Last updated: November 5, 2025
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute betting or veterinary advice. Always bet responsibly and consult professionals for specific guidance.
Pace makes the race—every time. In my 25+ years of owning and working with racehorses in Louisiana, I’ve seen favorites lose because they ran too fast too early, and longshots win by letting others tire themselves out. Understanding the data, specifically the horse racing pace figures, is the single most important handicapping skill you can develop.
What you’ll learn:
- What pace figures are and how they work
- How to convert furlongs to seconds (with tables)
- Sprint vs. route pace strategies
- How to bet using pace analysis
- Free tools and calculators
Let’s get straight to it.
What Are Horse Racing Pace Figures?
Quick Definition: Pace figures are numerical ratings that measure how fast a horse runs during specific segments of a race—early, middle, and late. They reveal *how* a horse used its energy, not just how fast it finished.
Unlike speed figures, which reflect the overall final time, pace figures break the race into key parts:
- E1 – Early pace (first call)
- E2 – Middle pace (second call)
- LP – Late pace (stretch to finish)
Crucial distinction: Pace figures are speed-calibrated numerical ratings that adjust for track and distance differences. This allows handicappers to compare performances across varying surfaces and conditions—something raw times alone can’t do.
Pace Figures vs. Speed Figures
| Type | What It Measures | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Figure (Beyer) | Overall race performance based on final time, distance, and track variant | Horse runs 1:10.0 for 6F → 95 Beyer |
| Pace Figure | Segmental performance showing energy use at different calls | E1: 90 | E2: 92 | LP: 88 |
Top stakes horses typically earn Beyer figures in the 115–120 range, while good allowance runners score around 90–100. But pace figures reveal *how* they got there—whether they expended energy early or conserved it for a late surge.
From my barn: My filly Cajun Queen earned modest Beyers (82–84) but an exceptional LP 96, closing powerfully in three straight route wins. Her pace profile showed what numbers alone couldn’t—true stamina and timing.
Understanding Furlongs: The Basics
What’s a furlong? 1/8 of a mile = 220 yards = 660 feet
Common race distances:
- 5 furlongs = 5/8 mile (sprint)
- 6 furlongs = 3/4 mile (sprint)
- 8 furlongs = 1 mile (route)
- 10 furlongs = 1 1/4 miles (Kentucky Derby)
Understanding why furlongs are still used in horse racing helps explain the sport’s traditions and measurement systems. For complete details on all race distances, see our comprehensive horse racing distances guide.
Average Time Per Furlong
Quick reference:
- Sprinters: ~12 seconds per furlong
- Distance runners: ~13-14 seconds per furlong
- Elite horses: Can run closer to 11 seconds per furlong
The connection between pace and how fast horses can actually run becomes clearer when you understand these per-furlong benchmarks.
Furlong-to-Time Conversion Table
Use this table to evaluate whether the pace is fast, average, or slow:
| Distance | Early Pace (2F) | Half-Mile (4F) | Final Time | Pace Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5F Sprint | :21.0-:22.0 | :44.0-:45.0 | :57-:58 | Fast |
| 5F Sprint | :22.5-:23.0 | :45.5-:46.5 | :58-:60 | Average |
| 5F Sprint | :23.5+: | :47.0+: | :60+: | Slow |
| 6F Sprint | :21.5-:22.5 | :44.5-:45.5 | 1:09-1:10 | Fast |
| 6F Sprint | :22.5-:23.5 | :46.0-:47.0 | 1:10-1:12 | Average |
| 8F Route | :23.0-:24.0 | :46.0-:47.0 | 1:36-1:38 | Fast |
| 8F Route | :24.0-:25.0 | :47.5-:48.5 | 1:38-1:40 | Average |
| 8F Route | :25.5+: | :49.0+: | 1:41+: | Slow |
How to Calculate Pace: Step-by-Step
You’ll need: A race chart with fractional times (available free on Equibase).
Example Calculation
Race: 6 furlongs at Fair Grounds
Fractions:
- Quarter-mile (2F): :22.6
- Half-mile (4F): :45.8
- Final (6F): 1:10.2
Step 1: Find segment times
- First 2F: :22.6
- Second 2F: :45.8 − :22.6 = :23.2
- Last 2F: 1:10.2 − :45.8 = :24.4
Step 2: Calculate per-furlong pace
- First 2F: 22.6 ÷ 2 = 11.3 sec/furlong (FAST)
- Second 2F: 23.2 ÷ 2 = 11.6 sec/furlong (FAST)
- Last 2F: 24.4 ÷ 2 = 12.2 sec/furlong (SLOWING)
Step 3: Interpret: Use these times (11.3, 11.6, 12.2) to calculate pace figures. This hot early pace (11.3) tired horses late, favoring closers.
