How to use form and speed figures to determine if a horse is improving or has the potential to improve?
- theturtle
- 31 Aug 2024
Customers often compliment us on the accuracy of BetTurtle form and speed ratings. However, did you know you can use these figures to learn more about the overall profile of a horse?
Below is a snapshot of the Form Table (click Form Button->Form Tab next to horse).
In the form column, with the exception of Today's entry, you will notice that some of the form numbers are in green. A green number denotes that the horse has recorded a new best performance in this race.
Likewise, the same is true of the Speed rating column.
In the example, we can see that the horse has recorded its best form rating last time out and a best speed rating in the race before. The official handicapper (OR column) has noted the horses improvement by raising it's official rating from 109 to 114.
However, with a best form rating of 116 and a best speed rating of 112 did the horse really improve that much?
The two grey figures of 80, where the horse was making seasonal return and 102, where the horse was running on soft ground (116 was recorded on a faster surface), provides additional information regarding the horses preferences, such as likely to need a run after a break and has a preference for fast ground.
The table below highlights today's rating that has been adjusted for weight.
The horse is dropping into a Group 3 having finished a close-up second in a higher grade race last time.
The green speed rating provides confidence that the horse has the speed to go close in a race of this type. The green form rating suggests that the horse will be competitive against today's rivals.
In conclusion, we can see the horse has been improving. At a 11/4 it is the current market leader. Its recent form and speed figures suggest it may have been flattered in its last race. However, this drop in class coupled with proven ability may justify why it is the favourite for the race.
