| The concept of speed plays a significant factor in | | | | When the Racing Form's speed rating is absent, you |
| horse racing. Let me clarify that opening statement by | | | | must use a quasi-speed rating formula to compute the |
| quoting a leading turf authority; "show me a person | | | | horses speed. Using an index value of 100, simply add |
| that can properly evaluate the horses true speed | | | | or subtract the number of lengths the horse won or |
| rating and I'll show you a person that can win | | | | lost by in his race. For example, if a hypothetical horse |
| consistently at the races." Understanding speed give us | | | | finished 5th 10 1/2 lengths out, the horse would get a |
| the edge, it gives us the ability to separate a top-grade | | | | quasi-speed rating of 89.5 (100 - 10.5 = 89.5). For |
| stakes horse from a low-level platter, thus allowing us | | | | accurate computation you may round off the rating to |
| to evaluate the horse effectively. Speed can also be | | | | the nearest whole number. Thus, 89.5 would round off |
| described as a universal concept because it works at | | | | to 90. Now suppose a horse finished 1st, winning by 3 1 |
| all race tracks throughout North America and the | | | | 4 lengths; his speed figure would be 103.25 or 103 after |
| world. So regardless of where the race is run, Belmont | | | | rounding off (100 + 3.25 = 103.25 or 103). If the horse |
| Park in New York, Hollywood Park in California, or | | | | should win or lose by a nose, neck or head (no, nk, hd) |
| Woodbine in Canada, speed plays an important role in | | | | the fractional value is 1/4 or 0.25. As a result, the rating |
| horse racing. | | | | would be rounded off to 100. |
| After analyzing over ten-thousand races I found that | | | | To conclude, there are two ways to handicap speed: |
| the Daily Racing form speed ratings, although | | | | One excellent approach is to use the speed figures in |
| inaccurate at times, produced more winners then | | | | conjunction with your own regular way of |
| Beyer Speed figures. This might sound unbelievable | | | | handicapping, thus using the numbers as a basic |
| since most handicappers would agree that the Beyer | | | | guide-line for you to follow. If on the other hand, you |
| speed figures are the greatest creation since Wonder | | | | prefer a systematic method of selections, you can |
| Bred, However after years of study, I concluded that | | | | "play the numbers" meaning that the horse with the |
| the Racing Form speed ratings produced a more | | | | highest speed figure would be your first choice and so |
| winners at better payoffs! | | | | on down the line. For beginners new to horse racing, I |
| The horse's speed rating and track variant can be | | | | recommend that you use the latter approach, at least |
| found in the past performance line as shown in The | | | | until you become familiar with the art of handicapping. |
| Daily Racing Form. To compute the horse's speed | | | | Now that you know how to rate the horses, your |
| rating add the raw speed with the track variant. For | | | | days at the track should be more successful. Good |
| example, if a horse receive a speed rating of 85 and a | | | | Luck! |
| the track variant was 14, the horse final speed rating | | | | RULES |
| would be 99. ( 85 + 14 = 99). | | | | 1. Only use the horse's most recent five speed ratings. |
| A good approach to speed handicapping is to average | | | | If a horse has fewer then five starts, use all available |
| the horse's last five speed ratings and divide the sum | | | | races. |
| by 5. Some horse racing books recommend averaging | | | | 2. Cross out any race in which the horse pulled up or |
| the last ten or twelve speed figures, however after | | | | was distanced. |
| years of research I've found using the last five speed | | | | 3. Cross out any speed rating earned over one-year |
| ratings produce the best results. Note: If a horse has | | | | ago. |
| less then five starts, use all available races. | | | | 4. Cross out any speed rating earned in |
| In some cases, the Daily Racing Form's past | | | | none-thoroughbred race, such as a steeple chase or |
| performance line may exclude the horse's speed | | | | quarter horse race. |
| rating. There are several reasons why this happens, | | | | 5. If the horse doesn't have a speed rating use the |
| including: | | | | quasi-speed rating formula to compute speed. Note: |
| 1. The horse raced in a foreign country. | | | | The quasi-speed formula should only be used for |
| 2. The Horse raced at a track, distance or surface | | | | thoroughbred races. |
| where the speed ratings is not available. | | | | |