Help: Formulator FAQs 
:: FORMULATOR WEB QUESTIONS ::
Q: Which version of Adobe Flash Player should I use?
A: For Formulator to perform at its optimal speed, use Adobe Flash Player 10, which can be downloaded for free by clicking here.
Q: Is there a sample file?
A: Yes. DRF's free races of the week are available in Formulator with Enhanced functionality. Click here to visit our Race of the Week page.
Q: Can I print Formulator Web PPs?
A: In order to print PPs, Formulator Web turns them into a PDF file. This process can take a couple minutes. We are exploring options to speed up this process.
Q: Is there a Formulator Web User’s Guide?
A: Yes. Click here to access the Formulator Web User’s Guide.
Q: Can I transfer my notes from my current software version of Formulator to Formulator Web?
A: Yes. Click here for detailed information on importing notes from the software version of Formulator to Formulator Web.
Q: Why am I having trouble printing while using Safari?
A: Safari’s pop-up blocker tends to prevent the Formulator Web print window from opening up. To avoid this issue, turn off your Safari Pop-Up Blocker through the "Edit" menu. To see a screen shot, click here.
Q: Can I continue to use the software version of Formulator?
A: YES – but eventually you won’t want to use the software version anymore. We’ve stopped making enhancements to the software version, and Formulator Web already has all the tools currently available in the software version. But for now, yes, you can still use the software version.
Q: Formulator Web is not working on my computer. Now what?
A: Formulator Web works on any browser that has Adobe’s Flash Player plug-in (version 9.0.115 or above) installed (you must also have JavaScript enabled). Click here for a list of links to download Adobe’s Flash Player plug-in based on your operating system.
If you have downloaded Adobe’s Flash Player plug-in, but are still not able to access Formulator Web, please email FormulatorHelp@drf.com with a detailed explanation of your problem.
Q: Can I save racecards using Formulator Web?
A: Yes, you can save racecards as PDF documents using Formulator Web. By clicking “Print,” you can convert your racecard into a PDF document. As a PDF document, you can now print it or save it to your computer. Please note that the process of turning a single race (or an entire racecard) into a PDF may take a couple minutes. We are working to eliminate this delay.
Q: Can I add notes to old racecards?
A: For any racecard you’ve purchased/downloaded, you can go back and add notes to that day’s charts. You can go back to January 1 of the previous year to add notes to previously purchased racecards.
Q: Can I filter the Past Performances?
A: Yes - this is one of the best parts of online PPs. If you want to merge workouts into your PPs, you’re only a click away. If you want to see times in hundredths instead of fifths, you’re only a click away. You can see individual horse times instead of the leaders’ times, turn morning line odds on or off, filter out certain race types, and much more. See the PPs the way YOU want to see them.
Q: How can I change the look and feel of the PPs?
A: If you’re trying to change the size of the PPs, you can use the slider bar next to the word “Zoom” in the navigation bar. You can also check the “fit to screen” box.
If you’d like to change the font sharpness or font thickness, click “Profile Settings” in the navigation bar and adjust the two sliders in that menu.
Q: Why am I being asked to update my Adobe Flash Player?
A: Formulator is now on the web as a “Rich Internet Application.” This means you will need a relatively new version of the Adobe Flash Player for the program to work properly. The first time you try to launch Formulator Web, you may be asked to update your Adobe Flash Player. This is a free, one-time update.
Q: I am a databaser. How will I export data from Formulator Web?
A: For the immediate future, you will continue to use your software version of Formulator for all of your exporting needs. Eventually we will have an Exporting and Downloading Center available through Formulator Web. More information will be provided once we get closer to the launch of this Exporting and Downloading Center, but for now, please continue to export through your software version of Formulator.
1. How do I get the "Final Edition" file if I have previously received the "Early Edition"?
Click on the "download racecard(s)" icon. If the final edition is ready for the desired track, the word Final will appear next to the date requested. Click on that item to begin downloading the Final Edition (overwriting any existing Early Edition file previously downoaded ). If the word Early shows up next to the date, the late changes are not yet available. Please note: Most Final Edition files are normally posted by 5 p.m. Eastern Time the day before the races.
2.Can I download previous day's race cards?
Formulator files remain on the DRF website for four days following the date of the races. Hence, last Saturday's race card would be available to be downloaded until the following Wednesday night.
3.Can I download two different racing days during the same session?
Yes, as long as your current subscription plan allows access to race cards for both days. Should you attempt to download any item which has not yet been paid for, you will be directed to www.drf.com where you will be prompted to purchase a new subscription or see a pop up window asking to authorize the additonal charge.
4.Where can I get step-by-step instructions about the downloading process?
On the right side of the splash screen (found when the program is initially opened), the third icon reads "How to Get Started". Newcomers are recommended to print this page and utilize as a reference tool.
5.How do I delete files no longer needed?
From the "File" menu, select the "Delete Downloaded Files" command. Click on all files desired to be deleted, then hit the "OK" button. The following screen gives the user a chance to change his/her mind. Clicking "Yes" will remove the specified files from the directory.
