Welcome to JCapper
Author:
Jeff Platt
Last Updated:
10/01/2025
Introduction
Whether you are
just checking out the Demo Version for the very first time or are a long time Registered
Program Owner, let me be the first to say it. Welcome! It is my sincere hope
you will find yourself using JCapper in a way that fits your handicapping
style. JCapper has many features and factors spanning almost every area of the
game. Even so, as of this writing, it is very far from complete. I'm striving
to make JCapper the very best handicapping software package available anywhere
- at any price. To that end I am constantly testing out new ideas, creating new
factors and features, and adding them to the program. Truth be told, JCapper
really is a work in progress - an attempt to achieve the impossible using
vision, the gray matter between my ears, data science, and determination to
create the perfect handicapping program.
Shortening the Learning Curve
There is a world
of information presented within JCapper. As the program's author, I can see
where it might be easy for new users to be overwhelmed. The purpose of this
Help Doc is to outline a path for you to get the most out of the JCapper program
in the shortest amount of time possible.
Where to Begin
Start by working
through the JCapper 101 Class Outline below.
Learn the
material in the order presented. I’ve been teaching new users how to use
JCapper for more than 20 years. In my opinion, following the Class Outline is the best way to shorten
the learning curve.
Demo User
Licenses
Demo Users can do
everything in the program except run Calc Races routines to generate same day
race reports for live play. That privilege is reserved for Registered Program
Owners only. Demo User Licenses are issued to players who are giving JCapper a
try while using the Free Back Data Downloads. Demo User Licenses expire after
90 days.
Temp Eval User
Licenses
Temp Eval Users
can do everything in the program including run Calc Races routines to
generate same day race reports for live play just like Registered Program
Owners. The key difference is Temp Eval User Licenses have an expiration date
just like Demo Licenses whereas Registered Program Owner Licenses are permanent.
Temp Eval User Licenses are issued to players who are giving JCapper a try
while paying for HDW Data.
Registered
Program Owner Licenses
Registered
Program Owner Licenses are permanent (no expiration date) and are issued to
players who purchase the JCapper program outright or who meet the terms of a
Software as a Service Agreement by purchasing 12 or more months of data under
the HDW Monthly Unlimited Data Subscription Plan.
Live Play
As a Temp Eval
User or a Registered Program Owner you have access to all parts of the program.
Even though you have the ability to load data files into the program, get
scratches and changes, and run a Calc Races to generate reports for today’s
races… and even launch the Live Play Module and use it to bet today’s races… I
strongly recommend that you work your way all
the way through the JCapper
101 Class Outline first!
Learn the
material in the order presented.
Once you know
what you are doing and the program Basics are second nature: Then consider using the program
for live play.
User Quick Start
Guide
Getting Started
There is a world of information presented
within the Program. The best way to learn is to pick ONE topic and work
"hands on" with the program until you understand that topic. Then
move on to the next topic. It is highly recommended that you learn the material
in the order presented below in the JCapper
101 Class Outline.
JCapper
101 Audio & Video
Shorten the learning curve: Watch the JCapper BASIC VIDEOS to get
relevant background info that you need to know.
The JCapper
BASIC Videos are here at:
http://www.JCapper.com/Podcasts/JCapper_Podcasts.html
Hint: Bookmark the above page – or goto:
http://www.JCapper.com and click the link labeled JCapper 101 Audio Video.)
About
the JCapper 101 Audio Video Page:
There is an Index Section for different
topics presented near the top of the page. When you click the index link for an
individual topic, page navigation takes you to the section for that topic.
Within the section for each of the individual topics you will find links to
Videos and Audios about that topic. To return back to the Index Section at the
top of the page, click one of the links labeled Back to Index. (But watch the
JCapper BASIC Videos first.)
READ
the Help Docs
All of the JCapper Help Docs are available
online at:
http://www.JCapper.com/DemoVersion/HelpDocs.ASP
IMPORTANT Note about Calc
Races routines in the Demo Version of the Program
The
.DAT file is the only file type that can be loaded into the demo version of the
program and used to run a Calc Races so that you can see the program’s race day
output. (That restriction is lifted in the live version of the program.)
FREE Sample Weekend of back HDW Data
– Memorial Day Weekend 2016 (Courtesy of HDW)
The
following link will get you a downloadable zip file that contains a free sample
weekend of data and results files courtesy of HDW. (Memorial Day Weekend 2016)
This download will enable you to work through the JCapper 101 Class Outline
without having to spend your own money on data.
This download includes a complete
pre-built set of comma delimited .JCP, .XRD, and .DAT files. This is
important because .DAT files (which are created by the JCapper program during
its build database routines) is the only file type that can be loaded into the
Demo Version of the JCapper program and be used to run a Calc Races routine -
so that you can see the program’s race day output.
