I would like to thank everyone who responded to my post. I was worried that some of you might take offense at my approach. I certainly didn't mean any disrespect. My post
simply reflected two obvious truths: (1) the
sheets do point out winners and (2) those winners are often overbet.

As a child, I first attended the races at Saratoga with my father. It was there that I learned basic math by reading the Morning Telegraph (now the Racing Form). Any racing fan who has not visited Saratoga has not really experienced racing as it was meant to be. Everyone in the town, the shops and eateries talk racing around the clock. Those who don't participate are the outsiders. In other words, horse players are not viewed as degenerates as they often are in many other parts of the country. On the track, the racing is without equal. Secretariat, Man O War, Alydar, Affirmed, Dr. Fager -- the list seems endless -- have appeared at the Spa. With its emphasis on two year old racing, I soon learned the importance of breeding, trainer patterns and workout schedules for young stock. Today, I employ this knowledge in my contrarian fashion. Simply stated, the sheets can give you a line on experienced runners, but are less effective with young, lightly raced horses. I play at the margins of the game where sheet players feel least comfortable.

Another area of fruitful pursuit is distance/surface conversions. The sheets can only attempt to quantify what horses have already accomplished. The numbers, in my view and in the opinion of others on this site, do not automatically translate to different surfaces and distances. This gives me an opportunity as "sheet money" is flowing in the wrong direction.

I don't view handicapping as a science that is subject to precise quantification. The beauty of handicapping is that it is an art. The past performance charts are a canvas that each handicapper, applying his own creative interpretation, must apply the paint of his own logic and experience. Sheet players have their approach and I have mine. Perhaps we can learn from each other. In this regard, I would appreciate any input you folks may have on both the strengths and weaknesses of speed figure handicapping.