On Sartin, Hackers and the Snafu principle

In his book, Modern Pace Handicapping, Tom Brohamer takes a shot at presenting the Sartin methodology in layman's terms.

It involves simple math in determining feet per second calculations based on running lines and beaten lengths. The numbers are then compared to a track bias based on running styles and winning percentages.

The calculations are easy and reveal exact figures that any data cruncher would be happy to have.

The problem is, those precise numbers are derived from information that is spotty at best. The numbers are taken from the running lines, which are made by the chart callers. At the various points of call, the person in charge of calling out beaten lengths and running order, is guesstimating where the horse is in relation to the other horses and they are doing this for all the horses in a race, 9,10,11 times a day.

What is the argument against putting RFID chips in the saddle cloths? Is this really such a point of contention, that tracks and racing execs think more and better information would be detrimental to the game? If the information were better, more people might be inclined to play. The track could then rake their standard usurious rate from the pool.

Open source the information. Why isn't Google working on this? Get Sergei on the phone. Doesn't Google have some mechanism where one can submit ideas for their crazy time off projects? Everyone is encouraged to pursue something not business related and Google will let them do it. At least one of their employees must have, at least heard, of horse racing.