Hello, Welcome and thank you for visiting www.greyhoundpredictor.com.
I've been going dog racing for forty years and enjoy following the 'Open Race Scene' here in the United Kingdom. I am a keen collector of racing memorabilia, mainly old greyhound programmes! and have previously attended meetings at dog tracks in the USA and Australia.
In this article, I'll explain how to predict your own future winners by using the Greyhound Predictor v2.0 software program and will discuss the various formlines and statistics required to be entered into the 'Race Predictor Stat Screen'.
Questions about The Science of Greyhound Racing Prediction? Please feel free to contact me.
Greyhound Racing in the 21st Century affords 'punters worldwide' the chance to interactively bet on the dogs. This has created many opportunities, with increases in UK Super Jackpot payouts, live internet betting facilities and the ever increasingly popular number of dog racing websites, never before have 'racegoers' experienced such a revolution in greyhound racing information and technology.
However, before downloading 'Greyhound Predictor', I firstly recommend you aquire a good 'informative newspaper' with full in-depth coverage of all today's meetings, turn to the greyhound section and select a race to predict!
The "Predictor" lets you predict dog races run over 3 race lengths:- 515 metres (563 yards), 500 metres (547 yards) and 480 metres (525 yards). Try choosing a race, close to any of these distances to obtain the best results!
Now start up Greyhound Predictor, double click the 'Crystal Ball' icon on your desktop.
If you haven't yet downloaded and installed GP Version 2.0 then you can download a free trial. * The trial version is free to try before you buy! * Please also note: The full registered version will not display the start-up dialogue boxes and will not be limited to only one race per start up.
Once the 'Race Simulator' has loaded, you will be taken to the information boxes, click I agree to start the program running and press Spacebar to move through the information screens to Main Menu. From here you can select Predictor, Betting Lounge, Gallery, Information or Options by using the Up/Down cursor keys. If you have any difficulties veiwing Greyhound Predictor, please see Support Page for further information.
The Greyhound Predictor Software Program always runs in Full Screen Mode, therefore it is not possible to flip back to internet raceform web-sites to enter the greyhound data into the Predictor, unless of course you use two monitors!
GP v2.0 offers a maximum 8 dog runners per race, by selecting the Option Menu you can alter the 'race settings' to the number of runners required and change any race length measurement into 'metres or yards' or to enter a dog's racing weight in either 'kilos or pounds'!
You can also pre-set your own settings, by finding the Configuration Utility on your computer (Start - Programs - Greyhound Predictor v2.0 - Configuration) You may set any combination of the 'racetrack settings' mentioned above as the default mode of your choice. Each time you start Greyhound Predictor both six or eight dog greyhound races run in metres or yards, kilos or pounds, will only then be saved for you!
Now are you ready to start predicting greyhound races?
From the Main Menu select 'Predictor' to navigate throughout, simply highlight your answers by using the Left/Right cursor keys situated on your keyboard, when you have selected your answer press Spacebar to continue.
GP v2.0 requires you to answer 10 greyhound racing form questions for each selected runner starting with Trap 1. Although the first 3 questions, always relate to each individual race set-up.
In this section, I mention famous greyhound races held in the United Kingdom and their associated track venues and compare English and Irish greyhound grades with Australian and American grades. I also list recent winners, trainers and dates of classic races and include general information on greyhound racing speeds!
In the U.K. an 'Open Race' (greyhound form statistic OR) represents the highest standard of greyhound racing grades. In America all top class contests are known as RSA's or SA's (Racing Secretaries A Class) seen at 'special meetings' like the "Night of the Stars". In Australia the very best competitions are classified as 'Group Races' and are generally referred to as FFA's (Free for All's).
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 lets you predict races run at all standards of middle-distance grades!
Major Greyhound Racing Events and Race Venues:
Out of all the Greyhound Classics held annually, the English Greyhound Derby (Wimbledon) first staged at the White City Stadium, London in 1927 - won 11/06/11 by Taylors Sky trained at Newark, Nottinghamshire by Charlie Lister OBE (Unatt) - and the Irish Greyhound Derby (Shelbourne Park, Dublin) first run in 1934 - won 10/09/11 by Razldazl George trained in Ireland by Dolores Ruth - are respectfully, the two most important races that all trainers and owners want to win.
Other National "derbies" run in the British Isles include the Scottish Derby (Shawfield) - won 16/04/11 by Taylors Cruise trained by C.R.Lister (Unatt) - first held at Carntyne, Glasgow in 1928. Northern Irish Derby - won 25/06/11 by Loughview Gem trained by Francie O'Brien (NI) - (Drumbo Park) and the previously held Welsh Derby (Swansea) first run in 1928 at the old White City, Cardiff.
Famous English dog races include the St Ledger originally run in 1928 at the old Wembley Stadium - won 04/10/11 by Aero Majestic trained at Yarmouth by Mark Wallis, and Oaks - won 08/12/11 by Silverview Perky trained by C R Lister - (Wimbledon). Laurels - won 08/11/11 by Eden Star trained at Sheffield by B Draper, Scurry Gold Cup - won 20/10/11 by Drumcove Lad trained at Monmore by "2011 champion trainer" Chris Allsopp, and Gold Collar (Belle Vue). Blue Riband - won 19/04/11 by Express Shuttle trained by C Allsopp - (Hall Green). Henlow Derby - won 27/10/11 by "derby hero" Taylors Sky - (Henlow). Coronation Cup - won 18/01/12 by Rathglass Hero trained at Wimbledon by Norah McEllistom, Champion Stakes - won 07/09/11 by the sadly ill fated Droopys Hestor trained at Newcastle by Jimmy Wright, and Essex Vase - won 14/12/11 by Westmead Melanie trained at Henlow by Nick Savva - (Romford). Produce Stakes - won 10/10/11 by Go Go Sonic trained at Hall Green by Paul Sallis, Eclipse - won 30/11/11 by Mill Bling Bling trained at Sunderland by Kelly Macari - (Nottingham). Pall Mall - won 28/06/11 by Brittons Empire trained by Chris Allsopp, and 79th Cesarewitch - won 10/11/11 by Farloe Kraven (Paddy Curtin) & Westmead Palace (Graham Holford) dead heated 1st - (Oxford). Arc - won 30/03/11 by Jolly Poacher trained at Oxford by Nick Colton - (Swindon). Golden Jacket - won 26/02/11 by Bush Paddy trained at Sittingbourne by Kelly Findlay - (Crayford). Midland Gold Cup - won 26/08/11 by Taylors Sky - (Monmore Green). All England Cup - won 12/10/11 by Mill Bling Bling trained by K J Macari - (Newcastle). Steel City Cup - won 23/08/11 by Mill Bling Bling - (Sheffield). Sussex Cup - won 26/07/11 by Longwood Days trained by Colin Callow (Unatt), and Regency - won 10/05/11 by Blonde Fletch trained by Mark Wallis - (Hove). Classic and Grand Prix - won 14/07/11 by Blonde Snapper and Blonde Fletch respectively trained by M A Wallis - (Sunderland). 65th East Anglian Derby - won 15/09/11 by Ballymac Ace trained by C Allsopp - (Yarmouth).
Famous Irish races include the Irish St Ledger won 02/07/11 by What a Tornado trained by Paul Hennessy (Limerick). Irish Cesarewitch - won 02/04/11 consecuitively by Definate Opinion trained in Tipperary by Pat Guilfoyle - (Mullingar). Guineas - won 03/09/11 by Droopys Chris trained by Nicky Turner, and Masters - won 12/11/11 by Piercestown Sand owned and trained by Seamus Whelan - (Waterford). Irish Champion Stakes - won 23/07/11 by Uncle Eoin trained by James Robinson, Irish Oaks - won 25/06/11 by Droopys Twirl trained in Cork by John Linehan, Open 600 - won 14/05/11 by Kingo trained by Dolores Ruth. Tote Gold Cup - won 19/01/11 by Slippery Bob trained by Larry Dunne, Easter Cup - won 16/04/11 by Makeshift trained by Dolores Ruth - (Shelbourne Park). Red Mills Produce Stakes - won 01/05/11 by Whiteys Hawk trained by Declane Byrne - (Clonmel). Irish Laurels - won 22/10/11 by Razldazl Rioga trained by Dolores Ruth - (Cork). Irish Sprint Cup - won 14/08/11 by Shoemakers Lad trained by Tom Harte - (Dundalk). Irish National Sprint, Cox Cup and Newbridge Oaks - won 12/11/11 by Nikitas Scut trained by James Melia - (Newbridge). Longford Derby - won 15/07/11 by Pepsi Billy trained by Patrick Fallon (Longford). Kingdom Derby - won 17/12/11 by Pablo Supreme trained by Owen McKenna, Tipperary Cup - won 31/07/11 by Glideaway Ace trained by Peter Cronin - (Thurles). Corn Cuchulainn - won 15/07/11 by Fleeting Image then trained by Dolores Ruth, and Ted Hegarty Marathon won 24/12/11 by Aero Gaga trained at Clonmel by Sally Williams - (Harolds Cross). Gold Cup - won 05/11/11 by Lemon Velvet trained by Darren Ferris - (Drumbo Park).
