Fractional times are a key component of horse racing. They are used to measure the performance of horses in a race by dividing the race into fractions. This helps to determine the speed of the horse throughout the race and can be used to identify potential winning horses. Fractional times are also used to help handicappers compare one horse’s performance with another.
Why is it Important to Read Fractional Times?
Reading fractional times is important in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each horse in a race. By comparing the fractional times of each horse in a race, it is possible to accurately assess a horse’s performance. This can be used to identify potential winners and handicap the race.
How to Read Fractional Times?
Reading fractional times is a fairly straightforward process, although it does require some basic understanding of the different fractions. The first step is to identify the fractions of the race. This is usually done by looking at the total distance of the race and dividing it into four fractions. The first fraction is the opening quarter, the second fraction is the middle half, the third fraction is the final quarter, and the fourth fraction is the last eighth.
Timing Points
Once the fractions of the race have been identified, the next step is to identify the timing points. These are the points at which the fractional times are taken. These points are usually located at the start of the race, the quarter-pole, the half-pole, three-quarters of the way through the race, and the finish line. These points are used to measure the time the horse takes to cover each fraction of the race.
Calculating Fractional Times
Once the timing points have been identified, the next step is to calculate the fractional times. This is done by subtracting the time at the finish line from the time at the individual timing points. This will give you the fractional time for each fraction. For example, if a horse takes 45 seconds to cover the first quarter of the race and finishes in 1 minute and 30 seconds, then the fractional time for the first quarter is 45 seconds.
Comparing Fractional Times
Once the fractional times have been calculated, they can then be compared to the other horses in the race. This is done by looking at the total time each horse has taken to cover each fraction and comparing it to the other horses. For example, if one horse takes 45 seconds to cover the first quarter, while another takes 60 seconds, then the first horse is obviously faster. This can be used to identify potential winners and handicap the race.
Identifying Patterns
By comparing the fractional times of different horses, it is also possible to identify patterns. For example, if one horse consistently takes longer than the other horses to cover each fraction, then this could be an indication that the horse is not in peak condition. Similarly, if one horse consistently takes shorter times than the other horses, then this could be an indication that the horse is in peak condition and is likely to win the race.
Using Fractional Times for Handicapping
Fractional times can also be used to help handicappers assess the strength of each horse in a race. By comparing the times of the different horses and looking at the patterns, it is possible to accurately assess the performance of each horse. This can then be used to identify potential winners and handicap the race accordingly.
Common Mistakes in Reading Fractional Times
There are a few common mistakes that people make when reading fractional times. These include:
- Not accounting for the start of the race – Many people forget to take into account the start of the race when calculating fractional times. This can lead to inaccurate fractional times and incorrect assessments of the performance of the horses.
- Not taking into account the track conditions – The track conditions can have a huge impact on a horse’s performance. It is important to take into account the track conditions when assessing the horses’ performances, as this can help to identify potential winners.
- Not comparing across different races – It is important to compare the fractional times of different horses across different races. This can help to identify potential winners in different races and help handicappers to assess the strength of each horse.
- Not taking into account the weather – The weather can also have a huge impact on a horse’s performance. It is important to take into account the weather when assessing a horse’s performance.
The Benefits of Reading Fractional Times
Reading fractional times can be a valuable tool for handicappers. It can help to identify potential winners, assess the performance of the horses, and handicap the race. This can significantly increase the chances of picking the winning horse and making a profitable bet.
Conclusion
Reading fractional times is an important skill for any handicapper. It can help to accurately assess the performance of the horses in a race and identify potential winners. It is important to remember to take into account the track conditions, weather, and start of the race when calculating fractional times. By doing this, it is possible to accurately assess the performance of the horses and increase the chances of making a profitable bet.