Flightline's victory in the TVG Pacific Classic on Sept. 3, 2022, initially resulted in an Equibase Speed Figure (ESF) of 122. Speed figures measure how fast horses race, using a complex formula to normalize times across all tracks, distances, and surfaces. The ESF is typically based on the horse's actual finishing time along with other factors such as run up distance, track condition, and track variants.
As there was much discussion about Flightline's dominating performance in the Pacific Classic, the only dirt race run at the 10-furlong distance at Del Mar outside the Breeders' Cup, an extra review of the recorded information was performed to ensure the most accurate figures could be calculated.
It was determined that this rarely-used race distance at Del Mar had an inaccurately-reported run up distance, or untimed portion at the start of a race. With a correction to this value in place and improved variants able to be determined, the Equibase Speed Figures for the Pacific Classic have been updated, including a 128 for winner Flightline.
Runner-up Country Grammer, beaten 19 1/4 lengths, received an ESF of 103.
The post Inaccurate Run Up: Equibase Boosts Flightline’s Pacific Classic Figure From 122 To 128 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
