For horseplayers looking to step up their game, advanced data is where the edge lives. While casual bettors may glance at win percentages or past performances, sharper punters dig deeper — into speed figures, pace ratings, and class metrics. These figures help quantify how fast a horse actually ran, how the race unfolded, and whether the horse is facing tougher or easier competition today.
Understanding how to interpret and apply these numbers gives you a significant advantage over the public, especially in competitive fields or exotic wagers.
Advanced data doesn’t guarantee winners — but it helps you make better decisions. When combined with replays, trip notes, and smart wagering strategy, speed figures and pace data give you a clearer picture of a race than most of the betting public ever sees.
What Are Speed Figures?
What Are Speed Figures?
Speed figures (also called speed ratings) assign a number to a horse’s performance, adjusting for race distance and track conditions. In essence, they answer: how fast did this horse actually run?
Different platforms offer their own versions:
Beyer Speed Figures (Daily Racing Form): US standard, adjusted for class and surface
Timeform Ratings: Popular in UK racing, includes pace and sectional components
Equibase Speed Figures: More accessible and often free on basic PP services
Higher numbers mean faster performances — but don’t read them in isolation. Look for trends, spikes, or drop-offs in form.
Using Pace and Early Speed Data
Using Pace and Early Speed Data
Pace figures measure how fast a horse runs in segments of the race — early, middle, and late. They help determine:
Who sets the pace: Likely leaders or speed duels
Who closes best: Horses suited to fast early tempos
Who benefits from the setup: Front-runners in slow-paced races, or closers when the leaders fade
Pairing pace data with speed figures helps you understand not just how fast, but when a horse does its running.
Interpreting Class and Competition Level
Interpreting Class and Competition Level
Speed figures must be judged in context. A 90-speed figure in a Grade 1 is more impressive than a 92 in a claiming race. That’s where class ratings and par figures come in:
Class ratings reflect the quality of competition in a given race
Par figures provide a benchmark — the typical speed figure needed to win at this level
By comparing a horse’s past figures to today’s expected par, you can spot horses that are well-placed to win — or in over their heads.
Red Flags and Misreads
Red Flags and Misreads
Even advanced data can be misleading if used blindly. Watch out for:
Inflated figures from bias-aided wins (e.g. speed on a rail-favoured track)
One-off career tops with no supporting form
Inconsistent figures due to surface or distance changes
Use figures to support your opinions — not to replace sound judgment or trip analysis.
💡 Did You Know? Some of the most successful bettors don’t just read speed figures — they adjust them manually. By factoring in trip trouble, pace setup, and track bias, they refine raw numbers into sharp betting angles the public misses. It's how pros turn data into dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between speed figures and pace figures in horse racing?
What’s the difference between speed figures and pace figures in horse racing?
Speed figures reflect the final time performance adjusted for conditions, while pace figures break the race into segments to show how fast a horse ran at various points.
Are Equibase Speed Figures as reliable as Beyer or Timeform?
Are Equibase Speed Figures as reliable as Beyer or Timeform?
Equibase figures are widely available and helpful, but serious bettors often prefer Beyer or Timeform for their deeper adjustments and class considerations.
How do I find par figures for a specific race level?
How do I find par figures for a specific race level?
Par figures are available through services like TimeformUS, DRF Formulator, and Brisnet, offering baseline numbers needed to win at various class levels.
Can a horse run a high speed figure and still be a poor bet?
Can a horse run a high speed figure and still be a poor bet?
Yes. A fast figure can be inflated by bias, weak competition, or an easy lead — making the horse vulnerable next time out at short odds.
Do synthetic and turf tracks affect speed figure accuracy?
Do synthetic and turf tracks affect speed figure accuracy?
Absolutely. Speed figures can vary significantly across surfaces, and some services adjust more effectively than others. Always check surface-specific trends.