Here is the problem of using any kind of subjective handicap/performance rating in time ratings. Alpine Star ran her race .17 secs faster than Palace Pier (without going allowances to either time). This Is approximately one length at 8 furlongs and a length maybe either 2lbs or 2 points weight free. How then can Palace Pier be rated 3 lbs superior by Racing Post Handicappers given a strict interpretation of the race time. Top speed have the figures the correct way round.
I have Alpine Star 103. -.04 (pace)
Palace Pier. 101. -.02(pace)
these figures are weight free base to 100. I am trying some pace figures I am calculating and of course the faster the time the faster the pace will be but it’s quite interesting if you have fairly similar ratings and can’t decide as the pace might be slightly quicker on one. If the pace is minus, the higher the figure the faster the pace and vice verse for positive numbers, The higher the figure the slower the pace . I am enjoying calculating these figures together with my weight free ratings. I have started to lean more now towards these ratings as they are out performing my time/ ability ratings , particularly at Ascot. On time and Ability for instance I had The Lir Jet and Eye Of Heaven on the same rating but on weight free and pace they were:
The Lir Jet 75
Eye of Heaven 73
The Lire Jet is now 84 but Eye of Heaven didn’t run it’s race.
The form has been franked as Enduring who ran yesterday, FTO was only 5.25 lengths behind the Lir Jet and in the context of yesterday’s race it was well clear. It won very well by 2 lengths. It was a good thing according to the figures and duly obliged at 5/2 although it was a little over 11/4 on Betfair Sportsbook (best price).
It’s very rewarding when speed figures confirm the form.
There was a similar winner just now at Ayr in a 4 runner race at Ayr. The fav at 4/9 was a Mark Johnson 2yr old Meshakel, costing £400,000 and Had run once. However the second fav International Dream at 3/1 had also run once on the AW and according to the figures ran in a better race in a better time. I have plenty of confidence in the figures and although of course they don’t all go in at least you are betting on a horse that has at least a modicum of ability. At first glance you would have been drawn to the Mark Johnson Fav, but looking beyond the obvious International Dream was a good bet at 3/1.