FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about the program.

1. How does one use the Handicap Wizard?

A: With Microsoft Excel 2010 or higher, a Brisnet single data file and an on-line racing account. The Handicap Wizard is run in Excel simply by opening it. There are button controls for the operations like selecting the racing card, indicating the scratched horses and processing the data. A Brisinet single data file must be purchased, downloaded and put in its corresponding track folder in order to be run by the program, which will identify it after clicking on “Update Folders” button on the MAIN sheet. Hitting “Calculate” commences the calculation operations and produces the results. The live odds data must be manually entered on the Live sheet to see the implied winning probabilities of the horses and the ROI calculations.

2. Can the program be used on more than one computer or device?

A: Yes

3. Where are the Brisnet data files found?

A: To purchase any Brisnet single data files, one must first setup an account with Brisnet. The files can be found here: https://www.brisnet.com/product/product/DRS. For one card per track a file costs $1, but there are different packages available, like monthly.

4. What advantages are there using the Handicap Wizard?

The Handicap Wizard provides accurate theoretical winning probabilities based on an innovative mathematical approach, involving the simulation of speed figures and scoring of money finishes of a horse. The probabilities allow one to evaluate the horses correctly compared to their live odds prices, to identify the mis- or underpricing of horses and to predict the outcome of races with success. In some cases, winners selected by the program as the 1st choice go off as significant underlays and make for richer payouts than the live odds favorites. Applying the disciplined system inherent to Handicap Wizard over time leads to better horse selections and a higher return on investment. 

5.  How does the program work best?

By applying it to races that have the high data integrity on a scale of 0 to 1. The integrity is shown in pink on the MAIN sheet. Also, low stakes races (<$20,000) at lesser tracks should be avoided, because the horses in those races are not reliable due to high variances in their speed figures.  

6. Do I have to have a lot of computer knowledge to use the program?

A: No. The functionality and commands of the program are straightforward. However, skill is needed in interpreting the results. One should have an understanding of the conversion of horse racing odds to probabilities.