6.Can I load race data into another program?
YES! You can either exercise the "Export Racecard" command in the Fast Track menu, which appears in the green column on the left side or from the "File" menu, choose the "Export DRF Race Card" selection. After clicking "OK", use the "Target Directory" item to specify the address where the files will be sent. Double click the "DRF Race Cards" area shaded in gray, then select the track and date. Hitting the "OK" button will execute the copying procedure.
7.How do I download formulator PP Files?
Formulator Direct will now directly download the PPs. Simply open Formulator Direct and click on the "download racecard(s)" icon near the upper left corner of the screen, and follow the prompts from there.
8.I have been using Formulator from the beginning; with the switch to Formulator Direct 4.1, will I lose all of the old files I've downloaded into older versions of the software from the website? I don't want to make the switch and find that I've lost all of my old files.
Any files downloaded through older versions of Formulator will still be readable in the new Direct 4.1 version. Just keep in mind when transferring your old files into Formulator Direct that there is a new Default Download Directory Folder: Formulator 4.1's new Direct Download feature downloads all Racecards into the following directory: C:\Program Files\DRF\Form41\download. It also sets the Open Racecard default directory to this folder. If you wish to access your past racecards you must copy the past racecards into the Direct Download directory.
9.I just installed the new Formulator Direct 4.1 to see what it is like and it appears that you changed the export data structure. Can you tell me where to find the new data standards?
All customers who use Formulator to export data are strongly advised to read the "What's New" section when the Formulator program opens . The new export fields are explained there in detail. Also, it should be noted that customers who wish to continue exporting with the fields applied prior to making the switch to 4.1 can use the "Exact 4.0 Settings" option within the software. This will allow exporting in the exact same format as was used prior to the switch, and will not force users to adjust their database structure.
10.I am ready to download Formulator Direct 4.1, but am concerned that I will lose my Notes database from prior versions. What can I do to make sure my Notes show up in the new software?
As always, it is a good idea to back up your Notes file before you start the Formulator 4.1 installation process. After you've backed up your Notes file and installed Formulator 4.1, you will need to copy your Form Notes file (drfnotes.zip) from it's current 4.0 folder (c:Program Files\DRF\Formulator\Notes) to the new 4.1 Notes Folder (c:Program Files\DRF\Form41\Notes). It's really as easy as that.
11.I tried the formulator 4.1 out this week but I ran into a problem copying files to my desktop PC and running it from there. It didn't like the fact that I was trying to access files that I had downloaded from another machine, my laptop. This is extremely inconvenient - I collect a lot of Racing Form information for my own use and I'd want to be able to copy files to a different computer if I went to visit out-of-town track.
Formulator Direct 4.1 will no longer allow for the sharing of "live" racecards between different users and/or computers. This measure was put in place for reasons of security, and will not be changed. However, it should be noted that file sharing between computers for the purposes of building a database, or keeping a database in tact, can still take place. While you can no longer move a downloaded racecard to a separate computer and have it function as a "live" Formulator card, after an arranged time period (currently this is 7days), you will be able to open the card on the new machine for viewing/exporting purposes.
:: GENERAL FORMULATOR QUESTIONS ::
1.Is there a User's guide?
YES! This printable document exists in PDF file format and can be accessed from the Fast Track menu on the left side when the program is initially opened. Much of the same information is contained in the comprehensive "Formulator Help" selection under the "Help" section in the top menu.
2.How do I make the type bigger?
If viewing a Formulator PP file, select the desired option from the "Display Size" item under the "View" column in the top menu. The "PP Print Options" in the File menu features a "Large Print Fonts" selection to produce similar sized printed pages.
3.What's the difference between the two types of Past Performance files?
The Formulator Past Performances are Comma-Delimited Files - the user can customize the display to suit individual preferences. The traditional PPs are PDF files - permitting read-only access using this format.
4.Can I switch back and forth between different features?
YES! If you are currently viewing the PPs or the Beyer Graph, click the "Race Card Info" item on the dropdown menu, then choose the desired feature. The user may also utilize the "Go" column on the top menu at anytime to access any portion of Formulator.
5.Must I be connected to the Internet to use Formulator?
An Internet connection is necessary only at the time of downloading. Once the files have been saved to the hard drive, you may work offline.
6.How can I view the sample files?
Select the "Open Downloaded Race Card" option under the File menu (or Yellow "Folder" icon from Toolbar). Double click the "DRF Race Cards" area shaded in gray, then select a track and date. Double clicking on the date line will open the sample file.
7.Why do some choices under the menus appear in gray type?
These options are inaccessible under the settings currently in effect. An example would be the "Save PP Profile" feature, which cannot be activated until a setting other than the default is applied.
1.How can I see the workouts between races?
A pair of possibilities - Click "Paragraph" Icon on toolbar or use "View" column - Merge item
2.How does the Pace feature work?