Link to
back data download with install instructions:
http://www.jcapper.com/JCapMemorialDayWeekend2016.html
FREE Sample Day of Demo Data – June
21, 2012 - (Courtesy of HDW)
The
following link will get you a downloadable zip file that contains a free sample
day of data and results files courtesy of HDW. This download will enable you to
go through the JCapper Demo without having to spend your own money on data.
This download includes a complete
pre-built set of comma delimited .JCP, .XRD, and .DAT files. This is
important because .DAT files (which are created by the JCapper program during
its build database routines) is the only file type that can be loaded into the
Demo Version of the JCapper program and be used to run a Calc Races routine -
so that you can see the program’s race day output.
http://www.jcapper.com/SampleRaceDayData_06212012.html
FREE Weekend of Demo Data (Courtesy
of HDW)
The
following link will get you a download that contains a full four day weekend of
back data and results files courtesy of HDW. This data sample includes every
thoroughbred race run in
http://www.jcapper.com/DemoVersion/Article_2011DemoFiles.html
JCapper 101 Class
Outline
Make the most efficient use of your
time and get the most out JCapper. Learn the material in the following order:
1.
Get these Basics Out of the Way
a. Install the Program: – Watch the Install
Videos on the JCapper Program Downloads Page.
·
If you are running Windows 10 or
later pay attention to the part about getting True Admin Rights by first
enabling the hidden Windows Admin Account and then logging into Windows as an
Administrator. (You need to be logged into the Windows Admin Account in order
to register DLLs and OCX files for the first JCapper Install on Windows 10 and
later machines.)
·
Create a C:\JCapperBuild folder.
Then download the latest Full Program Install Package to the C:\JCapperBuild
folder. Then create a Desktop Shortcut naming the Full Program Install Package
that you downloaded as target of the shortcut - Then finally, right-click the
shortcut selecting Run as Administrator – and install the Program by running
the Extractor and the JCapper Installer.
·
Then working hands on with the
JCapper program one topic at a time, work through the exercises in the JCapper
101 Class Outline.
b. Learn how and where to find
JCapper Help Documents:
·
See the JCapper Basic Videos and JCapper
Help Dos Index Links above.
c. Learn how to change the Settings
on the User System Definitions Screen.
·
Watch the Data Vendor Setting Video
at the JCapper Basic Videos link above.
·
Watch the SQL Mode Setting Video at
the JCapper Basic Videos link above.
·
Watch the User Sys Defs Screen
Walkthrough Video at the JCapper Basic Videos link above.
·
Read the User System Definitions
Screen Help Doc (Doc
#6) on the Help Docs Page at JCapper.com
d. Need a Primer on Folders, Files,
and Windows File Explorer?
·
Watch the Downloading HDW Files and using Windows File Explorer Video. It’s
the very first video at the JCapper
Basic Videos link.
2. Processing HDW Files (JCapper Platinum and Silver)
Learn how to:
1. Persist
the Data Vendor setting in the User System Definitions Screen.
Hint: You need to set the Data
Vendor Setting to HDW before processing files from HDW. You need to set the
Data Vendor to Brisnet before processing files from Brisnet. If you have a dual
data enabled version of JCapper, you can process files from either data vendor
- but you need to persist the correct Data Vendor setting before processing
files from either data vendor.
HINT – this is in the JCapper BASIC
Videos. See also the User System Definitions Screen Help Doc.
2. Use the
File Download Tool in the HDW File Manager to download files from the HDW Site.
HINT –
this is in the JCapper BASIC Videos. See also the HDW File Mgr Help Doc.
3. Use the File Build Filter Tool in
the HDW File Manager to run File Build Routines to create .JCP data files and
.XRD results files.
HINT
– this is in the JCapper BASIC Videos and the HDW File Mgr Help Doc too.
Resources
– Videos and Help Docs:
Watch
the JCapper Basic Videos on the
JCapper 101 Audio Video page at JCapper.com
Read
the DFM and DFM Card Loader Help Doc
(Doc #5) and the HDW
File Manager Help Doc (Doc #8) on
the Help Docs Page at JCapper.com
Watch
the Data Vendor Setting and SQL Mode
Videos in the User System
Definitions Screen Help Doc (Doc #6) on
the Help Docs Page at JCapper.com
3. Processing Brisnet Files (JCapper Silver and JCapper Platinum)
Learn how to:
a.
Persist the Data Vendor setting in the User System Definitions Screen.
Hint: You need to set the Data Vendor to HDW before processing files
from HDW. You need to set the Data Vendor to Brisnet before processing files
from Brisnet. If you have a dual data enabled version of JCapper, you can
process files from either data vendor - but you need to persist the correct
Data Vendor setting before processing files from either data vendor.
b.
Learn how to Download and Unzip Brisnet Files.
Resources – Videos and Help Docs
Watch the following
videos in the Demo User Learning Curve Section on the JCapper 101 Audio Video
page at JCapper.com:
1. Data Vendor Setting
2. Brisnet redid their
site after being acquired by CDI.