Other famous UK races include the Cock o' the North - won 04/08/11 by Droopys Arshavin trained by Stuart Mason (Belle Vue), Boxing Day Marathon - won 26/12/11 by Ministry Magpie trained at Sittingbourne by K J Findlay (Crayford), Derby Plate - won 11/06/11 by Romeo Spartan trained by C R Lister, and Dorando Marathon - won 11/06/11 by Lottes Girl trained at Peterborough by Heather Dimmock - run on dog derby night at Wimbledon Stadium. This years T.V. Trophy final will be staged on the 21st March at Perry Barr Stadium (Birmingham). Last year it was held at "Central Park" Sittingbourne (Kent) and won 04/05/11 by Knockies Hannah locally trained by John Mullins at the 'Dillymore Kennels' near Ipswich.
International events include the Anglo-Irish International Dundalk - won 12/07/11 for the second year in succession by Definate Opinion. Clonmel Festival (Clonmel), Galway Festival (Galway), Festival of Racing (Lifford) and occasional American-Irish Challenges. The new Dublin festival week of racing took place last year at Harolds Cross and Shelbourne Park and included 1st round heats of the Irish Derby.
There are also "special meetings" like the annual Trainers Championship (TC) held 22/03/11 at Wimbledon Stadium and won for the fifth time by Charlie Lister. Other types of 'Invitational races' (IR's) include The Select Stakes won 03/08/11 for the second year in succession by Jordans Sollutions trained by Charlie Lister - (Nottingham), Anglo-Irish Invitation (Wimbledon), Dransfield Invitation (Sheffield) and the odd Showdown - Match Racing (M).
Important UK Open Class Races (OR's) include: Northern Flat - won 15/09/11 by Mountjoy Rock trained by Elaine Parker, and Gorton Cup (Belle Vue). Midland Flat (Hall Green). Kent Derby - won 21/08/11 by Jazz Apollo trained by Mark Wallis, and Silver Salver (Sittingbourne). Guy's and Dolls, Kent St Ledger, Memorial Rose Bowl - won 26/11/11 by Ministry Mayhem trained at Sittingbourne by Kelly Findlay - (Crayford). St Mungo Cup (Shawfield). Birmingham Cup (Perry Barr). Olympic - won 30/06/11 by Diesel Malc trained by M H Fawsitt (Unatt), Brighton Belle - won 25/08/11 by Westmead Melanie trained by Nick Savva - (Hove). Prestige - won 10/01/12 by Express Trend trained by Liz McNair - (Hall Green). Golden Sprint (Romford). Golden Jubilee 509 and Pride of the West (Swindon). Oxfordshire Gold Cup and Trafalgar Cup - 31/03/11 won by Spencers Lad locally trained by Angie Kibble (Oxford). National Sprint - won 19/12/11 by Drumcove Lad trained by Chris Allsopp (Nottingham). Angel of the North Oaks - won 12/10/11 by Pond Shefelia trained by Harry Williams (Newcastle). Regal Gold Cup (Sunderland). Peterborough Derby - won 06/08/11 by Mountjoy Rock trained at Sheffield by Elaine Parker, and Fengate Collar (Peterborough). Golden Crest and Super Paws - won 26/11/11 by Brittons Empire trained by Chris Allsopp - (Poole). Yorkshire Oaks (Sheffield). Yorkshire St Ledger - won 16/11/11 by Lonely Boy trained by C R Lister - (Doncaster) and many other cup and trophy events.
There are 'Open Races' for Puppies and Veterans and are represented in the formlines by a standard race prefix:- (P) = Puppy and (V) = Veteran. In Ireland puppies begin their careers in Novice grade (N1-N3) although competitions are sometimes held for dogs previously unraced!
UK Puppy Events include: The English Puppy Derby - won 09/08/11 by Eden Star trained at Sheffield by Barrie Draper, Puppy Oaks and Juvenile (Wimbledon). Puppy Cup - won 23/09/11 by Eden Star (Romford). Puppy Classic - won 29/08/11 by Farloe Iceman trained by Matt Dartnall - (Nottingham). Westmead Puppy Derby (Henlow). 65th Two-Year-Old Produce Stakes - won 23/07/11 by Romeo Metro trained by David Firmager (Unattached) - (Swindon). Peterborough Cesarewitch and Puppy Derby - won 27/04/11 by Monleek Sloopy trained by David Pruhs (Peterborough). Northern Puppy Derby - won 12/10/12 by Unreal Timmy trained by K A Macari - (Newcastle). Midland Puppy Derby - won 17/03/11 by Droopys Greg trained by Nick Savva - (Monmore). Manchester Puppy Cup - won 01/12/11 by Roker Liam trained at Newcastle by Dave Spraggon - (Belle Vue). Breeders Forum Produce Stakes (Hall Green). Sussex Puppy Trophy - won 22/12/11 by Tullig Joy trained by P A Sallis (Hove). Gymcrack Puppy Championship - won 19/07/11 by Taranis Rex trained by Nick Colton - (Kinsley) etc. Veteran races include the famous Senior's Derby (Peterborough).
Irish Puppy Races include: The Irish Puppy Derby - won 07/10/11 by Sparta Maestro trained by Philip Gough, and Irish Puppy Oakes - won 05/08/11 by Millbank Flight trained by Padraig Hickey - (Harolds Cross), National Puppy Stake - won 17/12/11 by Hanover Laddie trained in England by Laurence Jones (Shelbourne Park), Munster Puppy Cup (Clonmel), Future Champion Unraced - won 06/10/11 by Kingsmill Messi trained by Aidan Roche (Enniscorthy). Champion Unraced Stake - won 29/05/11 by Bulgaden Gypsy trained by Mr & Mrs Conal Kelly (Kilkenny), Puppy Derby (Newbridge), Juvenile Classic (Tralee). Kasko Open Unraced Stake - won 22/07/11 by Milldean Panther (formerly known as Bellmore Panther) trained by John O'Flynn jr (Thurles Park) etc.
All of these 'Open Class Competitions' attract the very best quality of greyhounds and overall represent the top UK standard of dog racing class.
Other standard letter prefixes that precede the race grading and indicate the type of race include:- (H) = Hurdle and (CH) = Chase - two extra hurdles are added. Trainers may sometimes opt to give a dog a 'hurdle handslip' - the greyhound isn't released from the traps but is 'hand slipped' usually along the straights - in order to slowly introduce them to hurdling. Please note: any runner previously competing in a hurdle race or trial, and was then switched back to race on the flat, is always a good sign to look for, as the hurdles tend to concentrate a dog's mind on it's racing and therefore sharpens them up!
The first UK hurdle race was held at Belle Vue (Manchester) at it's opening meeting on 24th July 1926 - won by Melksham Autocrat. Famous races include the English Grand National originally run in 1927 at the old White City Stadium (London) - won 30/08/11 by Victoria Falls trained by Richard Rees, Springbox - won 08/02/11 by Clonkeen Theo trained by Jason Foster, Champion Hurdle - won 11/06/11 by Plane Daddy trained at Crayford by Gemma Davidson - (Wimbledon), Irish Grand National - won 28/10/11 by Olivers Twist trained at Sheffield by Lisa Stephenson - (Harold's Cross - HX), Kent National Hurdle - won 17/12/11 by Aero Vegas trained locally by John Luckhurst (Crayford) etc.
The very best of these 'canine racing machines' are capable of clocking greyhound speeds close to 40 mph / 65 km/ph! Although, the very fastest speeds may only be achievable on first class greyhound circuits "galloping tracks" with big track circumferences, long racing straights and wide sweeping cambered bends!
The fastest time recorded over a distance of 515 metres or 563 yards is 28.88 seconds by Australian "wonder dog" Brett Lee trained by Darren McDonald from Peacedale (Victoria) in the final of the Adelaide Cup, a Group 1 race held (25/01/01) at Angle Park, South Australia, (track circumference 457 metres) and represents an average racing speed around the track of 39.87 miles per hour!
Interestingly, the fastest UK time for 515 metres is 29.20 seconds set by the "brilliant" Barnfield On Air trained by Samuel Poots in the 2007 Sussex Cup Final, a Category One race run at Brighton and Hove greyhound stadium (track circumference 455 metres) and represents an average cruising speed of 39.44mph!
Alternatively, the quickest time in the UK achieved over 480 metres or 525 yards was recently set 21/06/11 by "puppy sensation" Eden Star trained locally by Barrie Draper when recording a new distance record of 27.39 seconds in the Nicol Alloy Monkey Stakes held at Sheffield (track circumference 425 metres) and represents an average speed of 39.21 mph.
The Irish national record for 525 yards or 480 metres was recorded by Leeview Jet trained by Graham Holland when setting new figures of 27.88 secs - equilavent to an average speed of 38.52mph when winning the final of the Tennants Gold Cup run 23/10/10 at Drumbo Park (Belfast). The previous record was set by Catunda Harry trained by Owen McKenna, who became the first greyhound to dip under 28 seconds on an Irish track, when recording 27.99 seconds in a heat of the Ballygodoon stud Puppy Stakes run at Limerick 17/06/07.
The quickest ever time recorded in the Irish Greyhound Derby, held at Shelbourne Park (track circumference 425 yards) over 550 yards = 503 metres was achieved by 2009 Irish derby champion College Causeway trained by Pat Buckley (Ire) when recording the sensational time of 29.21 seconds in the 1st round - equivalent to an average speed of 38.51mph.
Top greyhound acceleration speeds along the straights close to 45 miles per hour / 72 km/h have reportedly also been achieved!
