About

With many variables to consider in horse racing, ranging from track, stakes, distance and jockeys to times, speed figures and final placements, it is easy to get lost in the information in Past Performance sheets, unless one has the key in terms of correct mathematical formulas and computing to opening up their value. That key is Pro-Handicap Wizard 4.2, an Excel program that simplifies the intricacies of handicapping by reducing key racing metrics into win probabilities that can be compared to the implied win probabilities of the live odds. With these probabilities one can value the horses accurately by determining whether they are being priced above, below or at their theoretical fair values. Designed for PC use, the program works with Brisnet Past Performance data in digital files and with Handicapper’s Data Warehouse files. The program was launched in 2017 and is now in its fourth generation.

The Handicap Wizard offers high functionality and speed in processing horse racing data to produce a range of performance metrics, the most important of which are speed—presented as win probabilities for SPD, E1, E2, LP and COMP—historical win percentage (WP) and risk, defined as the Coefficient of Variance (CV). These metrics are arranged in rows in a logical format, including with color coding to indicate degrees of strength or weakness, which can be used to scan through the data and identify selections quickly. The following is a screen shot of the program for the Florida Derby from April 1, 2023, in which the program had the tri-fecta order correct with its top three selections of Forte, Mage and Cyclone Mischief. There was only a 7% probability of this happening with these horses. To see the image in full-resolution, click on it and then on the encircled “i” in the bottom right-hand corner. Then scroll down and click on the link in the center for full-size.