Not all races — or runners — are created equal. That’s why serious bettors rely on speed figures and class ratings to cut through the noise and quickly identify contenders. These two metrics give you a snapshot of how fast a horse has run, and against what level of competition. Understanding how they work will elevate your strategy and help you make smarter plays at MyWinners.
What are speed figures in horse racing?
What are speed figures in horse racing?
Speed figures are numerical ratings assigned to a horse’s performance in a race. They adjust for track conditions, distance, and pace to create a reliable way to compare races across different venues and days.
Popular speed figure systems include:
Beyer Speed Figures (used in Daily Racing Form)
Equibase Speed Figures
Brisnet and Timeform Ratings
Higher figures = faster performances. A 100 is better than an 85. Look at a horse’s last few speed figures to spot improving or declining form.
What are class ratings in horse racing?
What are class ratings in horse racing?
Class ratings tell you the quality of competition a horse has been running against. For example:
Stakes races = highest class
Allowance races = mid-tier
Claiming races = lowest tier
You can also spot class drops (horse moving into easier company) or class hikes (stepping up in competition). Class drops often signal a horse is well-meant to win.
How do these numbers help you bet?
How do these numbers help you bet?
Compare horses quickly — even if they haven’t raced each other
Identify under-the-radar horses with fast figures but little hype
Spot class droppers ready to dominate
Avoid betting favourites that are too slow or overmatched
At MyWinners, you can view basic speed and class indicators on every racecard, or use more advanced forms for deeper analysis.
Pro Tips for Using Speed and Class Ratings
Pro Tips for Using Speed and Class Ratings
Focus on recent races — the last 2–3 starts
Adjust for surface changes (e.g., turf to dirt)
Look for career-best figures in similar conditions
Combine with pace analysis to find horses that can get a clean trip
Watch out for “bounce” — when a horse runs a huge figure and regresses next time out
💡 Did You Know? Some handicappers create their own speed ratings using pace splits, final times, and variants — a tactic used by pro-level players and betting syndicates.
What is a good speed figure for a horse?
What is a good speed figure for a horse?
It depends on the level of the race, but generally, figures above 90–100 are considered strong for allowance or stakes-level races.
Can a horse win without the highest speed figure?
Can a horse win without the highest speed figure?
Yes. Factors like pace setup, trip, jockey, and improving form all matter. But speed figures are still a key part of the puzzle.
How do I find class ratings on MyWinners?
How do I find class ratings on MyWinners?
Each race is labelled with its class (e.g., claiming, allowance, stakes), and many forms include performance context and purse levels for comparison.
Should I only bet on horses with top figures?
Should I only bet on horses with top figures?
Not necessarily — look for value, not just the fastest. A horse with solid figures but big odds may offer better ROI than a favourite with obvious form.
How do speed figures compare across tracks?
How do speed figures compare across tracks?
Figures are adjusted for track difficulty and conditions, but always use caution when comparing horses moving from low-tier to major circuits.