The vast majority of races held at greyhound tracks worldwide are known as 'Graded Races' (GR) and for the benefit of the 'Predictor' have been divided into 3 middle-distance race grade categories:-
U.K. - Top Grade - (A1 - A3) equilavent to American race grades (A, AA, B) and Australian dog grades (1, 2). Many of these "top graders" will also compete in major events and are capable of averaging speeds around a track between 38-39 mph.
U.K. - Middle Grade - (A4 - A6) equilavent to American dog grades (C, D) and Australian grades (3, 3/4, 4). Some average-graded dogs regularly run at the very best greyhound tracks and maybe be the equal of 'A1' graded dogs running at lesser not so good tracks. These racing hounds average speeds between 37-38 mph.
U.K. - Low Grade - (A7 - A11) equilavent to American grades (E, F, and Maidens) and Aussie grades (4/5, 5 and Maidens). Most dogs will begin or finish their racing career's in the lowest grades and record speeds between 35-37 mph.
When fully fit 'graded runners' generally run more frequently then 'open racers' and usually compete in a race at least once a week, although twice and sometimes three times a week is not uncommon. However, any dogs thought 'over raced' will normally see a decline in racing form and may need a rest to freshen them up!
Occasionally other types of racing grades take place during a meeting, these grade statistics are once again represented in the formlines by a standard greyhound racing prefix, eg: (KC) = Kennel Championships, (KS) = Kennel Sweepstakes, (IT) = Intertrack Racing, (Hcp) = Handicap Racing and the very occasional (QS) = Quickstakes - 2 or 3 semi-finals take place with the final being held at the same meeting.
Knowing the grade of a greyhound race is extremely important, as it's an approximation to the expected level of performance and therefore, implies to the overall race standard. I generally consider a greyhound's grade should reflect past performances and be relative to previously recorded racetimes!
All 'dog gamblers' when studying graded race form, will be constantly faced by the same age old dilemma, as whether to back (or include in combinations) a good dog 'lowered in class' running badly or a not so good dog 'raised in class' running well?
"If only I had a crystal ball" I hear you say!!
This is just one of the many decisions that face all 'greyhound punters', when trying to predict future outcomes of tightly graded dog races.
I believe successfully predicting Graded Races (GR's), will invariably be more challenging than forecasting Open Races (OR's) as generally "the grader" grades the races very closely, with only minute differences in racetimes to choose between the runners.
Therefore, to obtain the best results from the 'Predictor' I suggest, you choose the very best races to predict, such as UK Opens, Irish AO's, American SA's or Australian FFA's, as the runners in these, the highest standard of greyhound racing grades, are not only considered more consistent in race performances, but also allow 'canine competitors' to compete with slightly greater differences in racing ability. This can be most noticeable during the early rounds of major competitions and theoretically makes the "open grade" more predictable than a graded race. Although, these differences in the dog's standards, will always no doubt be reflected in the individual prices quoted as the odds of a greyhound race!
For all Greyhound Predictors who wish to "RACE AGAIN" to simulate dogs 'raised or lowered in grade', then one of the best ways to represent a change in grade, would be to alter a dog's time! For example, if you consider a greyhound to be 'upped in class' - ie: for winning races or running well - then perhaps you should add on approximately 0.10 or 0.15 seconds to their fastest time, as any greyhound running against marginally better class dogs, will theoretically have less chance of performing well against dogs of a 'higher class' or 'better standard'. Therefore up-graded dogs maybe less likely to obtain the necessary trouble free run in a race, in order to reproduce their very fastest racetimes. Although, often to the contrary, certain 'strong improving greyhounds' may actually appreciate a quicker overall travelling speed throughout a race and will be towed along in the 'faster slipstreams' of other initially speedier racing dogs and despite being 'raised in class' continue to produce and improve on their fastest times.
Alternatively, if you wished to simulate greyhounds 'dropped in class' - ie: long losing runs or running badly - then surprisingly perhaps you may need to take off approximately 0.10 or 0.15 secs. from that greyhound's fastest/best racetime. As any dogs raced recently at a higher standard, will theoretically when 'lowered in class' have a better chance of performing well against lesser rivals with fractionally slower times. Therefore downgraded dogs maybe afforded more 'racing room' in a lower grade, to achieve and perhaps even improve on their quickest racing times, and indeed yes, you may deduct an appropriate amount of race-time that best simulates greyhounds lowered in racing grade.
I would however, also like to mention in the interests of 'The Science of Greyhound Racing Prediction', that since it is generally thought that the dogs themselves, remain completely unaware of the 'racing class' they are currently racing in or have previously competed at, you may therefore, wish to simulate this by perhaps leaving the fastest/best time of a greyhound as it is, the choice is always yours!
Now check the racing formlines in your newspaper.
The stat grade of a dog race is usually located next to the race length which can be found at the top of each race heading.
Now select the correct grade category and Press Spacebar to enter!
In this section, I explain how different racing conditions effect the performances of greyhounds with various running styles and why this may effect race predictions. Please see: English Dog Track Circumferences, Hare Types and Race Surfaces. Greyhound Predictor Race-Track Dimensions are also provided.
An understanding how the 'weather' effects the running surface of a greyhound track is the key to answering this question, the ability to predict accurately in advance the going conditions? or state of the track? is indeed a vital element that all 'greyhound predictors' should consider when predicting future outcomes of dog races.
The vast majority of greyhound races now take place on sand tracks, although originally many of today's prestigious events were first run on grass tracks. Other surfaces used include the 'loam tracks' sometimes seen in Australia and not to forget the old 'cinder tracks' of greyhound racing's historical past.
All greyhound establishments regularly maintain a fair and safe circuit for all competing dogs, by rolling flat and watering the surface of a track. However, this can often be a very difficult task to achieve, as 'racing surfaces' are constantly effected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, any greyhounds fortunate to race on a faster surface then their competitors, will obviously hold the distinct advantage theoretically, of being able to produce quicker racetimes! This 'advantage' or alternatively considered 'disadvantage' in the bias of the track, always effects the race performances of dogs that chase or course a lure, running either an 'inside', 'middle', 'wide' or 'very wide' racing line around a track. Please see Racing Lines for further information.
I suggest, the 1st thing all "Predictors" should remember to do when attending a meeting is to check the condition of the track!
Knowing how the track is running, is very important and a major advantage in finding winners, given to all 'racegoers'. Although many 'off track gamblers' may still be able to calculate correctly the 'advance going' or 'surface conditions of a dog track'. This can best be achieved in 3 basic ways, firstly, by paying attention to local weather forecasts will give you a good idea of any 'climatic changes' due to occur in the vicinity of the track your predicting. Secondly, you may notice a certain repetitive pattern to the 'previous trends' of winning trap numbers, reflected in past results from earlier run races. Or thirdly, you may, if you could, wish to study all the 'winning times', 'racing lines' and 'running styles' of all previous winning greyhounds competing at that meeting, then decide for yourself, which traps, if any, have the advantage on those particular surface conditions.
Greyhound Predictor Software v2.0 allows 4 types of racing surfaces to be simulated:-
Fast Track - [+0.40 secs = GP state of going adjustment] - Racing on firm going in hot atmospheric temperatures will create a 'fast running track' and generally gives a slight advantage to the 'inside runners'! This type of track surface helps greyhounds produce very fast sectionals and allows racing dogs of all styles to record extremely quick times! It is usually on 'fast ground' in the summer months that 'track records' maybe broken, although a hard frozen track in mid-winter may also be considered a fast track and overall benefits the 'quick away runners'!
Normal Track - [0.00 secs] - All dogs racing on a normal track surface, should produce normal race and sectional times. This type of going should be considered fair to all racing lines and running styles of greyhounds.
Slow Track - [-0.40 secs] - Winter racing in cold temperatures on wet, windy, sloppy tracks, will produce slower race and sectional times and overall favours the 'strong finishers'! The races being 'slower run' than normal inevitable give greyhounds that 'stay on' or 'finish well' more time to get into a virtual dog race!
Wet Racetrack - [+0.20 secs] - A recent shower of rain generally makes a dog track run a little faster than normal, although persistent heavy rainfall invariably slows speeds down and overall tends to favour the 'middle to wide' runners! The racing surface along the rails often becomes waterlogged due to the natural contours of a greyhound track, therefore dogs that 'move off' the rail and course more of a middle, wide and even sometimes a very wide raceline, frequently have the advantage of running on a faster surface!
All "punters" will know the importance of correctly estimating the surface conditions of a track, this should never be over-looked or forgotten as 'race conditions' effect 'race results' and therefore, always play a vital role in understanding 'The Science of Greyhound Racing Prediction!'
Now enter the track condition? - Fast, Normal, Slow or Wet
In this section, I mention the general greyhound racing distances used in the United Kingdom and explain how different form prefixes help identify each distance. Please see British Greyhound Track Race Lengths.
Greyhound Predictor Software lets you predict races run over 3 race lengths:- 515 metres = 563 yards, 500 metres = 547 yards and 480 metres = 525 yards. Try selecting a race close to these race distances to obtain the best predictions!
You can select all dog racing distances to be displayed in metres or yards by selecting Options from the Main Menu. Alternatively, you can pre-set your own distance measurements by finding the Configuration Utility on your computer: (Start - Programs - Greyhound Predictor v2.0 - Configuration) as the default mode of your choice, each time you start up Greyhound Predictor, only then will these settings be saved for you!
