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Handicapping with Tom: Beyer Speed Figures vs. Speed Rating – What’s the Difference?
When diving into horse racing handicapping, one of the most critical metrics you’ll encounter is speed. But not all speed numbers are created equal! Today, we’re breaking down two widely-used figures—the Beyer Speed Figure and the Speed Rating—to help you understand what they mean and how to use them effectively.
Battaglia's Picks
January 07, 2025
📖🏇 Handicapping with Tom: Beyer Speed Figures vs. Speed Rating – What’s the Difference?
When diving into horse racing handicapping, one of the most critical metrics you’ll encounter is speed. But not all speed numbers are created equal! Today, we’re breaking down two widely-used figures—the Beyer Speed Figure and the Speed Rating—to help you understand what they mean and how to use them effectively.
What Are Beyer Speed Figures?
The Beyer Speed Figure (BSF) is a proprietary metric developed by Andrew Beyer and used in the Daily Racing Form (DRF). It quantifies a horse’s performance by factoring in:
Final Time: The horse's race time compared to a par time for the track and distance.
Track Variant: Adjustments for the track's speed on the given day, accounting for weather or maintenance conditions.
Key Features of Beyer Speed Figures:
Standardized Scale: Numbers typically range from 0 to 120+, with higher figures indicating better performance.
Class Neutral: It accounts for track and competition quality, allowing comparisons across races.
Projection: Helps predict a horse’s future ability against different opponents.
What Is Speed Rating?
The Speed Rating, also found in the DRF, measures a horse’s performance relative to the average winning time at a specific track and distance. It’s typically paired with a Track Variant to give context.
Components of the Speed Rating:
Baseline Comparison: The horse’s finishing time versus an average (par) time at that distance.
Track Variant: Reflects the day’s conditions (e.g., slower or faster than normal).
The Track Variant is a crucial part of the Speed Rating. It’s a number—often ranging from 0 to 50+—indicating how much slower or faster the track was compared to its norm. For example:
Lower Variant: Faster track conditions (e.g., Variant 10).
Higher Variant: Slower track conditions (e.g., Variant 30).
How Are They Different?
Beyer Speed Figures | Speed Ratings |
|---|---|
Factors in the horse’s performance against competition and conditions. | Compares the horse’s time to an average for the distance and track. |
Considers track-to-track adjustments, making it ideal for comparing horses across circuits. | Focused on track-specific performance and doesn’t adjust for competition. |
Exclusive to the DRF and based on a proprietary formula. | Found in various publications, often simpler to compute. |
Where to Find These Numbers in the DRF
Beyer Speed Figures: Look in the Performance Box of a horse's past performances, typically listed under the final position and time for each race.
Speed Rating and Track Variant: Located together, often in a smaller box under each past performance line.
Example (DRF Snippet):
Last Beyer Speed Figure: 57
Last Race Speed Rating: 76
Last Race Track Variant: 25
In this example, the Beyer Speed Figure accounts for adjustments across tracks and competition, while the Speed Rating and Variant explain how the horse ran relative to the average time at that track under slightly slower conditions (Variant 25).
Using These Numbers in Handicapping
Both numbers have their place in handicapping. Here’s how to use them effectively:
Compare Across Tracks: Use Beyer Speed Figures when evaluating horses shipping between tracks or stepping up/down in class.
Understand Daily Conditions: Pair Speed Ratings with the Track Variant to assess how track conditions may have impacted performance.
Identify Standouts: A horse with consistently high Beyer figures may handle tougher competition, while a high Speed Rating on a slow track suggests adaptability.
Pro Tip from Tom:
Use these metrics together. If a horse ran an 87 Beyer Figure and a 94 Speed Rating on a slow track (Variant 20), that performance might be better than it looks on paper. The horse overcame tough conditions and still posted competitive numbers—a sign of a strong contender.
📊 The Takeaway: Beyer Speed Figures and Speed Ratings are essential tools for understanding a horse's performance, but they tell different stories. Combining both with your own race-day observations can uncover hidden opportunities and give you a sharper edge in handicapping.
Happy handicapping, and may the odds be in your favor! 🏇💰
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