If you want to use
Brisnet Files you need to figure out manual download of .DRF or .MCP files from
the Brisnet site on your own.
3. Unzipping Files with
the File Unzipper (Brisnet Only. The File Unzipper does not apply to HDW
Files.)
4.
Persisting Data Folders (JCapper Platinum and Silver)
Learn how to:
1. Persist
the current active data folder in the DFM (Data Folder Manager) so that all of
the other JCapper modules recognize and point to that folder when you first
launch them.
2. Persist
inactive data folders in the DFM so that you can use the DFM to quickly toggle
back and forth between your persisted folders.
Resources
– Help Docs
1. Watch the Videos at and Read the
DFM (Data Folder Manager) Help Doc (Doc #5) on the Help Docs page at JCapper.com.
2. Spend some time working hands on
using the DFM to navigate folders on your machine, persist one of them as the
current active data folder, persist others as inactive data folders, and
(quickly) toggle back and forth between them.
5.
Loading Past Performance Data Files into JCapper (JCapper Platinum and Silver)
Learn to:
1. Use
the DFM Card Loader in the DFM to clear previously loaded data files (and
scratches) from the program, find past performance data files for today’s
races, drag and drop today’s data files onto the interface for the 3 folders
persisted in the DFM, and load the data files displayed on the visual interface
(after you have finished dragging and dropping them to the folders where you
want them to be loaded) into JCapper.
2. The
sole reason for loading past performance data files into JCapper: So that you
can Run Calc Races Routines to generate Html Reports and view them in the Html
Report Viewer, a Web Browser, and the SQL UDM Plays Report. Also so that you
can view Past Performances in the Past Performance Generator.
Or put
another way: You load data files into JCapper so that you can generate reports
for today’s races.
3. Understand
that you do not (as in not ever) load past performance data files into JCapper
to run Build Database routines. Database build routines are handled separately
by the Database Builder and you do not (repeat not – as in not ever) load past
performance data files into JCapper for that purpose.
Resources
– Help Docs
1. Click the Help menu on the upper
left of the DFM Card Loader screen to see BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for the
DFM Card Loader.
2. Watch the Videos in the DFM Card
Loader section of the DFM (Data Folder Manager) Help Doc (Doc #5) on the Help Docs page
at JCapper.com
3. Spend some time hands on using
the DFM Card Loader to clear previously loaded data files from the program, and
to find and load past performances data files for today’s races into the
program.
6.
Using The Manual Changes Module to persist Scratches and Changes.
Learn how to:
1. Bring up a Race for a Track on
the Current Active Data Folder (as well as the other Data Folders.)
2. Setup and Save Scratches for
individual horses.
3. Unscratch a mistakenly Scratched
horse (uncheck the box and hit Save.)
4. Setup and Save Changes to Track
Condition, Surface, and Distance
Learn when to use The Manual Changes
Module:
1. For Gate Scratches when time is
of the essence.
2. When the Equibase site is down
and/or the Equibase Scratches and Changes XML isn’t available.
Resources
– Help Docs and Videos
1. Watch the Manual Changes Module
Video at the JCapper Basic Videos
link.
2. Read the Manual Changes Module
Help Doc (Doc
#16) on the Help Docs page at JCapper.com
7.
Using Scratch BOT to parse Scratches and Changes from the Equibase Scratches
and Changes XML
Learn how to:
1. Setup an XML Archive Folder.
2. Parse the Scratches and Changes
XML for today’s races in BOT Mode.
3. Manually parse an archived
Scratches and Changes XML File for a prior race date.
4. Find a Track in the
Track_Abbreviations Table Interface, pull up that track and persist the correct
Track_Name to the Notes field of the table so that it matches the track_name in
the xml to re-enable Scratch BOT to parse that track from the XML. You need to
do this whenever a track directs Equibase to change the track_name in the xml.
(NRYA does this for marketing purposes.)
5. Enable parsing Rider Changes from
the XML using the Master ON switch in the Enhanced Settings Module. (The
JCapper.mdb file that ships with JCapper 2025 contains Jeff’s Enhanced Settings
so Rider Changes is enabled when you first download JCapper 2025. But should
know how to do this if you accidentally undo one of the settings in the
Enhanced Settings Module.)
Resources
– Help Docs and Videos
1. Watch the Videos in the Scratch
BOT Help Doc (Doc
#18) on the Help Docs page at JCapper.com
2. Read the Scratch BOT Help Doc (Doc #18)
on the Help Docs page at JCapper.com
8.
Generating JCapper Html Reports (Playlist File Mode and SQL Mode)
Learn how to:
1. Run a Calc Races on a single
Race.
2. Run a Calc Races on a single Race
Card.
3. Run a Calc Races on a single
DataFolder.