Basically there are four greyhound distance categories. In the U.K. a raceform prefix (abbreviated letter) is always shown in the formlines before the 'race grade' to represent the length of race, for instance: D = sprint races (2 bend racing), A = middle distance races (4 bends), S = stayers races (6 bends) and E = marathon or extended races (8 bends or more). Please note: In Ireland these prefix letters are slightly different ie: S = Sprint, A = Middle-Distance and D = Long Distance. Although 'race prefixes' can vary from track to track.
In England, Ireland and Scotland by far the most common distance used for greyhound racing is 480 metres or 525 yards. The English Derby, Oaks, Grand National - (Wimbledon), All England Cup - (Newcastle), Blue Riband - (Hall Green) and Scottish Derby - (Shawfield) are all run over this race length.
There are also 'sprint classics' such as the Scurry Gold Cup first run at Clapton in 1928 over 400 yards untill the track closed and was transferred in 1974 to Slough over 434m/475y and later in 1987 to Catford over 385 metres. In 2003/4 the race was not run until re-instated in 2005 at Perry Barr (Birmingham) over 275 metres and is now held at Belle Vue (Manchester) over 260 metres. In Ireland the premier sprint is the Irish National Sprint run at Newbridge over 325 yards.
The longest classic race in England is the Cesarewitch, first held in 1928 at West Ham and originally run over 600 yards untill in 1972 the event was transferred to Belle Vue over 880 yards and was the first time a "classic" had been staged in the north of England. In 1995 the GRA (Greyhound Racing Association) decided to switch the venue to Catford (South London) and was run over 715 metres until the track closed in 2000. Since 2001 it has been staged at Oxford over 645 metres. The longest race in Ireland is the Ted Hegarty Marathon run at Harolds Cross over 1010 yards, although the longest classic run in Ireland is the Irish Cesarewitch held at Mullingar over 600 yards.
Occasionally races take place over a sprint, stayers or marathon distance, where the positioning of the starting traps provides the competitors with only a 'short run' to the first corner. These races frequently result in 1st bend trouble, due to the distinct 'lack of racing room' and therefore, will always be more difficult to predict!
Now check your daily racing newspaper.
The greyhound form statistic informing you the length of a race? is usually found in the top right corner of each race heading.
Now select one of the 3 race lengths and enter the distance of race!
You've now completed all the 'race set up' questions, and will be asked to answer a further set of 7 dog racing questions, by again, studying the greyhound formlines in your newspaper for each selected runner. Please select as before, by highlighting any of the multiple choice answers supplied and press the Spacebar to enter. Please note: certain greyhound data questions (ages, weights, racetimes and race lengths) may require numerical answers to be inputted into the GP Stat Screen by simply using the number digits situated at the top or right hand side of your computer keyboard.
In this section, I discuss the maximum number of dogs allowed in a race and explain the importance of the trap draw when predicting dog races around the world. Also mentioned is our reasons for choosing the various racing jacket colours used in the GP v2.0 Software Program.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 allows all trap positions to be simulated and lets you predict races that include vacant traps!
This feature lets you take out dogs that have become non runners (n/r) or scratched runners and also allows for your own greyhound trial sessions (form statistic class or grade T = trial, T2 = 2 dog trial, T3 = 3 dog trial etc, solo trial = 'solo' or 'st' in American form). All combinations of a maximum 8 dogs are available.
In America and Australia the present maximum number of runners permitted is eight dogs, although previously both nine and ten dog races regularly took place. In UK racing, the current amount of runners is limited to six dogs, although in the past both five and eight runner races were once a regular feature.
In English greyhound racing, all trap allocations for races are seeded. This means any dogs running an inside route will be issued with a 'rails tag' and seeded 'rails'. An (R) after a greyhound's name always indicates to a railer. The first railer drawn from the 'trap draw' always occupies the first available inside trap position. Middle track running dogs have the letter (M) after their name and will be given a 'middle tag' and seeded middle. The first middle seed drawn out, will always occupy the first available trap position placed on the inside of the nearest wide runner. Wide and very wide running dogs will be given a 'wide tag' and seeded wide. In UK greyhound form a (W) placed after a dog's name always indicates to a wide racer. The first wide seed drawn out always occupies the outside trap position. Only extremely rarely when there are six wide runners in a greyhound final or perhaps in a handicap race, will a wide running dog ever occupy the inside racing box. Please note: all starting positions for English graded races are allocated by the racing manager under N.G.R.C. Rule 76 (v).
Occasionally, greyhounds when first trialed for a forthcoming 'open class' event may 'run a track' differently and alter their natural racing line. The trainer with the owners permission may then decide to ask the 'racing manager' for a change to their dog's 'seeding position'. This will only be granted when it is genuinely believed the dog would perform better if allowed to start future races from a different box position. The general reasoning behind 'seeded dog races' is I believe, based purely in the 'interests of safety' as overall it helps to provide cleaner trouble free greyhound racing and theoretically improves the chances of dogs obtaining a clear run in the initial stages of a race and thus encourages dogs to perform to their maximum racing capabilities.
Alternatively in American and Australian dog racing there is 'no seeding' any runner can be drawn in any position, no preferences are given and to put it quite simply "the luck of the box draw" will always play a leading role in determining results and is an important factor when predicting future American and Australian races!
I recommend all 'greyhound predictors' spend time getting to know how different 'trap positions' effect the individual performances of dogs around the GP track. This can best be observed by conducting your own private trials!
Please note: The option to trial dogs and then 'RACE AGAIN' is only fully functional in the full registered version.
All "racegoers" when betting on dog races that include 'vacant traps' will appreciate, that any greyhound placed in any 'adjacent trap' are generally thought to have a 'good draw' as theoretically with more 'racing room' they have a much better chance of breaking well and obtaining a clear run in the very early stages of a race. However, this should not be presumed, as this will always depend on the individual 'make-up' of each particular race!
Now check your newspaper and enter Runner or Vacant.
All dog racing nations have their own respective colour code of racing jackets, rugs or blankets to identify the individual greyhounds as they race around the track.. Since governing bodies worldwide use different colours, there can often be a confusion in identifying the runners when watching television or viewing via the Internet. This confusion will always exist until all greyhound jacket colours are perhaps unified!
Here at Greyhound Predictor we found ourselves choosing our own greyhound colours, wishing to be fair to everyone, we wanted to use the most recognised and appropriate trap colours best suited to all 'greyhound predictors' worldwide. After studying the dog colours of the main racing nations, we decided that the following blanket colours would hopefully be considered a fair choice and are represented in GP v2.0.
Our reasons for selecting these racing colours were as follows: The first 3 traps, Red = T1, Blue = T2 and White = T3 just so happen to be the same colours used by the UK, Irish, European and American greyhound industries, and therefore the choice of selecting them was made simply for us.
Choosing the next 3 colours was a little more difficult, as each of the main greyhound nations use different colours for all three trap positions. After careful thought, we decided to stay with the race colours previously used in GP version 1.0 and use the European and British greyhound colours: Black = T4, Orange = T5, and Black/White stripes = T6.
The task of choosing the colour of trap 7 was again made difficult, as all greyhound racing nations use different colours. However, it was decided to represent the American dog industry and use the colour of Green and White Stripes = T7.
Lastly, it was decided that trap 8 should in all fairness represent the Australian greyhound industry and therefore, the famous Pink Jacket = T8 was chosen.
AMERICAN GREYHOUND BLANKET COLOURS
AUSTRALIAN DOG RUG COLOURS
EUROPEAN, IRISH & UK DOG JACKET COLOURS
NEW ZEALAND GREYHOUND RUG COLOURS
In this section, I explain how to read the formlines to find the gender, colour and breeding of a greyhound and give my reasons why this effects track performances. I also discuss how to calculate the approximate number of weeks out of season.
Knowing what sex a greyhound is, will always provide a good indication to the overall consistency of race performances. All greyhounds throughout their careers experience times of running well, being 'in form' and other times of not running well, being 'out of form'.
Dogs generally are easier to train than bitches and are considered perhaps more consistent in their racing performances. It is commonly thought that male dogs are best suited to sprint and middle-distance race lengths. There are of course always exceptions to the rule!
Bitches on the other hand are much harder to train, as race schedules are continuely interrupted when a bitch go's into season (Ssn). This may occur perhaps once a year and she will at that time be 'withdrawn' from all her racing activities for at least 3 months. It is generally thought, bitches are better suited to 'longer distances' such as stayers and marathon trips. "Marathon bitches" it is said may only in their second season of racing over these extended distances, reach their peak potential!
When a bitch is retired to the paddock and put to a sire (stud dog) for breeding, she becomes a 'brood bitch' and is then called a 'dam' after whelping her first pups. All 'greyhound punters' when studying form will pay particular attention to the 'breeding lines' of all competing greyhounds and should always note, when a former 'top racing bitch' has produced offspring to a 'classic winning sire'. Although there are no guarantees when it comes to breeding, these greyhound litters with top class pedigrees, are said to be "bred in the purple". These much sought after 'young sablings' may share similar colourings and markings and often show 'racing traits' common to either their sire or dam - racing styles, distances etc. For further information on breeding lines, I recommend you visit greyhound-data.com.
