PACE

Pace analysis considers the relationships among three factors.
Fractional Times
Final Time
Running Styles

The objective of pace analysis is to determine whether one horse can:
Set and maintain the fastest fractional times, or
Track and overtake today's probable fractional times

Pace is usually best employed as a separation factor when contenders are closely matched, or when the fractions should be unusually fast or unusually slow.

Two components of a race's pace are readily defined and easily distinguished.
Early pace Start to 2nd call
Late Pace 2nd call to finish

Two important points about pace.
Pace standouts must dominate two pace segments, not just
one. Early speed is not enough.
In sprints, the most important fraction is typically the
2nd fraction (1st call to 2nd call), frequently referred
to as "turn-time" because the fractional time often occurs
on the far turn.

Handicappers must learn how to:
A) Calculate pace ratings
B) Interpret and use pace figures/ratings effectively

Both purposes can be accomplished admirably by studying and practicing with Quirin style speed and pace figures. The method demonstrates clearly that for most horses when their speed figures improve, their pace figures decline. And when their pace figures improve, their speed figures decline. The Quirin speed and pace procedures are described in the "Methods Section", under "Speed Handicapping."

Another approach to calculating and analyzing pace ignores speed and pace figures and deals only with the actual running times of races.

It's called "PDQ Pace Ratings", the letters meaning "pretty damn quick", procedure is described in the "Methods Section", under "Pace Analysis".

Here are a few hot tips handicappers should remember about pace.