TGJB Response (512 Views)
Posted by:
albany (IP Logged)
Date: May 08, 2005 02:20PM
TGJB:
No theory or system of handicapping is perfect, they are all flawed.
The problem I have with figure handicapping is not that it is flawed. The issues that I have with speed figure handicapping are as follows: (1) the wide spread use of this approach has resulted in underlays for those winners that are identified; (2) over reliance on figures, which is an easy habit to fall into, conflicts with the basic need to adopt a more comprehensive approach to handicapping; (3) the use of nurmeric values has the effect of affording speed figures an appearance of objectivity and scientific validity that simply does not comport with reality. This glean of scientific veracity has the concomitant effect of making people feel that the numbers are not influenced by subjective factors and are, therefore, beyond reproach.
Please do not misunderstand my position. I believe that figures are an important part of the puzzle. However, they are useful only if the bettor understands their impact on the mutual pools and he/she is well-versed in the other aspects of handicapping.