Resources
– Help Docs and Videos
1. Watch the Manual Changes Module
Video at the JCapper Basic Videos
link above. A Single Race Calc Races is shown just after the 4:40 mark, and
launching the Html Report Viewer and displaying the SQL Mode Html Report using
the HTML Two Button is shown just after the 5:30 mark.
2. Watch the Processing a Day of
.JCP Files from Start to Finish in JCapper 2025 Video at the JCapper Basic Videos link above. A Calc
Races on DataFolder1 is shown just after the 9:45 mark, and launching the Html
Report Viewer and displaying the SQL Mode Html Report using the HTML One Button
is shown just after the 12:18 mark.
9.
Reading the Playlist File Mode Html Report and Connecting Dots
Learn how to:
1. Read and Understand the Playlist
File Mode Html Report.
2. Start Connecting Dots.
Resources
– Help Docs and Videos
1. Watch the Reading the Playlist File Mode Html Report and Connecting Dots Video at
the JCapper Basic Videos link above.
2. Read the Glossary of Supported Factors Page at JCapper.com
·
Link here: http://www.JCapper.com/FactorsGlossary.ASP
3. Read the Reading the Reports Help
Doc (DOC
#21) on the Help Docs Page at JCapper.com
10.
Generating JCapper Past Performances
Learn how to:
2. Customize the
appearance of JCapper Past Performances using the Enhanced Settings Module.
Resources
– Help Docs
1. Watch the PPs Generator Video at the JCapper
Basic Videos link above. Then read the PPs Generator Help Doc (displayed
inside the Past Performance Generator itself when you first launch it) or click
on the link to the PPs Generator Help Doc on the Help Docs page at JCapper.com.
2. Spend some time hands on
generating JCapper Past Performances using the Past Performance Generator. It’s
easy: Select a track code from the drop down and then select a race number.
3. Read the Enhanced Settings Module
Help Doc on the Help Docs page at JCapper.com.
4. Spend some time hands on with the
Enhanced Settings Module. Change a single setting for customizing the
appearance of JCapper Past Performances and then re-generate PPs for a race or
two. Then put the setting back to its default and regenerate a PPs for the same
race. Work with the following settings: STAT Roi Display Type, Time Zone Hrs
from GMT, Post Time Display, CXN Stats for Trainers and Jockeys, Company Line
Display, and PaceLine Display. The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate
that JCapper Past Performances can be customized.
11.
Building JCapper Databases (JCapper Silver and JCapper Platinum)
This is what you need to know:
1. Requirements that need to be met
before you can build a database: Unzipped data and results files that match up
by track and date sitting on a target folder.
2. Set the Current Active DataFolder
in the DFM first. When you launch the DBBuilder it will default to the Current
Active DataFolder in the DFM.
3. Understand the 5 Build Modes and
when to use each of them. Click the Help button on the DBBuilder for a quick
primer.
·
Mode 1 – Use this Mode for the very
first DBBuild on a new Folder in Playlist File Mode.
·
Mode 2 - Use this Mode for
subsequent DBBuilds on that Folder in Playlist File Mode.
·
Mode 3 – Use this Mode for the very
first DBBuild on the very first Folder in SQL Mode.
·
Mode 4 – Use this Mode for the very
first DBBuild on subsequent Folders in SQL Mode.
·
Mode 5 – Use this Mode for
subsequent DBBuilds on the current Folder in SQL Mode after adding new race
cards.
4. Run a Recovery Setup Routine
prior to running a DBBuild to create a Recovery Point.
5. Double Check the DBBuilder
Interface (File Type, Build Mode, and Target Folder) prior to clicking the
Build Database Button to run a DBBuild.
6. Access .mdb files have a
Microsoft imposed file size limit of 2.0 Gigabytes (or 2,000 mb) As your
c:\JCapper\Exe\JCapper2.mdb file approaches 1.5 Gigabytes (1,500 mb) in size
it’s time to consider archiving it by renaming it to get it out of the way –
and replacing it with a copy of the fresh blank current version JCapper2.mdb
file that was written to your C:\JCapperBuild Folder during your most recent
JCapper Install.
Resources
– Videos and Help Docs
1. Watch the Building Databases in JCapper 2025 Videos (Part 1, Part 2,
Part 3, and Part 4) at
the JCapper Basic Videos link.
2. Read the Building JCapper
Databases Help Doc (DOC #28) on the Help Docs page at
JCapper.com.
3. Work “hands on” with the Program.
Try it on your own a few times until you get the hang of it. Don’t be afraid to
break a few eggs. You can always Clear a JCapper Database by running a DBBuild
in Mode 1 in Playlist File Mode or by running a DBBuild in Mode 3 in SQL Mode.
4. Read the “JCapper2.mdb file – what you need to know” thread in the JCapper
101 forum on the JCapper Message Board.
