If you love horse racing, you know that speed figures are a key way to measure a horse’s performance. These numbers help us compare how well horses run under different conditions. Last week, some incredible performances gave us a glimpse at the sport’s rising stars. Let’s dive into the fastest stakes winners and what their numbers mean.
What Are Speed Figures?
Speed figures, like the Brisnet Speed Ratings and Beyer Speed Figures, are calculated to show how fast a horse ran in a race. These numbers account for the race distance and track conditions, making it easier to compare horses. A higher number means a better performance.
Top Performers of the Week
Last week’s standout horses delivered impressive results, especially on New Year’s Eve at Parx. Here are the top performers:
Irish Maxima
- Race: Mrs. Claus Stakes (7 furlongs)
- Brisnet Speed Rating: 109
- Beyer Speed Figure: 101
Irish Maxima, a 4-year-old filly trained by John Servis, has been on fire, winning four of her last five races. Her recent streak makes her a major contender to watch.
Nelson Avenue
- Race: Blitzen Stakes (7 furlongs)
- Brisnet Speed Rating: 109
- Beyer Speed Figure: 101
This 6-year-old gelding snagged his first win since September, bouncing back after a tough eighth-place finish in the Cigar Mile (G2).
Cyclone State
- Race: Jerome Stakes (1 mile)
- Brisnet Speed Rating: 93
- Beyer Speed Figure: 84
With this win, Cyclone State earned 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, putting him on the radar for Derby season.
Barnes
- Race: San Vicente Stakes (G2, 7 furlongs)
- Brisnet Speed Rating: 94
- Beyer Speed Figure: 94
Though the San Vicente is not a Derby points race, Barnes might still find his way into the Derby trail with this strong performance.
Other Notable Performers
- Richi (Las Flores Stakes, G3): 95 Brisnet, 97 Beyer
- Seize the Night (Tinsel Stakes): 93 Brisnet, 94 Beyer
- Old Homestead (Sam’s Town Stakes): 91 Brisnet, 97 Beyer
Why These Figures Matter
Speed figures are more than just numbers—they show how a horse might perform in future races. For example, Irish Maxima’s consistent high ratings make her a favorite in upcoming competitions. Similarly, Cyclone State’s Derby points win could set him up for bigger opportunities down the road.
Using Speed Figures to Spot Trends
Speed figures also help spot trends in racing. For instance:
- Surface and Distance Preferences: Some horses excel on shorter tracks, while others shine in long-distance races.
- Consistency: Repeated high ratings signal reliability, making these horses strong bets for future wins.
For fans and bettors, tools like Horse Racing Nation’s database allow easy sorting by age, sex, surface, and distance. This makes it easier to track your favorite horses and uncover hidden gems.
Last week’s races brought exciting performances and valuable insights. With the Kentucky Derby season approaching, these speed figures give us a clear view of which horses might become top contenders. As the racing world gears up for bigger events, fans can look forward to seeing these speedsters compete at even higher levels. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, these horses are worth keeping an eye on.
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