DISTANCE

As a rule, horses can be expected to perform well at related distances. These are:

Sprints
6F
6.5F
7F
Routes
1 Mile
1 1/16 Mile
1 1/8 Mile

Many horses are versative, performing well at related distances, long and short, but others perform best at specific distances. Favored distances often can be recognized by the Beyer Speed Figures, which do an excellent job telling handicappers whether horses do best at a particular distance. Pay special attention to the Beyer Speed figures at:
7F 1 mile

At 1 1/4 miles, the concept of related distances does not apply. Horses, Three-year-olds especially can perform strongly at middle distances (1 mile to 1 1/8 Mile) but poorly at 1 1/4 miles. In using speed figures at 1 1/4 miles, handicappers best depend on other speed figures at 1 1/4 miles.

The most common distance change is sprint to route. Any horse showing potential will be tested at the route.

Sprints on the turf can be handled similarly to dirt sprints, except frontrunners and pace-pressers must show the ability to finish strongly. Tiring horses rarely survive on the turf.