Return to the Main FAQ's PageFAQ # 34
ALL-WaysTM Support
Why do some of my custom Handicapping Profiles sometimes generate an oddsline where the top horse is given odds of 1 to 10 and most other horses are 99 to 1?
First, if you have a legitimate 1 to 10 horse, then most other horses must have 99 to 1 odds. It is pure mathematics. However, 1 to 10 horses are very rare. So, if you are getting a lot of 1 to 10 or even 2 to 5 horses, then something else it at work here that you can easily fix.
Generally, Handicapping Profiles that generate a lot of 1 to 10 horses have either too many handicapping factors or the Impact Values used for several factors are too high or both.
People often like to use the maximum of ten handicapping factors in their profiles. However, it is best if you hold the number down to the range of 4 to 6 factors. Always include a factor from the form group, a factor from the class group and a factor from the speed group even if you can't find factors with a positive return on $2 bet. It is also a very good idea to use one of the following compound pace ratings.
BRIS Combined 2/3
BRIS combined (paceline)
Hall Combined 2/3
Hall Combined (paceline)
Brohamer AP
Brohamer SP
Brohamer FX
Brohamer Total
Particularly when you are just starting to build a Race Database for a track, the Impact Values calculated by ALL-Ways may be a bit high in the first (left-most) slot. These IV’s will sometimes be in the 3.5 to 4.5 point range. As sure as can be, these IV’s will come down to a more reasonable level in the 2.0 to 3.0 range as more races are added to the Race Database. To avoid the 1 to 10 situation, you should use moderate Impact Values. By all means select the factors with the highest IVs. They are indeed the most predictive factors. However, lower the IV’s you use in the first ranking position, if necessary, into the range of 1.5 to 3.0. Most of your IVs in the first ranking position should be closer to 2.0 or less. When you do lower them, however, you should still try to keep the relative strength of the factor in tact. The highest calculated IV factor should still be the highest after you make the adjustment. The lowest should still be the lowest.
That is all there is to it. To eliminate frequent oddslines where the top horse gets a 1 to 10, you should reduce the number of handicapping factors in the Handicapping Profile to 4 to 6 different factors. You should also use moderate IV’s in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 in the first (left-most) ranking slot. Again, it is OK to use a factor that has the unusually high IV, just lower the IV number in the profile to something more reasonable. By taking these two simple actions, the frequent 1 to 10 horses will disappear and so will the 99 to 1 horses as well.