Legendary Horse Racing Newspaper
The Daily Racing Form has been published in the United States since 1894. It is the oldest and most respected horseracing publication in existence. Throughout the years the paper has evolved from a source of news and information into a valuable handicapping tool that is used each day by bettors throughout the United States.
Each racing day DRF publishes region specific editions of the newspaper which include past performances for each race card conducted at tracks in that region. There are also stories which are relevant involving jockeys, trainers, and horses competing on all major racing circuits in the United States.
DRF has also been the sole provider of Beyer Speed Figures since purchasing the rights to them not long after they were introduced by Andrew Beyer. The speed figures elevated the usefulness of DRF and have now been joined by exclusive pace figures and par speed times for race tracks.
Online Racebook Influence
The sale of DRF was at least partly inspired by the growing popularity of online racebooks and online casinos. In an interview to discuss the move, the CEO of Z Capital Group referenced online gaming as a motivation for the purchase. James Zenni stated that Z Capital Group had been quietly observing the Daily Racing Form for the past four years.
Zenni also stated that efforts would be made to bolster the paper’s digital footprint. It is expected that more digital access and a revamped online platform will follow in the wake of the sale. Those who use online racebooks exclusively to make their horse racing bets need a more user-friendly platform which would permit them to incorporate DRF into their handicapping.
One must also wonder how computerized handicapping tool’s such as Formulator will be affected. Formulator allows individual bettors to purchase past performances supplied by the Daily Racing Form and export them to a software program which gives enhanced statistics. Bettors can also make notes in the software and customize which stats and features they would like to include. This is useful for those who like to play specific racing angles.
John Hartig, CEO of Sports Information Group, stated in an interview that the sale would lead to an expansion of DRF’s digital platform. It may even be a goal of Z Capital to seek integration with popular racebooks like Twin Spires and Bet America. These racebooks have provided free past performances for account holders from Brisnet and speed figures from Equibase. An expanded digital platform for DRF could be more appealing to these and other racebooks.
How DRF’s Evolution Affects Bettors Today
The Daily Racing Form’s ownership changes and digital transformation over the past decade reflect broader disruptions in the media landscape that have affected all traditional publishing businesses. For horse racing bettors, the practical implications of DRF’s evolution are primarily about the continued availability and quality of the data and analytical tools that have made it an essential resource for serious handicappers for over a century. The transition from primarily print-based to digital-first has expanded access to DRF’s content while also introducing subscription models that affect how bettors access past performance data and analytical features.
DRF’s Formulator product and its extensive digital past performance database remain among the most comprehensive analytical resources available to North American horse racing bettors, and the ongoing investment in data quality and analytical features reflects the platform’s continued commitment to serious handicappers. The competitive landscape for racing data services has intensified with multiple alternatives now available, but DRF’s historical depth — with past performance data extending back decades — remains a distinctive resource for bettors who want the most complete historical context for their form analysis. For more on the best analytical resources available to bettors, our articles on handicapping tools where to get them for free and horse racing handicapping apps cover the full range of options alongside DRF.
Z Capital and the Casino Industry
Z Capital has already established itself as a player in the casino industry. Earlier this year, the company purchased Affinity Gaming. The Las Vegas-based company owns 11 casinos and is valued at $580 million.
By purchasing the Daily Racing Form, Z Capital has positioned itself to take further advantage of gambling combinations that mix casino and racing operations. Many racetracks have incorporated slot machines into their facilities to help generate racing purses. It is not a stretch to envision online racebooks which also offer slot machines, blackjack, or other table games as online gambling becomes legal in more U.S. jurisdictions.
You can take advantage of the exciting developments in the world of online horse betting by creating an account with one of the racebooks recommended by EZ Horse Betting. You’ll get access to a variety of U.S. and International tracks as well as free past performances and race replays. Our partners also offer welcome horse betting bonuses when you sign up today. Check our Bovada racebook review, Twinspires review or even our Betamerica review. All great choice if you are in the US. 5Dimes review for folks anywhere!
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