Occasionally a heavily raced bitch may be irregular in her seasonal dates, which may result in two or three seasons occurring in any year, although usually one of these may be a 'false heat' where no results would come from breeding. However, all bitches are different, as some don't have a season until they are several years old, while others do so much earlier.
The UK form statistic that informs you the 'gender' is written as a standard prefix letter eg; d = Dog and b = Bitch and is preceeded by abbreviated letters referring to a greyhound's colour: bk. d. = black dog, w.bd.b. = white brindle bitch, f.w.b. = fawn white bitch, be.d. = blue dog etc. This data is usually located to the left of each greyhound's sires name.
In American greyhound racing form stats (m) = male dog and (f) = female dog.
Now check your newspaper and enter Dog or Bitch. If you have selected Bitch the following question will be asked:-
Knowing a bitch's seasonal date is another important factor to take into consideration, as it will provide a clue to her general level of fitness. Most bitches returning to the track after a seasonal rest, will be "race rusty" and perhaps due to the lactose - sugary substance contained in milk - build up in their systems, may be carrying a little extra weight. After time, this lactose will dry up and within a few trials and races these fresh 'seasoned bitches' will show signs of returning to peak form - change in running style, faster sectionals, improvement in racetimes etc.
Generally a 'greyhound bitch' 16 weeks out of season, is considered the "perfect time" to be approaching peak fitness. Although some strike form sooner perhaps at 14 weeks out of season, while others may indeed be slower "coming to hand" and take longer to find 'top form', perhaps 18-24 weeks.
Please note: when 'female dogs' show signs of better form, they often continue to run consistently well and may improve rapidly over a short period of time, as overall they follow their own natural cycle of either 'coming into form' or 'going out of form'.
As the old greyhound adage says, "It always pays to follow a bitch in form"
Now check your newspaper again. The raceform data that tells you the seasonal date is located to the right of the 'whelping date' which is found to the right of the dam's name and may be written as follows:- (Ssn 01 Jan 11).
Seasonal Date Not Known - If No Season Date (nsd) appears in the form, then this bitch hasn't yet had a season, therefore, select Not Known.
Seasonal Date Suppressed - Trainers sometimes opt to give 'suppressants' to certain bitches, to delay or stop a season from occurring. These 'suppressed bitches' then have the opportunity to continue racing 'on the track' rather then being sidelined for many weeks 'off the track' due to an enforced seasonal rest.
Please note: If the seasonal date contains the raceform abbreviation (Ssn Sup) or If a bitch has been 'spayed', then I suggest you select Suppressed.
Seasonal Date Known - If you have selected Known? - The following question will be asked:-
To answer this question, simply calculate the approximate number of weeks since the last seasonal date occurred!
Another way, is to study all the relevant raceform for all 'female greyhounds' and literally by reading between the formlines, decide for yourself, whether she's 'in form' or 'out of form'? If you consider she's running well, then I suggest you enter 16 weeks out of season! The GP dog racing simulator will then simulate this bitch running at her very best form. Alternatively, if you consider she's not running well? then I suggest you leave the seasonal weeks blank, the 'Predictor' will then simulate this greyhound racing slightly 'below par' or being 'out of form'.
Now enter the number of weeks out of season!
In this section, I discuss how to calculate the age of a greyhound from it's whelping date and explain why this may effect it's race performances. A link to Greyhound Welfare sites is also provided in the hope of rehoming retired ex-racing dogs.
Knowing the age of the dog, is another very important factor to take into consideration when predicting canine races, as it indicates to it's future racing potential and overall implies to the general consistency of racing performances.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 Software requires you to enter each greyhound's age in months!
In UK racing form, a dog's age is always taken from the first day of the month, even if born on the last day of the month!
All dogs and bitches less than 24 months old are classified as 'greyhound puppies' and approximately at 12 months of age be introduced to the idea of racing, after initial schooling trials and further 'grading in trials' most juvenile dogs that achieve a 'grading in time', make their race debuts between 15 - 18 months of age.
Dog trainers may occasionally elect to bring certain 'well bred pups' on slowly at first, deliberately keep them back, wrap them in cotton wool perhaps! and then introduce them fresh in the spring from a winter's break, in order to get them fit for the forthcoming competitive 'Puppy Opens' held later in the summer months.
These raw 'lightly raced greyhounds' are always "open to improvement" and may improve rapidly over a short time, as overall they possess good racing potential, which is always considered a good sign when predicting future greyhound race winners. However, 'greyhound pups' frequently run a little 'green' and race inconsistently, as obviously young puppies are still learning to win dog races.
The age at which a greyhound reaches it's peak can vary enormously. It is generally considered a greyhound will be at it's best between 30 - 36 months, although I personally believe some greyhounds reach 'racing maturity' slightly earlier between 21 - 30 months of age and consider this, the perfect age for backing dogs racing over middle-distances. Though bitches may sometimes take a little longer to reach their full potential.
Older greyhounds lets say between 36 - 48 months old will be competing in their second or third racing season. These 'experienced race dogs' having aquired 'good trackcraft' will be battle hardened to the hustle and bustle of regular racing, and remarkably produce very consistent track performances, illustrated by the close proximity of their recorded racetimes.
A greyhound's racing career is a short one! as dogs competing at an age of 54 - 60 months old, will be approaching the twilight of their track careers and many of these fondly remembered 'greyhound veterans' will sadly be retired. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, as a few 'seasoned old campaigners' will continue winning races at perhaps 70 - 80 months old. Although, most will be past their best and lack that bit of spark or back-straight pace they once possessed!
The Greyhound Predictor website now has an extra page dedicated to 'greyhound rescue sites' if you can in anyway help in the re-homing of retired racing greyhounds then please check out our greyhound rescue page.
Now check your racing newspaper.
To know how old a greyhound is? you need to find the raceform stat known as the 'whelping date' which is found in the formlines to the right of the dam's name. Now simply calculate the approximate number of months that have elapsed since the whelping date occurred!
Now enter the age in months!
In this section, I explain why a dog's racing weight is so important and how variations in weight effect track performances. I also give my reasons for collecting greyhound programmes with a view to studying future race weights.
Greyhound Predictor Version 2.0 allows all weights to be entered in either Kilos (Kgs) or Pounds (Lbs).
All UK, Australian, New Zealand and European greyhounds are weighed in Kilograms. Irish and American dogs in pounds!
Dogs weigh on average between 28 - 36 Kilos = 62 - 80 Lbs. and stand 71-76 cms tall, being larger in size then bitches, they often come out on top when bumping or baulking occurs between them. Dogs are generally thought fearless when racing and show incredible determination and bravery to the great pleasure of connections and the vast crowds that watch.
However, a few male racing dogs consistently find trouble in races and may be considered a little awkward or clumsy! Some of the heaviest 'long striding dogs' can weigh in excess of 40kg = 88lbs and are perhaps better suited to wider galloping tracks with bigger circumferences. Although they do have an advantage over bitches when race conditions underfoot become wet or sloppy, as they take less strides to run a circuit!
Bitches on the other hand, average between 22 - 31 Kilos = 48 - 68 Lbs. and stand 68 - 71 cms tall. They protect and look after themselves a little more then dogs when racing and generally display 'good trackcraft', as being smaller in size, they squeeze through racing gaps that larger dogs wouldn't dare to go and also have the advantage of sometimes being able to 'slip under the grill' a little quicker then dogs, when initially breaking from the traps!
Knowing a dog's weight is extremely important, as it allows the opportunity to compare today's weight with previous weights, in order to correctly determine a greyhounds's weight condition. However, finding out the weights may prove difficult, as presently the only way of knowing is to actually go and visit your local track!
I suggest, the 2nd thing 'greyhound predictors' should always do while attending a meeting, is to check the 'weight sheet' displayed at your local stadium or park! This is a big advantage in selecting race winners and a major reason why greyhound people love going to the dogs!
Advancements in technology may in the future afford 'off track punters' with this current racing weight information. However, many of us will simply not know a dog's previous weights to compare them. Although, some of you will still be able to check the weights, by simply referring back to your more recent old programmes!
If the weight of a dog is not known, simply enter your own approximate weight to continue or alternatively leave the race weights blank = 00.0 kilos or Lbs. The 'Predictor' will then set this runner to a normal racing weight!
Now enter the weight in kilos or Lbs.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 allows all weight conditions to be simulated!
All trainers will try to maintain a dog's general level of fitness, this is best observed by studying the weight variations!
Each greyhound will have their own "perfect racing weight" only known perhaps to the trainer and maybe the owners! When a dog weighs close to this weight, this implies their fully tuned up and therefore, ready to produce their best performances.
Dogs vary in weight from race to race. In UK and Australian racing any dog's weight above or below 1kg or 2.2 Lbs (American dog racing 2 Lbs) from it's previous weight will not be permitted to compete under normal racing rules.
Any greyhound racing well 'down in weight' is considered a good positive sign! As losing weight suggests this dog will race fitter having been well exercised. Personally I believe, 'under weight dogs' produce 'slower than normal' sectionals, but often compensate for this by having a little 'more stamina' at the end of a race.
Some greyhounds when kennelled before racing, will be prone to 'kennel fretting' and become nervous or over excited and for these reasons may lose weight rapidly before finally being placed into the starting traps. This on the other hand is considered a negative sign as it suggests perhaps a weakness in the racing temperament of the dog, which results in greyhounds running inconsistently - missed breaks, early faders etc.
