Playing multi race horizontals I often come across races with one or more FTS. In order to help me navigate some of those races, I find this information helpful. 1) how did the horse work? Well within themselves? Tired or strong at the end of the work. Who did the horse work with!! This can be valuable with some of the bigger barns as they tend to pair horses of similar ability. If Chad Brown sees fit to work a FTS with one of his stake horses the FTS is probably talented.
I believe they serve a purpose as long as the clocker does his job well.

Dave- Are you calculating the Quirin speed points according to the rules set forth in Winning at the races? I'm only asking as I've seen some folks make subtle modifications to the rules. Thanks