TRACKMASTER® EXPERT SELECTIONS
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HOW TO READ F.A.S.T. SHEETS
Race Format

The Race Header contains the basic information regarding the conditions of the race as well as the wagering options available. The number after CR: is the Equibase Class Rating for the race. A Contenders list is provided along with Race Analysis regarding the pace scenario and key angles for the contenders. 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.

The Thoroughbred race format sorts the horses from highest to lowest first by Running Style then 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.

Wagering Strategy

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 Strategy: For exactas and trifectas, one strategy is to box the overlays and play the overlays with the other contenders. For serial exotics (Daily Double, Pick 3, etc.), an acceptable strategy is to key the contenders that are overlayed versus the morning line and play them with the other contenders.

Click here for advanced wagering tips.

F.A.S.T. Running Style (Thoroughbreds and Arabians)

Front-runner: Usually on the early lead.

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.

Stalker: Normally sits just off of the Front-runners in the early stages of the race.

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.

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

Fast: Usually gets out of the gate quickly.

Average: Normally breaks with the rest of the field.

Slow: Usually slow from the gate.

Trouble-prone: Tends to get into trouble in many of its races.

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.

Race Styles (Thoroughbred Races Only)

Dominant Front-runner: A Front-runner that has the highest Early Figure and Finish Figure.

Dominant Stalker: A Stalker that has the highest Early Figure and Finish Figure.

Dominant Trailer: A 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.

Click here for more details about Running Styles and Race Types.

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.

F.A.S.T. Sheets Statistics

Good Class: The average Equibase 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 Equibase Class Rating of that race is used. If a horse hasn't a good race with an Equibase Class Rating then a blank appears.

Good Speed: The average Equibase Speed 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 Equibase Speed Rating of that race is used. If a horse hasn't a good race with an Equibase Speed Rating then a blank appears.

Early Figure: A horse’s average Equibase 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).

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

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

Click here for more details regarding the construction of the Platinum Figure.
Early Position: (Arabian and Quarter Horse races only). The horse’s average running position at the first call, adjusted for field size.

Any questions or comments ? Send your email to craig@trackmaster.com