Method

• Beyer's approach is predicated on the belief that speed is the key guide to racing form.

• Beyer developed a method that calculates a 'speed rating' for a horse's run that considers different factors that impact a horses recorded time in each race (e.g. the track, track conditions, distance). Beyer's 'speed rating' takes a horses raw time and, considering various factors of the race, assigns a speed rating that is comparable to every other horse's rating. With this rating Beyer is able to perform an 'apples to apples' comparison of each horses past runs to identify the fastest horse in the race.

• A horse's speed rating is adjusted using the 'track variant'. The track variant adjustment allows for changes in the track when it is running slower or faster on any given day. The speed rating is either moved up or down depending on the variant.

• Beyer puts his speed figures in the context of how the race will be run. This step requires him to consider his speed rating in the light of other factors that may impact the outcome of a race (e.g. track biases and their impact on barrier draws).

• A good application of this method involves horses rising in class, with a strong speed rating and priced at long odds. Beyer has bagged many of these in his time.

Key Facts

• Beyer's 'speed rating' was incorporated into the US Daily Racing Form service in 1992.

• Earlier in his career, Beyer decided to travel to Elmont New York for Belmont Stakes day rather than sit his final exam for his English Literature degree. He never returned to complete his degree.

• Beyer's speed figures are now used by horse trainers and owners as well as handicappers to assess their horse's performance in a race.

• His speed ratings have fundamentally changed the way handicappers assess runners in a race. Prior to developing Beyer's speed rating, handicappers used class as a guide to a horses form.