Tandems

[For The Lead]

In a recent post in the matcher's forum, Richie P wrote the following; "also please check the tandem finishes and see if they help YOU as individual matchers. Hat's personal instruction to me was simply this: "Rich if they help you in a SPECIFIC race use them otherwise forget about it".

Tandem results are a "cause and effect" situation.
The questions become;

1 - what was it about that particular previous race that was the "cause" that led to the "effect" (outcome) of that race?

2 - Does that same "cause" exist in today's race that will lead to the same effect (outcome)?

If the answers to these question are "yes", then using the tandem is valid.
If the answer to these questions are "no", then using the tandem is not valid.
If you don't "know" the answer to these questions, then using the tandems is worthless.

I would venture a guess that in the majority of races the " cause" is not known, so the use of tandems is worthless.
"Hat", I believe understood that, so take "Hat's" advice, "forget about it".

[Seven Furlongs]

One thing I like about tandems is that they provide a quick frame of reference between the tandem participants and everyone else.

But, to use tandems as a means to statically rank individual horses may be a bit difficult due to pace considerations, distance comfort level, and current form of the individual horses.

As I stated, it's a good frame of reference to get a sense of the competition in a race, but to apply the results inherent to the tandem as a hard and fast rule would be a bridge too far.

[partsnut]

For The Lead:

In a recent post in the matcher's forum, Richie P wrote the following; "also please check the tandem finishes and see if they help YOU as individual matchers. Hat's personal instruction to me was simply this: "Rich if they help you in a SPECIFIC race use them otherwise forget about it".

Tandem results are a "cause and effect" situation.
The questions become;

1 - what was it about that particular previous race that was the "cause" that led to the "effect" (outcome) of that race?

2 - Does that same "cause" exist in today's race that will lead to the same effect (outcome)?

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This was an excellent response to a very interesting topic.

I believe the following race that I will post (including my pace line selections) may be used as an example of a Tandem race.
This race indicates to me that an early type horse with the best sustained ability will win this race. However the odds on my 2 choices must be at least 3-1 or I will pass.
I would like to see if anyone agrees or disagrees with my analysis
Here's the race (TUP 12-27-11 Race-1 )

[alydar_ David]

Years ago I was at Shoreline Star in Connecticut having a discussion about the tandem concept. I'd use the suggested paceline selection technique as well as the alternative without success and "tandem" was becoming a dirty word for me.

Let me back up. This discussion began because someone in our group liked a horse that was beaten by another horse previously. He was adamant the situation would be different this day and was going to send it in. Another friend of mine was trying to talk him out of it.

My buddy, Joe, chimed in. He said, '"A wise, old woman from Texas once told me, 'Honey, they all beat each other."'

With the exception of high class stakes horses I agree with the gal from Texas.

[Seven Furlongs]

partsnut, actually the 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 are all from the same tandem race won by Daring Draco. I didn't analyze this race, so I have no opinion on it.

The 8th at Turf Paradise today is somewhat the same, in that many horses, none of them the winner, exit a tandem and run against each other today. In this race, the 1, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 exit the Via Di Roma race with the 4 horse Excellent Point the best placed, 2nd, of the lot of them. Of those tandem horses, I like the 5 and the 8 as I think the 4 will bounce as it just ran the best race of its life.

[trotman]

For The Lead excellent post. Many times the confusion between the "cause" and the "effect" or as you said unknown will wilt the bankroll. How many times have I seen handicappers select the finish to finish according to the tandems used. I do look at tandem horses but during a overall focus prior to handicapping. I seldom find that they are beneficial.

[partsnut]

Zip Zap;

partsnut, actually the 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 are all from the same tandem race won by Daring Draco. I didn't analyze this race, so I have no opinion on it.

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A big priced outsider won. All the software, figuring, numbers and theory written didn't mean a thing in this race.
Like the woman said, they all beat each other. Tandems, Hmmm.
Horse racing offers very little perfection and in quite a few instances and more then I'd like to mention, does not adhere to the teachings and methodology of the supposed racing gurus. I've known this for many years.
The problem as with most of us and with myself as well, is admitting it to ones self and realizing that this is the reality of the game.