Any 'puppy' running with an 'under weight racing condition' may sometimes also be considered a negative sign!
When there is little or no difference between current or previous weights, then select a 'normal weight condition'. This is seen as a good sign! as the 'consistency of weight' always indicates to the general well being of the dog!
However, any dog previously thought well 'down in weight' and was racing tonight at the same weight, should still be considered 'under weight'! even though it's weight remains the same! Just as a greyhound running well 'over weight' and remaining at that weight for it's next race, may still be considered 'up in weight'!
Most "canine racers" returning to the track after a long lay off, seasonal rest or a spell of lameness, maybe over weight, which is generally thought a negative sign! As it suggests they've been overfed or perhaps not exercised enough. Personally I consider, this heavier weight condition makes these racing dogs initially stronger in the early stages of a race and genuinely believe 'up in weight dogs' produce fractionally 'faster than normal' sectional times. Although they usually 'start to fade' a little sooner then they would normally do in the latter stages of a race!
Handlers I believe, may occasionally elect to put weight on a greyhound, in order to help a dog trap out faster, giving them perhaps, a better chance to lead up or lie handy with the pace, in order to avoid possible trouble anticipated at the corner!
Any pups up in weight is alternatively a good sign, as it suggests they're still growing and therefore open to improvement!
If as is generally the case the racing condition is not known then select Not Known.
Knowing the current weight condition of a greyhound, is usually only afforded to 'trackside punters' who simply compare the weight difference if any, against previous running weights displayed in their official greyhound racecards. When weighing up the formlines of a race, the one vital factor, besides perhaps the racetimes, the age, the going and the draw, that allows me most to determine which dogs to include in bets or permutations, should in theory always be decided by the greyhounds with the best weight condition!
This ability to study a greyhound's weight, combined with an accurate estimation of it's 'perfect weight' is vitally important, as any change in a dog's racing condition effects its performance, which in turn effects results and therefore plays a significant role in obtaining accurate predictions!
However, greyhound weights can be very misleading! lets imagine for example, that Lady Flyaway has a perfect race weight = 27.0 kg and having competed in her last race at a weight = 28.0 kg, we find the Lady's running tonight at a weight = 27.6 kg. Would you then consider her to be under weight or perhaps over weight?. Here lies the general confusion to why weights are so often misunderstood! In the above example, Lady Flyaway weighing 27.6 kg is in fact 0.6 kg over weight, as we knew her best weight = 27.0 kg. Although, had we thought her perfect weight = 28.0 kg then I would have considered her to be 0.4 kg under weight!
All "Greyhound Predictors" will understand the importance of accurately assessing the perfect weight of a greyhound and will appreciate, that a dog 'up in weight' can still be 'under weight' and a dog 'down in weight' can still be 'over weight'! Most of us already know that dogs generally are heavier then bitches, although actually knowing the exact weight, is of little use, unless you're able to compare these 'differences in weight' in order to determine this dog's true weight condition.
It is therefore, only by collecting these official programmes can the serious "racing student" study the 'weight variations' displayed further back in past greyhound formlines and is perhaps why so many of us like to collect dog programmes? Please don't throw them away!! So many greyhound collections and dog racing memorabilia go to waste! If you happen to find any old greyhound race programmes and your thinking of throwing them out, PLEASE DON'T, instead contact me. All names of contributors to my collection will be mentioned!
Now enter the weight condition - Under, Normal, Over or Not-Known.
In this section, I explain the importance of entering accurately the fastest/average race and sectional times into the Greyhound Predictor Stat Screen. For general racing times please see British Greyhound Track Records and Dates.
Greyhound Predictor version 2.0 requires you to enter the fastest time of a greyhound, this is the quickest time recorded over the current race distance, within the last 3 months. All 'middle-distance' times can be simulated!
Knowing a greyhound's fastest time is extremely important as it indicates to their maximum or top racing performance, which in turn implies to the grade or 'class of the runner' and interestingly allows all of us to calculate a dog's average racing speed around a track. Please see GP Version 1.0
Since greyhound tracks around the world, have varying track dimensions, I would like to point out, that all winning racetimes achieved on race circuits with 'smaller circumferences' may not represent a dog's true racing ability, as racing speeds associated with 'sharper, tighter tracks' will always produce slower overall racetimes!
When entering a greyhound's best time into the 'Predictor' I suggest you always feel free to 'add on or deduct' an appropriate amount of racetime, in order to bring these 'race timings' into line with the Greyhound Predictor Race-Track. To find out the actual amount of racetime, that maybe required to be adjusted, I recommend, you first trial individual dogs with different 'times' recorded over different 'distances' run at various worldwide stadiums with different 'track circumferences' and 'surface conditions', then decide for yourself how these winning times compare and adjust accordingly, as we say "It's not a Game? It's a Science!"
However, dog racing times can be very misleading! For instance, if a dogs raced only once over a certain race length, then this greyhound is obviously 'open to improvement' and will no doubt in future races achieve better times. Where as a dog racing many times over the same distance, may invariably struggle to reproduce their very fastest times. Alternatively a dog thats previously posted a very quick racetime, but is perhaps returning to the track after a short rest, spell of lameness or is currently running 'out of form' will also frequently struggle to reproduce their very best times. Please note: since the fastest time of a dog is shown in all Uk race programmes within the last 3 months, some dogs may have previously clocked a quicker time, although this fastest ever or lifetime best racing time is not usually displayed in current trackside raceform.
If a greyhound has No Best Time (NBT) displayed in the formlines, then this dog has yet to race or trial over the trip. Therefore, you need to enter an alternative racetime from one of it's previous races, run perhaps over another distance or achieved on a different track or alternatively you can always enter your own pre-adjusted racetime, in order to best simulate a greyhound's real-time race performance.
In most form books the winning greyhound's time (Win/Tm) is located to the right of the race remarks. However please note, that all recorded times are adjusted accordingly after the race, to take into account the condition of the track. These are known as 'calculated racetimes' and are always found to the extreme right of each dog's racing formlines. An asterix (*) shown after one of these racetimes will always indicate a dog's best recent time. When choosing one of these 'amended times' remember to select a time when a greyhound has performed well, obtained a clear run or achieved a good finishing position, in order to enter a time that correctly reflects a dog's true racing ability.
GP v2.0 allows abnormally fast or slow racetimes to be entered! Although this 'special feature' is technically incorrect, it does however, allow you the opportunity to simulate races run over slightly shorter or longer middle-distances and not only offers more variations in sectional timings and incorporates wider winning race margins but most importantly, lets you enjoy further the fun element to Greyhound Predictor! Please See Betting Lounge!
Now check your newspaper: The formline statistic Best Recent Time is usually written as an abbreviation (BRT) or Best Time (BT) and can be found in all UK formlines directly below the breeding lines of each individual greyhound.
Now enter the fastest racetime.
In UK racing form a 'sectional time' is the time it takes a dog, to run from the traps to the winning line, first time around the circuit. This is a very important time to know, as it provides a clue to a dog's pace type, early race position, and also lets us calculate the acceleration speeds of a greyhound exiting the traps!
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 allows all 'break times' to be entered! However, if as in Australian and American formlines 'no sectionals' to the winning line are stated, then simply leave your answer blank = 00.00 seconds. The 'Predictor' will set each runner an average sectional time based on a greyhound's pace type. For example a dog with 'early pace' will be given an 'average early paced sectional time' and a racer with 'middle pace' will be given an 'average middle paced sectional time' etc.
Since most dog tracks have different 'run-up distances' from the starting boxes to the winning line, due to the variations in track sizes. I suggest, if your sectionals are not relevant to the GP sectional times then once again, feel free to 'add on or take off' an appropriate amount of time, in order to bring these "split-timings" into line with the GP Racetrack.
For best results, I recommend you select the longer race length of 515 metres or 563 yards, as this distance will better simulate the correct sectional timings and precise distances between the dogs, in the early stages of a race!
Now check your newspaper.
All 'sectional timings' are located directly below each greyhound's name and are preceded by the race distance and the previously occupied box or post position, for instance, 515 [1] 04.10 = (this dog ran over 515 metres/yards, from trap no.1 and recorded a sectional time = 04.10 seconds.)
This ability to predict in advance the sectional time of a greyhound as it passes the winning line first time around, is very important to the 'Science of Greyhound Racing Prediction' as each timing entered not only sets the initial pattern to a race, but also influences any 'racing interference' that may take place!
Now compare all the 'split times' relevant to the distance your predicting and enter the best sectional time.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 allows you to 'simulate missed breaks' by adding on time to a dog's sectional time. As a general rule in determining short distances:- 0.08 secs = 1 length, 0.04 secs = 1/2 length, 0.03 secs = a neck, 0.02 secs = head and 0.01 secs = short head. Although it has come to my attention that the time it takes to run a length, may be fractionally quicker 0.0676 secs = 1 dog length. Therefore, depending on you viewpoint, if you wanted to simulate a dog missing it's break by two lengths for example, then simply multiply 2 x 0.08 = 0.16 and add this time to the best sectional time, eg: 04.10 secs + 00.16 secs = 04.26 secs or alternatively you can use the slightly faster sectional length timing, eg: 04.10secs + 00.13 = 04.23 secs approximately, again the choice is yours!
