The "Professor" is in the house · 11.06.10

Hastings has instituted a patron education programme to assist new racing fans, casual bettors, and experienced horseplayers in developing their handicapping strategies and formulating their wagers.

“The Odds Professor” is based at the new Handicapping Information Centre on the ground floor of the grandstand, facing the track just inside the edge of the tarmac. He shares insights and observations with Customer Service staff, who then pass them along to patrons. Also, the Professor is available to answer questions during Hastings’ live race cards — you can catch him on even-numbered races near the gazebo next to the paddock.

The Professor is otherwise known as Fraser Rawlinson, a former jockey agent and horse owner who has worked in the gaming industry for 40-plus years in Reno, Las Vegas and the Caribbean. A regular at Hastings for some 30 years, in his “spare time” Rawlinson advises both a hedge fund and a pick 6 syndicate; presents papers at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program; is a mathematician who developed neural net software for wide ranging applications as diverse as real estate listings and evaluation of new player personnel for Major League Baseball; and was a researcher for Dr. William T. Ziemba, Professor Emeritus at the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and inventor of the Dr. Z system.

In Hastings’ latest HorseRacing Central newsletter, Rawlinson says: “My goal is to assist newcomers and casual players who may only come to the track occasionally…. On a more advanced level [I can] help regular players improve both their handicapping skills and show them the best ways to optimize their wagers”.

My friend Tim spent most of a day with Rawlinson recently, and summed up the experience thusly: “Once you think you know something, you meet someone who opens your eyes to what you are missing”.

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What do you think?

  1. ANYONE who wants to UP their game should take voluminous notes each and every time Fraser speaks. The game is deep and he has it all covered. I direct anyone, beginner or intermediate alike, to partake of his wisdom and creative (he calls it LATERAL) thinking.

    — Jumron · Jul 9, 04:00 PM · #

  2. Is there a way to get your selection sheets online? Thanks.

    — Gary Tucker · Sep 5, 02:00 PM · #

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