Clicking the "Incremental Splits" item will display the lead horse's internal fractions between the race's points of call. Clicking the "This Horse" item will estimate those values for that individual horse based on his/her position at the corresponding point in time. Clicking either item a second time will return the display to the default setting.
3.Why are some values blank when using the Incremental Splits?
For a few distances, the necessary fractional information is unavailable at some points of call. In those cases, a blank or a zero value will appear.
4.How do I apply the filters?
Using the "Filters" column in the menu, Click the condition or combination of different conditions you wish to view - Formulator will remove all races which do NOT satisfy the chosen criteria. Selecting the "Gray Filtered Text" option under this item will display the filtered lines in gray type, rather than remove them from view. To return to the original display, click the "Filters Off" selection at the bottom of the column or click the "All" selection under each individual item to restore the default setting for that category.
5.Can I save a particular combination of filter settings?
YES! Utilizing the "Profile" column on the menu allows the user the capability of saving any individual or combination of settings. Click the "Save PP Profile" choice and name your preferences. The "Apply PP Profile" selection reinstates a previously saved Profile configuration. Clicking the "Set to Default Profile" Box under that heading or using the "Setup Defaults" option in the File menu will implement that Profile every time Formulator is activated. The new "Profile Wizard" also allows the user to create a new profile setting without changing the current screen display.
6.Can I print races with the filters applied?
YES! Select the "PP Print Options" item under the File menu - Check the box adjacent to "Use Applied PP Profile".
7.How can I make the type on printouts larger?
Choose the "PP Print Options" item under the File menu - Check the box alongside "Use Large Print Fonts" (Note: This option utilizes the Landscape format and will increase the number of printed pages.)
8.How can I create shorter printouts?
From the "PP Print Options" under the File menu - Choose the desired selection from the list of print options on the right side. The "Condensed" item allows Formulator to find the maximum number of running lines for each horse that will keep the total printed output to two pages or less for each race.
9.Where can I find the "Closer Look" comments?
This item can be located directly beneath the comprehensive trainer statistics line for each horse. Clicking the Microscope icon on the toolbar allows the user the option to suppress this feature entirely or display as Gray Filtered Text. (Note: "Closer Looks" are only available for selected major racing circuits.)
10.Where can I find Tomlinson's Mudders & Turfers Ratings?
These numbers can be found in the career box located in the upper right hand corner for each horse. The "Mud" rating will appear in parentheses just to the right of the word "Wet", while the "Turf" value can be seen adjacent to that word on the next line. (Note: Higher numbers represent better figures.)
11.Where can I find the morning line?
On Final Edition files, the official track morning line can be found on the top left corner above the jockey's name. For Early Edition files, the DRF morning line can be found in the Analysis/Graded Handicap section.
12.What is Today's Plus Distances?
Today's Plus is an option which permits the user to specify the races displayed as a function of today's distance. This feature creates a "range" between user-selected "minimum" and "maximum" values, which can be varied in any fashion for different distances. As an example, for a 6-‡ furlong event, the user might select to see all races between (and including) 6F and 7F.
13. How do I Scratch/Hide Horses?
Three options -
a) Click "X" icon on toolbar,
b) Press right mouse button, or
c) Use item found under "Edit" column menu.
:: ANALYSIS / GRADED HANDICAP ::
1. Where can I find the types of bets available on each race?
Wagering options can be found in the Analysis/Graded Handicap section, below the race condition line.
2. Why do the horses listed in the Graded Handicap appear in blue type?
The Graded Handicap entries provide a link to the Past Performance section. Clicking on a horse's name will access the appropriate race record.
:: TRACK FACTS / STATISTICS ::
1. How can I find statistical information on my favorite Jockey or Trainer?
Two choices:
a) Within the past performances, click on the jockey/trainer listed in the horse record. A detailed record will pop up if the individual is among the top 50 in his/her category at that track.
b) Use the "Sort" column, which appears on the top menu when the "Jockey Form", "Trainer Form", or "Jockey/Trainer Combo" pages are accessed.
2. How can I find out if a horse/jockey/trainer is entered today?
Two possibilities -
a) Click "Binoculars" Icon on the Toolbar
b) Use item found under "Edit" column menu
1. Can I make the Beyer Graph larger?
YES! Position the cursor on the top edge of the graph. Click and hold down the left mouse button, then drag the edge upward. The graph area can be extended to the full length of the screen, if so desired.
2. Can I print the Beyer Graph?
YES! Click anywhere inside the lower frame containing the colored graphs. Execute the "Print Beyer Graph" or "Print Beyer Chart" command from the File menu.
3. Can the Beyer Graph be applied for specific race conditions?
YES! The graph may be generated for any of ten settings, which are featured with a gray background in the table accompanying the graph. To change the criteria, click inside the desired box. The graph will automatically change to illustrate the top Beyer figure under the chosen condition.
:: FORMULATOR SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD ::
While we highly recommend you use Formulator Web, if you prefer to use the software version of Formulator, you can download it from this page.