-- Update as of
09-26-2025 12:45 Pacific Time US:
I have been working
over the past several days to cut new Videos for JCapper 2025 and get them
embedded into the JCapper Help Docs, the JCapper BASIC Video Index at the
JCapper 101 link above, and get the JCapper 101 Class Outline updated for
JCapper 2025.
I still have
significant work to do.
Everything above the
Dotted Line below represents new work.
-jp
.
Everything below the
Dotted Line above has yet to be updated.
-jp
.
9. Data Window Queries (Playlist
File Mode and SQL Mode)
Learn:
1. How to run basic Data Window
queries in PlayList file mode.
2. How to run UDMs through the Data
Window in PlayList file mode.
3. How to run basic Data Window
queries in SQL mode.
4. How to run UDMs through the Data
Window in SQL mode.
Resources – Videos and Help Docs
1.
Watch the Data Window I and Data Window II videos in the Getting at Your Data
Section on the JCapper 101 Audio Video page at JCapper.com.
2.
Read the Understanding the Data Window Help Doc at the Help Docs page at
JCapper.com.
3.
Watch the Data Window III video in either the Getting at Your Data or Operating
JCapper in SQL Mode Sections on the JCapper 101 Audio Video page at JCapper.com
4.
Spend some time hands on working with the Data Window. Your goal should be to
come away with a basic understanding of how to use the Data Window to query a
database – both in PlayList file mode and in SQL mode.
10. Data Window Exports (JCapper
Silver and JCapper Platinum)
Learn
how to run the following Data Window Exports with the Data Window in PlayList
file mode:
1. CXN Data Window Export so that you
can generate reports for Riders, Trainers, and Owners.
2. Track Profile Data Window Export so that you can
generate track profile reports for your favorite racing venues.
Resources – Videos and Help Docs
1.
Read the Data Window Exports Help Doc.
2.
Watch the Data Window Exports and Reports for Trainers, Riders, and Owners
Video in the Getting at Your Data Section on the JCapper 101 Audio Video page
at JCapper.com.
3.
Work with the Program “hands on.” Run a
Jeff’s Track Profile Data Window Export using your Database as the source.
4.
Generate a handful of Jeff’s Track Profile Reports for your favorite racing
venues. Start discovering “The Demands of the Track.”
11. UDMs (JCapper Silver and JCapper
Platinum)
1.
Learn how to use the UDM Wizard to create UDMs: - Watch the A Simple Trainer
UDM Video.
2.
Listen to the Simple Basic UDMs Podcast.
3.
Listen to the other Podcasts devoted to creating UDMs.
4.
Work with the Program “hands on.” Pick
any one idea you might have (a handicapping premise) and use the UDM Wizard to
create a UDM based on that premise. Keep it simple. It’s all about learning to
use the tools… for the time being.
5.
Pick a second handicapping premise. Use the UDM Wizard to create a UDM based on
it. Again, keep things simple… for now.
Running UDMs through the Data Window
1.
Work with the Program “hands on.” Run
your UDMs against your database with the Data Window’s UDM button.
2.
Run your UDMs through the Data Window broken out by many different factors. See
for yourself where your own UDMs are strong and where they are weak.
3.
Work hands on with the program with the Data Window and UDM Wizard open at the
same time. Run a UDM through the Data Window broken out by a single factor.
Pick a cutoff for that factor based on results you see in the Data Window. Pull
up the UDM in the UDM Wizard and set that factor cutoff and save it. Then run
your UDM back through the Data Window and notice the improvement in
performance. Repeat… repeat… repeat. This is called tuning your UDMs.
12. Daily Reports (JCapper Silver
and JCapper Platinum)
Learn
How To:
1.
Learn how to use the JCapper Past Performance Generator to find and open data
files, and generate past performance data reports for the races in each file –
Read the JCapper Past Performance Generator Help Doc.
2.
Learn how to load JCapper.dat files into the program using the Card Loader: -
Watch the Loading race card Files into JCapper with the Card Loader Video.
3.
Learn how to Calculate Races and View Reports: - Watch the Calculating Races
and Viewing Reports Video.
4.
Work with the Program “hands on.” Use the Card Loader (or Screen Two of the
File Downloader) to load a JCapper.dat file into the Program. Then run a
Calculate Races and View Reports.
5.
Scroll through the Supported Factors Page at JCapper.com. Get a basic
understanding of the factors in the Program.
6.
Learn how to read the Reports and what to look for. Read the
Summary
Follow
the Class Outline. Learn the material in the exact order in which it is
presented. Doing that shortens the learning curve. Skipping steps will only get
you in trouble.
-
End JCapper 101 Class Outline –
Operating the Basic Program
Below is a Daily Quick Start guide to using JCapper each day to Unzip
Files, Load Race Cards, Process Scratches, Calculate Races, and View Reports.
