Research on greyhound racing highlights several key factors influencing betting value and performance. Age and sex contribute to variations in body weight and heart weight, with males typically being heavier than females (Schoning et al., 1995). Race number also plays a role in weight fluctuations, as later races tend to be associated with greater weight loss, which can impact performance (Blythe & Hansen, 1986). Notably, moderate weight loss exceeding 2.4% has been linked to an increased likelihood of finishing in the top three, particularly in earlier races (Blythe & Hansen, 1986).
Advancements in predictive analytics, particularly through machine learning techniques, have yielded mixed results in forecasting race outcomes and optimizing betting strategies, with varying degrees of success across different wager types (Schumaker & Johnson, 2008). The favorite-longshot bias, where bettors disproportionately favor longshots, appears to decline with the introduction of off-track betting and is more pronounced in maiden races (Weinbach & Paul, 2008). Additionally, alternative probability models, such as Shin probabilities, have demonstrated superior predictive accuracy compared to individual market prices (Cain et al., 2002). Beyond betting considerations, physical attributes also affect racing performance, with evidence suggesting that race training influences hip extension, which may contribute to variations in speed and endurance (Nicholson et al., 2007).
Moderate weight loss exceeding 2.4% has been linked to an increased likelihood of finishing in the top three, particularly in earlier races
Summary of: Blythe & Hansen, 1986
Anecdote
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Articles Cited
- “Polly Schoning, Howard Erickson, G. A. Milliken (1995): Body weight, heart weight, and heart-to-body weight ratio in greyhounds., https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.1995.56.04.420
- The study found that while body and heart weights differed by sex and age in Greyhounds, the heart-to-body weight ratio was consistent across all Greyhounds regardless of age, sex, or racing status.”
- “Robert P. Schumaker, James Johnson (2008): An Investigation of SVM Regression to Predict Longshot Greyhound Races, https://doi.org/10.58729/1941-6687.1082
- The paper investigates the use of Support Vector Regression (SVR) to predict the outcomes of Greyhound races, examining the accuracy, profitability, and impact of exotic wagers on the system’s performance.”
- “Blythe Ll, Hansen De (1986): Factors affecting prerace dehydration and performance of racing greyhounds., –
- The study examined factors affecting prerace dehydration and performance in racing greyhounds, finding that sex and race number were significant predictors of weight loss, and that greater weight loss was associated with better performance, especially for male dogs in later races.”
- “Blythe Ll, Hansen De (1986): Factors affecting prerace dehydration and performance of racing greyhounds., –
- The study examined factors affecting prerace dehydration and performance in racing greyhounds, finding that sex and race number were significant predictors of weight loss, and that greater weight loss was associated with better performance, especially for male dogs in later races.”
- “M. Cain, David Law, D. Peel (2002): Is one price enough to value a state-contingent asset correctly? Evidence from a gambling market, https://doi.org/10.1080/09603100110102682
- The study found that the efficient markets hypothesis is not supported, as “”Shin probabilities”” that account for the winning probabilities of all competitors are better able to predict race outcomes and correct the favorite-longshot bias compared to individual market prices.”
- “D. O’Neill, N. Rooney, Callum Brock, D. Church, D. Brodbelt, C. Pegram (2019): Greyhounds under general veterinary care in the UK during 2016: demography and common disorders, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-019-0072-5
- The study aimed to characterize the demography, mortality, and common disorders of the general population of pet greyhounds under veterinary care in the UK, finding that greyhounds comprised 0.6% of the overall veterinary population, with a mean age of 7.6 years and median lifespan of 11.4 years, and the most common health issues being periodontal disease, overgrown nails, wounds, osteoarthritis, and claw injuries.”
- “H. L. Nicholson, P. Osmotherly, B. Smith, C. McGowan (2007): Determinants of passive hip range of motion in adult Greyhounds., https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1751-0813.2007.00145.X
- The study determined the normal ranges of pelvic limb range of motion in adult Greyhound dogs and explored the factors that influence hip range of motion, including sex, stifle range of motion, and race training.”
- “A. Weinbach, R. Paul (2008): The Link Between Information and the Favorite-longshot Bias in Pari-mutuel Wagering Markets, https://doi.org/10.5750/JGBE.V2I1.523
- The paper examines the favorite-longshot bias in pari-mutuel wagering markets, specifically in greyhound racing, and finds that the bias diminishes after the introduction of Off-Track Betting and is more pronounced in maiden races with inexperienced dogs compared to non-maiden races.”
Insufficient Detail?
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