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Thoroughbred Horse Racing and Beyer Speed Ratings
Successful handicapping thoroughbred horse races is not an easy thing to do. Because of the confusion caused by track variances, pace, different distances, condition, etc., The Beyer Speed Figures, Commonly referred to as the Beyer Numbers were introduced.
Andrew Beyer, from the Washington, DC area is the architect behind the Beyer Numbers.
Most horse race handicappers factor in the Beyer Numbers in some way, as they make their selections. The Beyer Numbers are similar to Speed Ratings with several important exceptions.
Since first introduced over 30 years ago, the Beyer Numbers are listed without exception in every issue of the Daily Racing Form and other horse racing publications.
Although considered to be interchangeable from track to track, some horse race handicappers, use their own variances as they apply the numbers to specific tracks. In other words, a Speed Figure of 95 earned at Del Mar, should be equivalent to a 95 earned at Calder.
The numbers are also suppose to be interchangeable from distance to distance. ie...95 earned at 6-Furlongs should be equivalent to a 95 at 1 1/4 miles. But to Beyers' credit, he warns that some horses excel at certain distances.
Thus, you cannot assume that if a horse earns a 95 at 5-Furlongs, that the horse will duplicate the effort at 1 1/2 miles.
As many horse race handicappers would agree, you cannot just rely on Beyer Speed Numbers. There are plenty of other factors to consider, such as the horse's breeding, running style, past performance, and condition, to name just a few.
Ideally, the Beyer Numbers can be used to compare horses that have raced at different tracks, different distances, and different track conditions.
Horse race handicappers that have been around for awhile and have had success at the track will also consider Class of the horse when looking at/factoring in the Beyer Numbers.
The Beyer Numbers are an excellent resource and should not be used exclusively in your horse race handicapping wagering selections.
Horse race handicapping and horse racing in general is more than just speed. It is not always the fastest horse that wins the race. As they say in the NFL ..."On Any Given Sunday...."
Horse racing handicapping and wagering, although a legal form of gambling, does not guarantee that the risk of losing your money has been eliminated.
Fact: Only 2% of all horse race handicappers actually make money wagering.