How to Calculate Pace Figures (Simplified Formula)
TL;DR: Pace Figure = (Par − Actual) + Variant; 1 point = 0.20 seconds.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 point | = 1/5 second difference |
| Par Time | Baseline for class/distance |
| Variant | Track condition adjustment |
Pace figures (E1, E2, LP) rate energy use on a scale (e.g., 80 base for $10K claimers). Professionals use:
Pace Figure = Par Time − Actual Time + Track Variant
Example (6F race)
- Par Time (E1): :22.8
- Actual Time: :22.4
- Track Variant: +1
Calculation:
:22.8 − :22.4 = 0.4 seconds faster than par → (0.4 × 5 = +2 points)
Add variant (+1) → E1 = +3 points → Final E1: 83 (on 80 base scale)
Pro Tip: Test manually; compare to DRF or Brisnet. Email miles@horseracingsense.com for a par example!
Sprint vs. Route Pace: What Changes
Sprint Races (5-7 Furlongs)
Key characteristics:
- Early speed dominates
- Less time to recover from bad position
- Post position critical (learn more about post position advantages by distance)
- Hot pace = closers’ advantage
Winning stats: Speed horses win ~55-60% when uncontested, only ~20-25% when dueling
Route Races (8+ Furlongs)
Key characteristics:
- Tactical speed wins (sitting 2nd-4th early)
- More time to overcome poor position
- Closers have better chance with honest pace
- Stamina matters more than pure speed
Winning stats: Stalkers (2nd-4th early) win ~40-45% of routes. Deep closers only win ~15-20%.
Understanding when Thoroughbred horses start racing and how often they compete helps explain why younger horses typically begin at sprint distances before stretching out as they mature.
Pro Tip: Sprinters need efficient early energy (E1 95+), while routers reward late pace (LP 90+).
Pace Scenarios and Position Impact
1. Lone Speed (Best Betting Scenario)
Setup: Only 1-2 horses with early speed
What happens: Leader sets easy fractions, cruises to victory
Pace and Post Position Impact: Lone speed often wins from any post in small fields (6 or fewer) or with a 10+ point class edge. Example: Gulf Breeze won a 6F claimer at 5-2 from post 8 with a :23.1 start.
2. Speed Duel (Closer’s Dream)
Setup: 3+ horses with strong early speed
What happens: Front-runners battle, tire late
Position Note: Inside posts lose advantage in duels—bet closers from any gate. Example: Four horses dueled at :22.4, my closer paid $28.
3. Honest Pace (Form Holds)
Setup: Moderate fractions, no pressure
What happens: Best horse usually wins
Your play: Stick with class and form
Betting Strategies: Applying Horse Racing Pace Figures
Strategy 1: Identify Pace Scenario Pre-Race
Chart styles: E (early speed), P (presser), S (stalker), C (closer). Count E/P:
- 0-1: Lone speed → Bet the speed
- 3+: Speed duel → Bet stalkers/closers
- 2: Honest pace → Bet class/form
- Advanced: Check energy distribution (e.g., 11.5→11.6→12.0 = reliable; 11.0→12.5→13.0 = burnout) and trends (improving 82→85→88 = fitter; declining 92→88→84 = fatigue; consistent 87→88→86 = bankable).
Strategy 2: Look for Class Droppers with Good Pace
Verify pace figures at higher levels. Example: Bayou Thunder (E1 94-96 at $16K) won three times at $10K (E1 85-88).
Advanced: Review replays—bad figures from wide runs or being boxed in signal hidden value.
Strategy 3: Fade Pace Mismatches
Avoid horses with easy leads (e.g., E1 82) against faster rivals (E1 90+). Understanding pedigrees and how they influence racing ability predicts pace resilience.
Best Tools for Pace Analysis
Free Resources
- Equibase.com: Official fractional times, pace style designations. Equibase explains its free tools.
- Equibase Mobile App: Basic splits on your phone plus free tools.
- DRF Free Past Performances: Limited pace data
Premium Services ($10-50/month)
- Daily Racing Form Beyer Speed Figures: The gold standard since 1992
- Moss Pace Figures from DRF: Specialized pace ratings with race shape analysis
- Brisnet: Comprehensive pace figures integrated with past performances
- TimeformUS: Excellent pace ratings and projections
My Personal System
I use a simple Excel spreadsheet:
- Input fractional times
- Auto-calculates per-furlong pace
- Compares to my regional benchmarks
- Tracks trends over multiple races
Want my template? Email me at miles@horseracingsense.com—I’m happy to share it free.
Common Pace Analysis Mistakes
❌ Betting the fastest pace figure without context
✅ Consider HOW it was earned (easy lead vs. duel)
❌ Ignoring track condition differences
✅ :45 flat at Saratoga ≠ :45 flat at smaller tracks
❌ Overlooking post position impact
✅ Inside posts help speed horses in sprints
❌ Not watching race replays
✅ Bad figures might mean bad trip, not bad horse
❌ Forgetting about turf differences
✅ Turf is more forgiving of pace than dirt
Historical Pace Trends
Pace has evolved over 30 years of racing. Here’s what the data shows:
| Era | Avg E1 (6F Sprint) | Avg LP (Mile Route) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990-2000 | 85-90 | 80-85 | Speed dominated |
| 2001-2010 | 88-93 | 82-87 | More balance |
| 2011-2025 | 90-95 | 85-90 | Closers gaining |
This upward trend in both E1 and LP figures reflects the faster modern breed, specialized surfaces, and improved training techniques focused on generating more consistent speed throughout the race.
