DET FAQ00001- What do the 62% and 88% numbers represent?
62:2 * 88:4
... means (respectively) that it takes 2 horses (in the AI Line) to reach 62 and 4 horses to reach 88%.
...continues below the graphic.



The 62 addresses the NUMBER of LOW ODDS horses.
That is, a "normal" race will take precisely two horses to accumulate to 62% or greater of the money in the pool.
NORMAL 62 is 2 horses.
(i.e. most common)

Not add up to but to reach 62%.
Thus, if the favorite had 40% of the pool, and the 2nd choice had 25% of the pool, the race would be a 62:2.

If the top 3 favs were: 25%, 20% and 18% the race would be a 62:3.
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The 88% addresses the NUMBER of LOW + MID-PRICED horses.
NORMAL 88 is 4 horses.
(i.e. most common)

The 88% typically represents the horses who are handicappable.
That is, if one of those horses wins the race, you should be able to figure out why.
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To gain a better understanding, think of the ramifications of each of those outputs.
Imagine two handicappers talking about each race configuration below.

62:1
"I'm solid on the Fav."
"Yeah, only horse who can win."
62:2
"I like the #1. He's the Fav."
"I think the 2nd choice has a great chance."
62:3+
"Who do you like?"
"I don't know. There are 3 really good horses."
88:1
(The projected Fav would have to have at least 88% of the pool.)
"This race is like Secretariat in the Belmont Stakes."
"Yup."
88:2
"I see a a solid 2-horse exacta here."
"Heck, these two are so good they could win the trifecta by themselves."
88:3
"It's really a 3-horse race."
"Yes, I wouldn't be expecting a big price."
88:4
"This race is very playable."
"I agree. We've got a shot at a medium price."
88:7+
"I really have no idea who is going to win this 12-horse race on the turf."
"Yeah, there are like 7 or 8 horses that might win."