The Daily Quick Start Guide presented here is intended as an overview of the
steps a JCapper user goes through each day in using JCapper to arrive at
potential UDM plays. Keep in mind as you
read this quick start guide that as a Demo user the only thing you can’t do is
generate same day race reports. That privilege is reserved for Registered
Program Owners only. The Demo Version ships with sample reports so that you can
follow along with the info presented in the Help Docs. If you want the ability
to run same day race reports you have to buy the program. That’s just the way
it is.
Here is an outline of what a new user does on a daily basis to operate
the basic program to run and view daily reports.
Outline of New
User Program Operation for Daily Reports
1.
Learn how to use the JCapper Past Performance Generator to find and open data
files, and generate past performance data reports for the races in each file –
Read the JCapper Past Performance Generator Help Doc.
2. Learn to use Screen One of the File Downloader to download and
automatically unzip files onto your Default Data Folder.
3. Learn to use the File Unzipper to find and unzip
files at will.
4. Learn to use the Card Loader to clear prior day
scratches and load today’s race card files into the program.
5. Learn to use the Manual Changes Module to process
scratches and surface/distance changes.
6. Learn to use the Main Module to run a Calc Races
routine. Demo Users are restricted to
running Calc Races on loaded JCapper.DAT files only.
7. Learn to use the Main Module to launch the Report
Viewer. Get a very clear understanding of exactly what you are looking at. Learn
exactly what to look for. Read the
File
Downloader
The File Downloader (added Jan, 2005) can be used to
download past performance and results files directly from the Bris and TSN
websites. The File Downloader has a second (hidden) screen, available via the
Folder Icon. This second screen provides advanced functionality for both
unzipping and loading past performance data files.
The File Downloader can be reached in the following
manner:
1. From the Main Module, click FILE DOWNLOADER – or -
2. From the Card Loader, click FILE DOWNLOADER
Screen One
Screen One of the File Downloader is a web browser
and is used to download files directly from Bris or TSN (be careful that you connect to the right page.) and save them to your
Default Data Folder. Remember, you have to unzip any files that your download.
Screen Two
Screen two (it’s hidden at first) of the File
Downloader serves as both a File Unzipper and Card Loader. The interfaces of
both the File Unzipper and Card Loader are a little more user friendly than
screen two of the File Downloader. So I recommend you use those Modules for
unzipping and loading files. But know that you can use screen two of the File
Downloader to do both if you want to.
Resize Button
The File Downloader has the ability upon start up to
communicate with Windows and size itself according to the current screen
resolution. On some machines, most notably those with AMD K-6 chips instead of
Intel Pentium chips, Windows is unable to interface properly with the graphics
card and is therefore incapable of retrieving the correct screen resolution.
Clicking the Resize button will cause the File Downloader to size itself as if
it were running in an 800 x 600 screen resolution environment. If you are unable
to view the entire screen area of the File Downloader give the Resize button a
click.
Unzipping Data Files
The first question new users often ask is: Where do my data files go? When you first install JCapper your
Default Data Folder will be c:\2008. Until you go into System Settings and
change your Default Data Folder, this is where you should put your unzipped
downloaded data files.
JCapper has a pretty handy file unzip tool called the File Unzipper. There is a separate help
doc devoted entirely to using the File Unzipper for finding and unzipping files
at will. If you are a brand new JCapper user I recommend you open and read that
Help Doc once you are finished reading this Quick Start Guide. I also recommend
that you open the File Unzipper and refer to it as you follow along with the
text in the Help Doc.
JCapper also has the same complete unzip functionality on the second
(hidden) screen of the File Downloader.
But I recommend you wait a bit before moving on to screen two of the File
Downloader. Get yourself completely familiar with the File Unzipper first. Then
later, after you have become more familiar with JCapper, you can move on to
using Screen Two of the File Downloader to unzip files and Load Race Card
Files. By the way, File Downloader Screen Two is covered in detail in the
section of this Help Doc devoted to the File Downloader.
Of course you can also use third party unzip utilities such as WinZip
or the PkUnzip tool from BRIS to unzip your data files before you load them in
the Card Loader. If you do use a third party unzip tool, just be sure that you
extract your past performance data and results files onto your c:\2008 Default
Data Folder.
Past Performance Data Reports -
Learn
how to use the JCapper Past Performance Generator to find and open data files,
and generate past performance data reports for the races in each file – Read
the JCapper Past Performance Generator Help Doc.
For
the sake of convenience, the Overview section of that help doc is presented
here:
Overview - The JCapper Past Performance
Generator provides fast easy generation of past performance reports. Simply
point the module at a target folder, click File... click Open Data File, and
then use the dialog box to select the data file that you want. As soon as you
load a data file into the module, the Races Drop Down will auto populate with a
list of available races in the current data file. From there, select the race
that you want and the module will render a past performance report for that
race.
Fast, simple, and effective.
