Looking for suggestions regarding early speed and race setup Early speed, imho, is they key factor in most races. Many races are over 10 seconds into the running.
No massive data studies, but some bought and paid for observations that have proven usefull:
1. Many E horses can run as EP horses if they need to. Be very cautious labeling one a need-t-lead.
2. An EP horse drawn inside may be forced to send early.
3. An E horse drawn outside the other early speed may well sit off the pace.
4. When 2 E horses are side by side,, re-examine the QSPs. An E4 may well show moe early speed than expected and challemge or even out-pace an E6 . QSPs, if limited to the lat 3 lines are as much form as speed. The E4 might well be an E7 or E8 when in good form. I use Dave's definition of an improving horse as good reason to look at back-speed.
5. Dave's New Pace idea for rating early is tedious by hand, but excellent in practice.
6. The Rs/Pos method by Jim Crammer iis excellent and structured enough to take out a lot of indecision.Much detailed iFREE nformation at HDW.
7. If you use BRIS or have access to pace figuures, try adding the QSPs to the E1 or the E2 pace rating. I use B2L4 pace figs at E1.
8. If you play NYRA, use the Track Trends column for rail bias, very good information.
Great topic.