Speed ratings are a measure of a horse’s running ability that uses a mathematical formula to derive a number that represents its speed relative to other horses in the same race. The formula takes into account factors such as the time of the race, the distance of the race, and the weight carried by the horse. Speed ratings are often used by bettors and handicappers to compare different horses and to make predictions about the outcome of races. Higher speed ratings indicate that a horse has run faster than other horses in the past, and these horses are more likely to win future races.
Understanding Speed Figures
Speed figures are numerical representations of a horse’s past performances. They are assigned by handicappers and are used to compare the speed of different horses. Speed figures can be a valuable tool for horse racing handicappers, but it’s important to understand how they are calculated and used before relying on them.
Types of Velocity Figures
There are two main types of speed figures: Beyer Speed Figures and Brisnet Speed Figures. Beyer Speed Figures are calculated using a formula that takes into account the horse’s finishing time, the track conditions, and the distance of the race. Brisnet Speed Figures are calculated using a similar formula, but they also include the horse’s running style and the quality of the competition.
Using Speed Figures
Speed figures can be used to compare the speed of different horses in a race. A higher speed figure indicates that a horse is faster than a horse with a lower speed figure. However, it is important to remember that speed figures are only one factor to consider when handicapping a race. Other factors, such as the horse’s form, the jockey, and the trainer, should also be taken into account.
Limitations of Speed Figures
Speed figures are not perfect. They can be affected by a number of factors, such as the track conditions, the distance of the race, and the quality of the competition. Additionally, speed figures can be inaccurate if the handicapper does not have all of the necessary information.
Using Speed Figures Effectively
To use speed figures effectively, it is important to understand how they are calculated and used. Speed figures can be a valuable tool for horse racing handicappers, but they should not be used as the only factor when handicapping a race.
| Type | Formula | Factors Considered |
|---|---|---|
| Beyer Speed Figures | Finishing time + Track conditions + Distance | – |
| Brisnet Speed Figures | Finishing time + Track conditions + Distance + Running style + Quality of competition | – |
Interpreting Past Performances
Speed ratings are a valuable tool for handicapping horse races. They provide a way to compare the speed of different horses and to identify horses that are likely to run well. To use speed ratings effectively, it is important to understand how they are calculated and how to interpret them.
How Speed Ratings Are Calculated
- Speed ratings are calculated using a variety of factors, including the horse’s finishing time, the distance of the race, and the track conditions.
- The most common type of speed rating is the Beyer Speed Figure, which is calculated by Daily Racing Form.
- Beyer Speed Figures range from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating faster horses.
How to Interpret Speed Ratings
- When comparing speed ratings, it is important to look at the context of the race.
- For example, a horse that earns a high speed rating in a slow race may not be as fast as a horse that earns a lower speed rating in a fast race.
- It is also important to consider the horse’s running style.
- Some horses are front-runners, while others are closers.
- A front-runner may earn a higher speed rating than a closer, even if the closer is actually the faster horse.
| Speed Rating | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0-50 | Slow |
| 51-70 | Average |
| 71-85 | Fast |
| 86-100 | Exceptional |
Assessing Track Bias
Before you start assigning speed ratings to horses, it’s important to get a handle on the track bias. Obviously, speed ratings are going to change drastically based on the running style a horse employs. If you take the time to analyze the day’s races and determine the track plays fair, you can increase the reliability of your speed figures that much more.
Here are some things to look for when assessing track bias:
- Front-running bias: This means that horses that get to the lead early have a significant advantage. You’ll see this most often on tracks with long straightaways or short chutes.
- Mid-pack bias: This means that horses that settle in the middle of the pack have an advantage. This is most common on tracks with long turns or tight turns.
- Closing bias: This means that horses that come from behind have an advantage. This is most common on tracks with short straightaways or long chutes.
Once you’ve determined the track bias, you can adjust your speed ratings accordingly. For example, if you’re on a track with a front-running bias, you’ll want to bump up the speed ratings of horses that have a good early speed.
Here is a table that summarizes how to adjust speed ratings based on track bias:
| Track Bias | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Front-running bias | Bump up the speed ratings of horses with good early speed |
| Mid-pack bias | Bump up the speed ratings of horses who settle in the middle of the pack |
| Closing bias | Bump up the speed ratings of horses that come from behind |
Speed ratings are a useful tool for handicapping horse races. They can help you to identify horses that are likely to run fast and win, and they can also help you to avoid horses that are likely to run slow and lose.
Using Speed Ratings
There are a few different ways to use speed ratings when handicapping horse races. One common method is to compare the speed ratings of the horses in a race to each other. The horse with the highest speed rating is usually the favorite, and the horse with the lowest speed rating is usually the longest shot.
Another way to use speed ratings is to compare the speed ratings of a horse to its past performances. If a horse has a high speed rating and has been running well in its recent races, it is a good sign that the horse is in good form and is likely to run well again. Conversely, if a horse has a low speed rating and has been running poorly in its recent races, it is a good sign that the horse is not in good form and is unlikely to run well.
Finally, you can also use speed ratings to compare the different races on a race card. If a race has a high average speed rating, it is a good sign that the race is likely to be fast-paced. Conversely, if a race has a low average speed rating, it is a good sign that the race is likely to be slow-paced.
Handicapping with Speed Ratings
Here are some tips for handicapping with speed ratings:
- Use speed ratings to compare the horses in a race to each other.
- Compare the speed ratings of a horse to its past performances.
- Compare the different races on a race card using speed ratings.
- Use speed ratings to identify horses that are likely to run fast and win.
- Use speed ratings to avoid horses that are likely to run slow and lose.
| Horse | Speed Rating |
|---|---|
| Horse A | 100 |
| Horse B | 95 |
| Horse C | 90 |
| Horse D | 85 |
The table above shows the speed ratings for four horses in a race. Horse A has the highest speed rating, followed by Horse B, Horse C, and Horse D. Based on the speed ratings, Horse A is the favorite to win the race, followed by Horse B, Horse C, and Horse D.
Welp, that’s about all there is to know about speed ratings in horse racing. We hope you found this article helpful! If you’re ever at the track again and wondering how to figure out which horse is the fastest, just remember the tips we’ve shared with you today.
And be sure to visit again soon for more tips and tricks on how to make the most of your time at the races!