Load Race Cards
–
Click the Card Loader Button. You'll need to first copy
and unzip one or more Bris or TSN past performance data files (or JCapper.DAT
files) onto your Default Data Folder. When you first download the program your
Default Data Folder will be c:\2008. Then, just use the JCapper Card Loader to
load the desired file(s) into JCapper. This is an easy process. You can
navigate through your system's folder and file structure just like in Windows
Explorer. There's even a button that automatically searches, finds, and loads
all data files in your default folder for a given race date. You can also use
the File Downloader (added in Jan, 2005) to download and unzip past performance
and results files directly from the Bris and TSN websites. The File Downloader's
second screen, available via the Folder Icon, also provides functionality for
unzipping and loading past performance data files.
When you open the Card Loader and click on the Folder Nav Tool it will
display the contents of your Default Data Folder. Any unzipped data files with
an extension matching the file type currently selected in the File Type Drop
Down will be displayed in the window. The easiest way for new users to load a
data file is to simply double click each individual file. There is a separate
Help Doc which explains full functionality of the Card Loader in detail. If you
are a new JCapper user, I recommend you read the Card Loader Help Doc once you
have finished reading this Quick Start Guide.
Scratches and Changes –
Use Scratch Bot, Scratch Parser, or the Manual Changes Module to
quickly and easily process any scratches or changes. There are separate Help
Docs which explain all functionality of these three modules in detail. You’ll
be reading these shortly. Again, that’s outside the scope of this Quick Start
Guide.
Calc Races in the Demo Version –
The Demo Version does not allow Demo Users
to run Calc Races routines to generate same day race reports. That privilege is reserved
for Registered Program Owners only. I used to operate on the honor system and
offer people one free 30 day demo. Unfortunately a handful of people abused
this privilege and spoiled what was a very nice offer for everybody else. They
bombarded me with one free demo request after another and never paid for the
program. They used fake names and got free/anonymous email accounts from places
like Yahoo and Hotmail faster than I could track IP Addresses. So in the end,
even though I hated the idea, I adopted the current system. I hope you can
understand why.
Demo users do have the ability to run Calc
Races routines to generate previous day race reports. Doing this is really easy.
Just use the Card Loader to load JCapper.DAT files instead of Bris or TSN past
performance data files.
Q. What is a JCapper.DAT file?
A. JCapper.DAT files are created by the Database Builder during a Build
Database Routine. They include both past performance and results data.
Q. How do I get JCapper.DAT files?
A. Two ways:
1. Use the Database Builder to Build a Database. Refer to the Building JCapper Databases Help Doc for
coverage on this subject in complete detail.
2. Use the sample JCapper.DAT files included with the Install Package.
The install package includes three JCapper.DAT files. You can find these files
in your C:\JCapperBuild folder. All three files will have the .DAT file
extension. You can load them in the Card Loader by pointing the Card Loader at
your C:\JCapperBuild folder or manually copying the sample JCapper.DAT files to
your Default Data Folder.
Q. How do I use the Card Loader to load JCapper.DAT files?
A. Change the File Type Drop Down from the default .DRF file extension
to the .DAT file extension. All .DAT files in the pointed to folder will then
become visible in the Card Loader display. And of course to switch back to .DRF
files simply select .DRF from the file type drop down.
Q. How do I run a Calc Races routine to generate previous day race
reports?
A. After loading JCapper.DAT files in the Card Loader then click the
Calculate Races button. A Calc Races routine will run and you will be able to
view an HTML Report in the Report Viewer based on your loaded .DAT files.
Reports –
The Demo Version comes with sample Reports so that you can follow the
info presented in the Quick Start Guide and Help Docs. You’ll find them in your
c:\JCapperBuild folder. The filenames for the HTML Reports are: Report_1.html
and Report_2.html. The filenames for the Text Reports are: AtAPrice.txt and
AtAPrice2.txt. If you manually copy them to your Default Data Folder (c:\2008
until you go into System Definitions and change it) you will be able to view
both sets of reports in the Report Viewer.
Click the Report Viewer
button. The
JCapper Report Viewer lets the user toggle back and forth between the HTML
Report and the Text Report. The print button on the Report Viewer sends the
Text Report to a printer. The Print Button on the HTML Report itself sends the
HTML Report to a printer.
HTML Report One - (Filename: Report_1.html) The JCapper HTML Report shows the
significant factors with numbers and rankings for every horse in an easy to
follow format. All potential UDM plays are highlighted for easy identification.
There are hyperlinks so that the user can freely navigate from track to track
and race to race. HTML Report One contains information for every race found in
all loaded race card files and is created whenever a standard Calc Races
routine is run using the Calculate Races button.
HTML Report Two - (Filename: Report_2.html) This JCapper HTML Report is exactly
the same as HTML Report One except that it contains information for a single
track only and is created whenever a Calc Races is run for a selected single
track only.