Real Race Breakdown: My Colt Crescent Charger
The situation: 6F claiming race, my horse finished 2nd by a neck
Fractions:
- 2F: :22.6 (11.3 sec/F) → HOT
- 4F: :45.8 (second 2F = 11.6 sec/F) → STILL HOT
- 6F: 1:10.2 (last 2F = 12.2 sec/F) → TIRED
What I learned: He was pressured into a speed duel and raced three-wide. The hot pace taxed him.
Next race adjustment: Entered him where only one other speed horse showed. Told jockey to settle second or third. He won by a head at 5-1.
Lesson: Same horse, same class—better tactics = winner.
When Post Position Doesn’t Matter
Save time by knowing when to ignore post position data.
1. Major Class Advantage (10+ Speed Points)
Elite horses overcome any post. If the horse has 10+ point edge, bet regardless of post.
2. Extreme Pace Setups
Speed duel (5+ speed horses): Inside posts lose advantage—target the lone closer from ANY post
All closers (1-2 speed horses): Lone speed often wires from any post
3. Small Fields (6 or Fewer)
More room, less traffic, easier positioning from any gate. Reduce post importance by 50%.
4. Turf Courses with Long Run to First Turn
Tracks like Belmont Park and Keeneland turf give jockeys 200+ yards to secure position. Inside advantage drops to 5%.
FAQ: Your Pace Questions Answered
What is a good pace figure?
Depends on class. Stakes races: 90+. Allowance: 85-90. Claiming: 80-85.
How do I get pace figures?
Free basic data on Equibase. Premium services like Daily Racing Form and Brisnet provide detailed figures.
Does pace matter on turf?
Yes, but less critical. Turf is more forgiving of hot pace than dirt.
Can pace predict winners?
Pace analysis influences ~70% of race outcomes. Combine with class, form, and trip for best results.
What’s better: speed or closers?
Context-dependent. Sprints favor speed (if uncontested). Routes favor tactical stalkers.
How many seconds per furlong is fast?
Under 12 seconds/furlong is fast. 11 seconds or less is very fast.
Should I always bet lone speed?
It’s a strong angle, but verify the horse can handle the distance and class.
What tools do pro handicappers use?
Most use Brisnet, TimeformUS, or DRF combined with Equibase data and personal databases.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Pace figures measure sectional speed (E1, E2, LP), not just final time
- ✅ Average ~12 sec/furlong for sprints, ~13-14 for routes
- ✅ Three pace scenarios: Lone speed, speed duel, honest pace
- ✅ Lone speed = best betting angle when you can identify it
- ✅ Speed duels favor closers/stalkers in the stretch
- ✅ Sprints favor early speed (55-60% win rate when uncontested)
- ✅ Routes favor tactical stalkers (40-45% win rate)
- ✅ Always watch replays to understand context behind figures
- ✅ Use free Equibase data to start, upgrade to premium if betting seriously
- ✅ Track horses over multiple races to spot trends and patterns
Your Next Steps
Start applying pace analysis today:
- Go to Equibase.com and pull up tomorrow’s races
- Chart running styles for each horse (E, P, S, C)
- Identify pace scenarios (lone speed? speed duel?)
- Check fractional times from recent races
- Make your selections based on projected pace setup
Want to go deeper? Download my free pace calculator spreadsheet—email miles@horseracingsense.com.
Have a pace analysis story? Share it in the comments below. I read every one and often reply with additional insights.
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About Miles Henry
I’ve owned and trained Thoroughbreds in Louisiana for over 25 years, competing at Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, and Evangeline Downs. My approach blends old-school barn experience with data-driven pace analysis. On HorseRacingSense.com, I share practical handicapping strategies that actually work at the betting windows—because I use them myself.
Connect: miles@horseracingsense.com | Twitter: @HorseRacingSense
Related Articles
Master the fundamentals:
- Horse Racing Distances: Complete Guide to Furlongs and Miles
- What Is a Furlong and Why Is It Used in Horse Racing?
- How Fast Can a Horse Run? Racing Records and Top Speeds
Advanced handicapping:
- Post Positions: Inside vs. Outside Advantages by Distance
- Handicapping with Pedigrees: Using Bloodlines to Predict Performance
- The Best Horse Racing Tracks in the World
Training and career insights:
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About Miles Henry
Racehorse Owner & Author | 30+ Years in Thoroughbred Racing
Miles Henry (legal name: William Bradley) is a Louisiana-licensed owner
#67012.
Beyond the racetrack, he’s cared for Quarter Horses, Friesians, Paints, and trail mounts for 30+ years—bringing hands-on experience to every breed profile, health guide, and gear review on this site.
His racehorses have finished in-the-money in
30 of their last 90 starts
Equibase Profile.
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