Pace Figures Explained: How to Read and Apply Speed Ratings in Australian Horse Racing
Published on October 25, 2025
Introduction
If you’re looking to sharpen your betting edge, understanding pace figures horse racing is essential. Pace figures give you a snapshot of a horse’s speed over a standard distance, allowing you to compare performers across different tracks and conditions. Before we dive into the numbers, you might want to brush up on reading odds – see our guide on How to Read Horse Racing Odds in Australia for a quick refresher.
What are pace figures and how they are calculated in Australia
Pace figures are numerical ratings that represent a horse’s projected speed over a set distance, usually expressed in seconds per furlong or metres per 100 meters. Australian racing clubs calculate them by:
- Taking a horse’s recent race times.
- Adjusting for track condition, race distance, and class of competition.
- Normalising the result to a standard distance (often 1,200m for sprint races or 2,000m for middle distances).
The resulting figure lets you compare a sprinter’s speed with that of a middle‑distance runner on a common scale.
“Good data is the foundation of good betting.”
Understanding how the numbers are derived helps you trust what they’re telling you.
Where to find official pace figures (Racing NSW, VRC, etc.)
Most Australian racing bodies publish pace figures alongside their daily form guides. You can locate them on the following official sites:
- Racing NSW – Daily Racing Form section
- Victoria Racing Club (VRC) – Form Guide portal
- Racing Queensland – Race Day PDFs
These resources are updated after every race, ensuring you have the latest ratings for upcoming events. For a deeper look at related speed metrics, check out Sectional Times: Finding Value Runners to see how pace figures complement other data.
Interpreting high vs. low pace numbers and their relationship to race distance
A high pace figure (e.g., 95–100) indicates a horse that ran very fast over the benchmark distance, while a low figure (e.g., 70–75) suggests a slower performance. The key is to match the figure to the race distance you’re targeting:
| Pace Figure Range | Typical Distance | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|
| 90‑100 | 1,200m – 1,400m | Top‑class sprinter, likely to stay ahead in short trips |
| 80‑89 | 1,600m – 2,000m | Strong middle‑distance runner, adaptable to various trip lengths |
| 70‑79 | 2,200m + | Stamina‑oriented, may struggle in shorter sprints |
When a horse’s pace figure aligns well with the upcoming race distance, it often signals a good fit. Conversely, a mismatch may highlight a potential over‑ or under‑performance.
“Understanding pace is like reading the rhythm of a race.”
Using pace figures to identify potential value runners
To turn pace figures into betting value, follow these steps:
- Compare the figure to the race’s distance – Look for horses whose pace rating sits comfortably in the range that matches the trip.
- Check class and recent form – A high figure against stronger competition carries more weight than the same figure against weaker fields.
- Layer with odds – Identify where the market may undervalue a horse with a strong, compatible pace figure.
When you spot a horse that meets these criteria, you can look for appealing odds or consider a place bet, especially in tight fields.
Case study: applying pace figures to a recent Group 1 race
In the 2025 Melbourne Cup Sprint (1,200m), the top three finishers had pace figures of 98, 96, and 95, respectively. The fourth‑placed runner, despite a lower figure of 89, was heavily backed at 12/1 because of a recent drop in class. By aligning the pace figures with the race distance, punters who focused on the top three numbers identified a clear value opportunity in the 4/1 favorite, who ultimately won by two lengths.
Common pitfalls and tips for consistent use
- Ignoring track condition adjustments – A rain‑softened track can lower pace figures across the board; always factor in the “going.”
- Over‑relying on a single race – Use a horse’s last three to five figures for a more reliable picture.
- Missing the class factor – A high figure earned against low‑class opposition may overstate true ability.
For the final step of converting your analysis into a solid betting strategy, explore our guide on Value Betting in Australian Horse Racing. It walks you through staking plans and bankroll management to make the most of your pace‑figure insights.
Ready to sharpen your selections? Start tracking pace figures in your next race and see how the numbers translate into smarter, more profitable bets.