Text Report One - (Filename: AtAPrice.txt) The JCapper Text Report shows all UDM
Plays for the day neatly organized in one place. Here you'll find a header for
each race that contains the Track, Race Number, Surface and Distance, and the
class descriptor and RaceVolatility
for the race. All potential positive expectation UDM plays in each race are
laid out for you. Here you'll find post position, name of horse, name of rider,
name of trainer, the name of the UDM that the horse qualifies for, morning line
odds, and finally, the BettingInstructions
from the UDM definition are shown in brackets. Seeing this report leaves very
little doubt as to what horse(s) should be played or at what odds. It's right there in a very easy to follow
format. Text Report One contains information for all horses that qualify as
potential UDM plays in every race found in all loaded race card files and is
created whenever a standard Calc Races routine is run using the Calculate Races
button.
Text Report Two - (Filename: AtAPrice2.txt) This JCapper Text Report is exactly the
same as Text Report One except that it contains information for a single track
only and is created whenever a Calc Races is run for a selected single track
only.
CSV File One – The JCapper Calc Races
routine also creates a comma delimited CSV file designed for use in third party
spreadsheet products such as Microsoft Excel. The filename is Plays.CSV and can
be found on the Default Data Folder. The information found in this file is
similar to that found in the Text Report file. The major advantage of using the
CSV Report file over a Text Report is that races can be sorted in post time
order. The user also has the ability to rename the file and permanently save
it. Advanced users have used this file as a starting point and have added
custom fields to their own XLS for the specific purpose of tracking betting
results from live play.
CSV File Two – This CSV file is exactly
the same as CSV File One except that it contains information for a single track
only and is created whenever a Calc Races is run for a selected single track
only.
Daily Export Files – The JCapper Calc Races
routine also creates the following comma delimited text files:
1. ForBill.TXT- This file contains information about each horse and includes
rankings, numeric values, and gaps for hundreds of JCapper factors. Some
advanced users use this file as a data source for their own custom handicapping
programs.
2. ForBill2.TXT – This file is exactly the same as ForBill.TXT except that it contains
information for a single track only and is created when a Calc Races routine is
run for a single track only.
3. ForJeff.TXT – This file contains all the information found in the ForBill.TXT
file. In addition, those horses that are found by the Profile Marker to fit
active UDM Definitions are “marked” with mark
characters. Again, some advanced users use this file as a data source for
their own custom handicapping programs.
4. ForJeff2.TXT - This file is exactly the same as ForJeff.TXT except that it contains
information for a single track only and is created when a Calc Races routine is
run for a single track only.
Data Window Exports (and Reports)
Jeff’s Track Profile Export
and Report Generator – After building a database, use the Data Window to run a Jeff’s Track
Profile Export. This will enable you to generate Track Profile Reports. These
reports are essential for understanding the demands of the track. The
information and format found on the Jeff’s Track Profile Report is what I used
to meticulously maintain (using a spreadsheet) until I grew tired of doing it
by hand and decided to make it part of JCapper. Data Window Exports are covered
in detail in the Data Window Exports Help Doc.
CXN Exports and Reports - After building a database, use the Data Window to run CXN Exports. This
will enable you to generate comprehensive CXN Reports for Trainers, Riders, and
Owners. These reports can be essential for getting an understanding of this
game along with who is good (and bad) at what. Want some inspiration (and solid
starting points) for trainer UDMs? The Overlooked Trainers Report is a great
place to start. Data Window Exports are covered in detail in the Data Window
Exports Help Doc.
Note about Artificial Surfaces in JCapper -
In JCapper I have decided for
the time being not to use a separate surface to describe PolyTrack. Users have
the ability to write UDMs and make ImpactValue table entries to require and
avoid specific tracks. At the time of this writing the following tracks are
running races on artificial surfaces: APX-DMR-GGX-HOL-KEE-PID-SAX-OSA-TPX-WOX.
Users wanting to enforce decisions to either require or avoid artificial
surfaces can do so by using these (and future) track codes in combination with
a surface designation of D* or D.
The Live Play Module in the Demo Version –
The Live Play Module is disabled in the Demo Version. It is disabled
for the same reason same day race reports are disabled. You have to buy the
program to use it. That doesn’t mean that you should ignore the Live Play
Module. Read the Live Play Module Help Doc. Get a basic understanding of the
numbers presented (it’s all about value) in the Module and what they mean. Run
your own UDMs through the Data Window broken out by some of the numbers on the
Live Play Module. If you take the time to create viable UDMs, and are
interested in carrying an edge into the long run, you will undoubtedly want to
take the time to see your own UDM cutoffs for factors such as Expected Value
BettorsToteProb, Expected Value UPRZScoreProb, OR3, and MLOR3.
You’ve come to the end of
the Demo User Quick Start Guide.
At this point, after working with the program hands on, you should be
getting a feel for whether or not JCapper might be right for you. If you want
to continue I recommend working with the program hands on in the following
manner:
–
END DEMO USER QUICK START GUIDE for Demo
Users –