High-Frequency Trading...High-Frequency Wagering

[colt]

I always thought if a person/group could clone the on-track wagering hub so that it appeared as if they are on-track to take advantage of the built-in 20+ seconds delay cutoff, they could in theory bet right just before the completion of the first 1/4-mile.  Given the sophistication and implementation of high-frequency trading against real heavyweights, who thought they were all playing the game in real time, the current antiquated wagering platform would be easy pickings - great read below (NYT) and audio (Fresh Air -NPR).  

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/06/magazine/flash-boys-michael-lewis.html?src=me&_r=0

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=297686724&m=297844034&live=1

[Breakage]

In addition, they are sucking the odds out of the tote system before they cycle for the public in addition to batch arbing at post time or they are raping the public at large and like with the Wall St HFTS-the tracks are in bed with these folks so don\'t expect any changes anytime soon.

[mohave_desert]

Great articles.  Concept is interesting to horse racing mutuals.  Not so certain that something is going on anyway, given the dramatic odds change I see sometimes, at start of race, then final odds at end.  Article is well worth reading.