At all British tracks with six runners in a race, the hare travels past the starting traps on the 'outside of the racetrack', Trap six occupying the widest trap position is always the closest runner to an 'outside hare' and theoretically! always has the advantage of being able to see the hare first! On the other hand Trap One being the furthest away, is theoretically always the last dog to see the lure. Therefore, for these reasons wide running greyhounds ie; Trap 5 or Trap 6 invariably break fast from an outside box position but generally don't trap so well when placed in the 'middle traps' or 'coffin boxes'.
Alternatively, greyhounds previously raced from an inside or rails position ie: Traps 1 or 2 invaribly improve their sectional breaking times when drawn further out in the middle of the track, as theoretically they see the hare fractionally sooner being drawn nearer to it, while greyhounds producing fast trapping times from the middle boxes ie: Traps 3 and 4 often struggle to reproduce the same sectional times when drawn closer to the inside fence, as being drawn further away they get to see the lure fractionally later.
In America and at most tracks in Australia, predicting dog breaking speeds is interestingly the opposite way around! as the greyhound closest to an 'inside hare' at 'trap release' is usually Trap 1, which theoretically always has the distinct advantage of being the first dog to see the lure go past. While on the other hand, Trap 8 being the furthest away is always theoretically the last dog to see the lure. Since the dogs in GPv2.0 are programmed to follow an outside hare, I would suggest that Australian and American Predictors may need to quicken up the racetimes of the inside runners to better simulate dogs chasing an inside running hare!
Knowing why breaking times may alter due to the starting positions of the dogs is vitally important for all 'Predictors' to fully comprehend. As these fractional 'hundreths of a second differences in break times' effect the early positions of the dogs which inevitable effects future results of greyhound races!
Occasionally a runner will 'miss the break' and be left trailing the field, if for example, this was an 'early paced dog', then in it's own eagerness to catch up and rejoin the race leaders, this dog may accidently cause trouble in a race, resulting in crowding (crd), baulking (blk), bumping (bmp) or bunching (bnc) occurring around the opening turns of a circuit, all initially caused by the mis-timing of a greyhound's break! (brk).
Please note: All dogs running in 'Greyhound Predictor v2.0' are equipped with their own hit detection and therefore are capable of simulating different aspects of crowding = +0.10secs, bumping = +0.20secs and baulking = +0.30secs!
I suggest you first experiment by entering different distances of a dog's best time into the Stat Screen, to fully understand how these changes in race lengths effect the overall racetimes in the Predictor.
I should also like to mention to 'American & Irish Racegoers' that it's now possible to simulate 550 and 525 yard races on GP's 515 metre track! Since many greyhound races in the United States are run over a standard distance of 5/16 of a mile = 550 yards = 503 metres approximately. Technically when using the 'Predictor' you should always use the closest race length to that your predicting and indeed you can. However, I would in preference recommend, you select the track distance of 563 yards or 515 metres. Now enter your 'racetimes' as before but instead of entering the distance of the fastest time as 550 yards or 503 metres, I suggest you add 13 yards or 12 metres respectively and enter the distance of best time as 563 yards or 515 metres. My reasons for suggesting this are two fold, firstly by selecting this race length, you will better simulate the real sectional times recorded in American dog races with a 'longer run' to the first bend and secondly and more importantly, the Greyhound Predictor Track generally runs a little faster then an 'average sized track', due to it's own scale specifications, ie: bigger circumference. Therefore, all genuine American and Irish greyhound times entered remain extremely relevant to the winning racetimes recorded over this slightly longer distance of 563 yards or 515 metres!
The raceform statistic indicating the length of race is normally located directly below each greyhound's name and is usually preceded by the 'race dates' shown in chronological order, for instance, 04 Aug 515 = 515 Metres or Yards.
Now check your newspaper and enter the distance of the best time.
GP v2.0 requires you to estimate a greyhound's average racetime. However, since there is no greyhound stat informing you of this time, the 'Predictor' allows all average times and distances to be left blank to quicken up data entry!
Knowing the average time, will provide a further over-view of each dog's times and therefore indicates to the general standard of a race. To answer this question, simply calculate the average of all the racetimes relative to the distance your predicting, in order to enter a time that best reflects the average time of a greyhound. Some of you when calculating average times may wish to ignore certain previous racetimes when that time was significantly slower due to a greyhound being badly bumped (b bmp) or knocked over (ko) fell or did not finish (dnf).
You should also be aware of misleading racetimes, mis-prints, hand timings (HT or Hnd Tm) and those races run over the same distance but in fact recorded on another greyhound track!
Now check your newspaper and enter the average racetime.
To calculate the average sectional time of a dog, you need to look at all it's 'previous sectionals' recorded over this current race distance and simply enter your own estimate of the average breaking time. To quicken up data entry the 'Predictor' also allows all 'average split times' to be left blank. Each dog's sectional time will then be set an average time based on your answer entered for a greyhound's pace type.
If a greyhound has No sectional time displayed in the raceform, then this dog has yet to race or trial over this distance, therefore you must enter your own estimate, based on previous sectional times, achieved over different race lengths or alternatively recorded on other greyhound tracks with different run-up distances!
Now check your newspaper and enter the average sectional time.
GP v2.0 Software uses the abbreviation A.R.T. which stands for Average Race Time.
Now enter the distance of the Average Race Time.
In this section, I explain how to read the raceform to determine the correct racing pace of a greyhound and discuss the various advantages and disadvantages of individual racing styles. Studying Sectional Timings, Reading Race Comments, Observing Track Positions and American Chart Writers are also included.
Greyhound Predictor Software Version 2.0 allows you the choice of 4 types of running pace:-
All dogs have their own individual style of racing, this is best illustrated by observing a greyhound's pace in a race!
Early Pace - This type of greyhound racing pace produces fast sectional times as all 'quick away dogs' reach their fastest speeds in the early stages of a race. These 'fast breakers' perform best when allowed to dictate a race, by leading "on the bunny" all the way from the start. This ability to 'lead' is crucial to all front-running greyhounds, as they rely on gaining a 'clear run' in order to set an unassailable lead! However, early pace greyhounds inevitably tire and may fade dramatically in the closing stages of a race!
Middle Pace - Dogs with middle pace are best seen accelerating along the backstraights in the middle stages of a race. However, 'middle paced greyhounds' are frequently denied 'racing room' as they constantly find themselves surrounded closely by other dogs running in a tightly packed field and for these reasons are more likely to be involved in race interference then other dog pace types and maybe impeded (Imp) or forced to check (Ck) when challenging at the first or third bends!
Finishing Pace - This style of running produces slower sectional times, as 'finishing dogs' do their best running when making ground and challenging for the lead towards the final stages of a race. These 'strong finishers' often benefit when 1st bend trouble occurs up-front amongst the leading dogs. However, dogs that 'stay on' have to pass and avoid all the other dogs in-front of them and therefore maybe frequently hampered or forced to run wide and will have to overcome their fair share of racing traffic problems. Most 'puppies' finishing well in races, will in time, be stepped up in distance, as will most dogs better suited to longer races.
All Round Pace - These dogs produce all combinations of fast, average or slow sectional times, as these runners usually maintain a 'strong pace' throughout a race, although sometimes, this may be considered a little one paced!
Now check your newspaper.
To find a dog's pace type, you will literally have to read between the formlines, as there is no specific statistic or greyhound racing data that tells you the actual pace of a greyhound. However, clues are given and basically there are 3 ways to calculate a greyhound's pace:-
1 - Studying Sectional Times - Firstly by comparing 'sectional times' run over the same track and distance, will inform you which greyhounds are generally fast, average or slow away in the first few seconds of a race.
In Australia, some of the world's finest stadiums or "city tracks" supply 3 split times:- the initial run to the 1st bend sectional, the approximate 1/2 way clockings and the 'coming home' or 'home run' sectional measured to an accuracy of 1000/second from the top of the back stretch to the winning line are sometimes stated in Australian race programmes.
2 - Reading Race Remarks - The following raceform comments will usually indicate a greyhound's pace:-
Early Pace = (ep), clear 1st, led 1, very quick away (v qaw), fast away (f aw) always led (aled), box to wire, led to line.
Middle Pace = led 1-2 to run-in, led 2, led 3, slow away-early pace (sa ep).
Finishing Pace = led 4, very slow away (vsa), lacked early pace (lep), led on line (ld ln), ran on (rn on), finished well (fw), stretch drive, winning drive.
All Round Pace = These greyhounds win races by leading from the start or by staying on strongly at the end and therefore, share race comments very similar to other pace types and overall perhaps perform best when breaking well and holding a good early position!
3 - Observing the Race Positions - In UK greyhound racing formlines, all previous running positions of the dogs are shown in all official racecards at various points around a track. For standard middle-distances, each greyhound's race position is recorded at the 1st bend, 2nd bend, 3rd bend, 4th bend and finishing line. These racing statistics are found in all UK programmes to the right of the 'sectional times' and will always provide an accurate guide to a greyhound's pace type:-Early Pace = 1 1 1 1 2 - Middle Pace = 3 2 1 1 2 - Finishing Pace = 6 6 4 3 2
All Round Pace = These dogs are capable of replicating all types of pace and therefore, occupy similar positions to other running styles. Generally, when reading raceform it is easy to pick out 'early pace' and 'finishing pace' greyhounds, although dogs with 'middle' or 'all round pace' will always be a little harder to determine!
