Horse racing speed figures and class ratings explained

Speed figures and class ratings are two types of data handicappers use to analyze horse races and identify horses worth betting.

Let’s explain the definitions and purposes of speed figures and class ratings in horse racing.

What are speed figures in horse racing?

There are many different types of speed figures, but all pursue a common goal: gauging how fast racehorses run. Often, higher numbers are better, though with some speed figures, lower numbers are superior.

If Horse A runs six furlongs in 1:10.20 at Racetrack A, while Horse B runs six furlongs in 1:09.80 at Racetrack B, raw times suggest Horse B is faster. But if Racetrack B is a faster track producing quicker times than Racetrack A, it’s possible Horse A is actually the better horse.

Speed figures measure the differences in racetrack speeds and convert raw times into simple numbers. Running six furlongs in 1:10.20 at Racetrack A might earn Horse A a speed figure of 92, whereas running the same distance in 1:09.80 at Racetrack B might earn Horse B an 89. Speed figures earned at different distances can likewise be compared.

Many speed figures, including Brisnet Speed ratings, are based on the final times of races. But other numbers, such as Brisnet E1, E2, and Late Pace ratings, gauge how fast horses run in certain portions of races, allowing you to determine which horses are most likely to set the pace or finish strongly down the homestretch.

What are class ratings in horse racing?

Class ratings seek to gauge the quality of competition in individual races. Every race a horse has run is assigned a class rating, so you can quickly analyze a field of horses and see which ones are exiting the toughest races. Typically, higher numbers are better.

You’ll find both Race ratings and Class ratings in Brisnet Ultimate Past Performances. Race ratings measure the caliber of competition in a race and are updated constantly to reflect the most recent race results. Class ratings measure a particular horse's performance against the competition in question.

In a hypothetical example, Horse A, coming out of races that earned Race ratings of 118 and 119, has been competing against tougher competition than Horse B, who exits races with Race ratings of 117 and 117. But if Horse A has run poorly in those tougher races, and Horse B has won his easier races, Horse B may own stronger Class ratings.

By incorporating speed figures and class ratings into your handicapping, you’ll have a better chance of identifying winners and cashing tickets.