) / surface (dirt or turf).

Plat Figure (Platinum Figure): The horse’s average Finish Figure adjusted by Average Class Rating, Average Speed Figure, Power Rating, and Average Earnings Per Start.

Gd Cls (Good Class): The average class rating of a horse’s two most recent good races (see above). If a horse has only one good race in its last twelve races, the class rating of that race is used. If a horse hasn't a good race with an class rating then a blank appears.

Gd Spd (Good Speed): The average Speed Figure of a horse’s two most recent good races (see above). If a horse has only one good race in its last twelve races, the Speed Figure of that race is used. If a horse hasn't a good race with a Speed Figure then a blank appears.

Jockey: The horse's jockey for today's race.

Trainer: The horse's trainer for today's race.

Early Position: (Arabian and Quarter Horse races only). The horse’s average running position at the first call, adjusted for field size.

F.A.S.T. Break Style (Thoroughbred and Arabian Races)

F = Front-runner: Usually on the early lead.

A = 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. For example, A/S is an Alternator/Stalker.

S = Stalker: Normally sits just off of the front-runners in the early stages of the race.

T = 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. These horses will be listed as a group below the other horses in the race.

F.A.S.T. Break Style (Quarter Horses)

F = Fast: Usually gets out of the gate quickly.

A = Average: Normally breaks with the rest of the field.

S = Slow: Usually slow from the gate.

T = Trouble-prone: Tends to get into trouble in many of its races. This tag is appended to the break style if the horse is trouble-prone.

Unknown: Break style not known, usually because the horse is a first time starter or a Thoroughbred trying a Quarter Horse race for the first time. These horses will be listed as a froup below the other horses in the race.

Race Styles in Pace Scenarios (Thoroughbred Races Only)

Dominant Front-runner: Front-runner that has the highest early figure and finish figure.

Dominant Stalker: Stalker that has the highest early figure and finish figure.

Dominant Trailer: 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.

Key Angles Glossary

Good Race: For Thoroughbred and Arabian races, a race in which a horse has an official finish of first, second, or third. In sprints, a finish within two lengths of the winner. In routes, a finish within three lengths of the winner. For Quarter Horse races, a race in which a horse has an official finish of first, second, or third. In races less than or equal to 440 yards, a finish within one length of the winner. In races longer than 440 yards, a finish within two lengths of the winner.

TrackMaster Historical Indicators: TrackMaster symbols which identify situations that have historically shown to produce a positive long-term profit.

A “+” symbol means that the combination of the Power Rating Margin (difference between the top two horses’ power ratings) & the post time odds (approximated by the morning line) were profitable in the recent past.

The “L” symbol notes a potentially valuable long shot play.

The “B” symbol signifies that both the “+” and “L” symbols apply in this situation.

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 Wagers: Clicking on the Exotic Wagers button will display the suggested exotic wagers for this race. This section details tickets to play for Exactas, Trifectas, the Daily Double, etc. Use the plays to optimize your wagers on your favorite exotic bets. (Note: some of the plays for a specific exotic wager do require multiple tickets (A, B, C). This is to maximiz the chances of cashing a ticket while still keeping the cost down. All base wagers are assumed to be $1 except for daily doubles ($2).)

Another strategy for exactas and trifectas, is to box the win overlays and play the overlays with the other contenders.