In American greyhound racing it's the 'official chart writers' who determine a dog's position in a race:-
Off Call or Break Call - This is the greyhounds position 1-8 coming from the starting boxes.
The 1/8 Call - This is the dogs position in the field measured at a point exiting the 1st (escape) turn. Please note: The 'first turn time' (F.T.T.) will usually only show the leading dogs time to the escape turn.
Stretch Call - This is the runners position in the field, measured at a point just entering the final turn.
Finish Call - This is the dog's final race position 1-8 measured at the finish line.
I suggest the 3rd thing you should always do while attending a meeting, is to go "out for a shout" and take a look at the greyhounds on parade, I personally like to see 'alert dogs' that 'lick their lips' and appear 'mean and keen' with their tail preferably tucked well underneath themselves, resembling a coiled spring! rather than perhaps a 'sluggish looking' or 'happy dog' with it's tail waggling in the air!
I suggest the 4th and last thing you should remember to do when going to the "bow wows or cherryhogs", is to keep watching the greyhounds after the race finishes. Like many 'good dog scribes' and 'experienced judges', you should always continue to watch the dogs run to the 'pick up' or 'sough' (sgh), as this will help identify the correct racing pace of a greyhound for all your future predictions!
Now enter Early, Middle, Finishing or All Round Pace.
In this section, I explain how to read greyhound formlines to find the correct racing line of a greyhound and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these various running routes. I also explain how to load a dog into the starting traps.
Greyhound Predictor v2.0 offers an amazing 16,384 individual race-lines! and lets you select a Standard Racing Line or to Define Your Own. All combinations of the following track positions can be simulated:-
Rails - Dogs racing on the inside of a track are known as "railers" and always have the distinct advantage of running the shortest route around a circuit. For any 'inside tracker' the ability to hold the rails position in a race, is extremely important as these "paint scrapers" frequently avoid trouble, by slipping through along this inner route and hence will benefit when other dogs are crowded (crd) or badly baulked (b blk) to their outside. However, 'tight railers' may not always maintain their maximum racing speeds around the bends, due to the acuteness of this particular running line!
Middle - Greyhounds 'moving off' the rail and running a middle course, are better placed to maintain their maximum speeds throughout a race. Although middle track racing dogs run a little further in distance compared to inside racers and are generally considered 'easy to pass' as they allow chasing dogs, plenty of 'racing room' to overtake them both on the inside or outside of the racetrack!
Wide - Dogs taking a wide course are often favoured by wet racing conditions and will usually benefit in races when trouble occurs involving the inside runners. However, wide running dogs race on the outer racing line of a track and therefore, have to run a little further in distance compared to 'inside' and 'middle track' runners and for this reason generally lose a little ground around the bends!
Very Wide - Some greyhounds naturally run a very wide racing line! This is always considered an 'inferior racing-line' as they obviously lose many lengths around the corners and run much further in distance compared to other racing routes. However, very wide runners are also favoured by wet track conditions and nearly always avoid trouble in a race, by taking this extremely wide route, although occasionally they do end up racing on the wrong side of an outside hare rail!
All greyhounds chasing artificial hares or mechanical lures will follow their own natural running paths, although this always depends on whether their following an inside or outside running hare? In American and Australian greyhound racing tracks, an inside hare rail is generally used and therefore, the dogs tend to run much closer to the rails.
Alternatively, the vast majority of dog racing in the UK takes place behind an outside hare and therefore, dogs tend to run further out in the middle to wide areas of the racetrack. This can be most noticeable watching greyhounds racing out of the turns and running along the straights!
Now check your racing newspaper.
To find the correct racing line of a greyhound you will need to look at the raceform comments! These remarks are located to the right of the winners or seconds name which can be found directly underneath the owners name in UK race programmes or the breeding lines in racing papers.
In English greyhound racing form the following abbreviations relate to racing lines:- Rails = rls, Rails to Middle = rls-mid, Middle to Rails = mid-rls, Middle = mid, Middle to Wide = mid-w, Wide = w, Very Wide = vw.
Now select Standard Racing Line or Define Own.
If you select a Standard Racing Line each dog's racing position around the track will be highlighted on the Track Screen and will display the default racing line for each trap or post position.
If you select to Define Own the Track Screen will highlight each race position and ask you to choose any combination of either rails, middle, wide or very wide racing lines for the following Greyhound Predictor Track Positions:-
You have now completed all the form data required for Trap Number 1. If you have made any mistakes when entering the formlines, 'Greyhound Predictor' lets you go back and alter any 'racing statistics' that may need to be changed!
To enter this runner into the traps, simply highlight Enter at the bottom of the Stat Screen and Press Spacebar to load. Once you have repeated this procedure for all the remaining runners, you will start to see the GP v2.0 track appear!
In this final section of 'The Science of Greyhound Racing Prediction' I explain how to best use our Greyhound Race Simulator to view your own dog races and discuss the relevant probabilities of achieving a successful prediction.
Greyhound Predictor Version 2.0 lets you watch simulated dog racing in the comfort of your own home!
As soon as the Race-Track loads, you can select the Display Mode by using the left/right cursor keys situated on your keyboard. This 'special feature' lets you view the current 'dog speeds' in either metres or yards per second, miles or kilometres per hour and shows the actual distances travelled by each greyhound.
Now Press Spacebar to start the hare running! As soon as the 'traps open' each greyhound's position in a race, will be continuously up dated in the 'Race Predictor' shown on both sides of your computer screen.
During the race, you can Press Spacebar to pause the action. This allows you to examine the expected racing positions of the dogs anywhere around the circuit, in order to study future possibilities of any crowding, bumping or baulking occuring in a race. Please note: by re-pressing the spacebar the race continues from the exact moment in time, it was originally paused, note also that all winning racetimes or greyhound racing predictions are not effected by pausing then re-starting a race.
Once the race finishes, the official result will be displayed, together with the official winning time, the leading dog's fastest sectional time, the track conditions, the race length and each dog's predicted final finishing position!
You may then select Photo to see the actual virtual photo finish as the first greyhound crosses the winning line.
After the race, you may select Race Again. *This limited game feature is only fully functionable in the full registered version!
Registering Greyhound Predictor not only lets you re-run the race, with all the dog statistics saved for you and therefore, informs you of other possible variations of race results, but most importantly lets you go back and alter quickly any greyhound data that needs to be changed!
To get the very best results, I suggest each set-up, be run several times with all 'final predictions' written down seperately and studied carefully! in order to obtain the necessary insight required to make a successful winning bet!
It is with immence gratitude to my own family and friends and to the many people, who over the years and more recently via the internet, have shared their greyhound knowledge with me, that I'm now able to express my own original ideas and general observations in attempting to fully comprehend the complexities involved when studying greyhound race prediction!
Dog racing fans, regularly inquire as to the actual 'strike rate' or 'percentage of winners' concerning the accuracy of Greyhound Predictor? However, unlike other "greyhound tipping services", we believe, each "Predictor" will have their own independent strike rate of winners and therefore no winning percentages are stated. Although, in fairness, I should explain the general probabilities involved in predicting real greyhound races.
Picking dog winners technically speaking, will always be easier in '6 dog racing countries' such as UK, Irish and European racing, where the probability of backing a winner is theoretically 1 in 6 compared to '8 dog racing nations' such as Australian, New Zealand, North American, South American and Asian dog racing, where the probability is 1 in 8.
Predicting the first and second in a race, as in greyhound forecasts or quinellas is easier in UK, Irish and European dog racing, as the probability is 1 in 30 (6 x 5) compared to 1 in 56 (8 x 7) in 8 dog greyhound countries.
The theoretical probability of predicting the first, second and third as in straight tricast bets is 1 in 120 (6 x 5 x 4) in 6 dog racing countries which is obviously more predictable then 8 dog race trifectas where the probability is 1 in 336 (8 x 7 x 6).
Predicting the first four places in correct race order, as in Superfecta bets is only operational in greyhound countries with 8 dog tote pool races such as America and theoretically has a probability of 1 in 1680 (8 x 7 x 6 x 5).
All 'gamblers' will appreciate that these 'underlying probabilities' always exist when betting on greyhounds.
A dog's fastest time is generally considered to be the most important form statistic and I therefore suggest, your attention is focused around this 'race-time data', as overall the accuracy of the Predictor will almost certainly depend on the accuracy of the information entered!
GP v2.0 lets you pre-study middle-distance races run in real-racetime, it takes into consideration all the so called 'imponderables' and 'variables' and offers you! a realistic chance of predicting your own dog winners!
Greyhound Predictor really is "The tipping tool with a difference!"
We hope you continue to enjoy this unique greyhound racing experience and thank you again for visiting www.greyhoundpredictor.com.
Finally, we'd like to thank everyone, for registering our software, and wish you the very best of luck with all your future predictions!
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding GreyhoundPredictor or "greyhounds" in general, please feel free to contact me.
Lastly, I'd like to thank Marc personally, for his commitment to my greyhound project and for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to talk about a subject and sport that I have loved for most of my life; "the exciting world of greyhound racing".
Remember "It's Not a Game? It's a Science!"
Best Wishes,
Guy Slade.
ps: If you would like to watch a greyhound race? without entering all the formlines, or if you fancy a wager amongst friends! Please check out the Betting Lounge study the formlines for these simulated 'top class races' and place your bets! "Now that's what I call a real dog racing game!"
Copyright © 2012 Guy Slade. All rights reserverd.