March 28, 2024

Handicapper’s Library: Briset Race Shapes FAQ

Breeders' Cup scene 2020
Breeders' Cup (Horsephotos.com/Cecilia Gustavsson)

WHAT ARE THE BRISNET RACE SHAPES?

The Brisnet Race Shapes measure how fast the leader ran relative to the average leader time for the race’s final time. The faster the leader’s pace, the higher the Brisnet Race Shape (e.g. +7). The slower the leader’s pace, the lower the Brisnet Race Shape (e.g. -7).

HOW SHOULD THE BRISNET RACE SHAPES BE USED AS A HANDICAPPING TOOL?

There are a variety of ways to benefit from using the Brisnet Race Shapes. A primary use of the Brisnet Race Shapes is to quickly identify horses which were advantaged or disadvantaged by unusually fast- or slow-paced races. Generally speaking, horses with a late running style want a fast pace upfront to be most effective. Conversely, horses with an early running style want a softer pace to be most effective. So, whenever a pace is unusually fast or slow, evaluate whether the horse was advantaged or disadvantaged by the pace. Anticipate possible improvement from horses which were disadvantaged by the pace of their recent races, and view skeptically the performances of horses which were advantaged by the pace of their recent races.

WHY ARE THERE TWO BRISNET RACE SHAPE VALUES?

The Brisnet Race Shapes correspond to the first and second calls of a race. The first Brisnet Race Shape value corresponds to the first call (2f call for most sprints; and 4f call for most routes). The second Brisnet Race Shape value corresponds to the second call (4f call for most sprints; and 6f call for most routes). This enables the user to quickly identify which segment(s) of the race were fastest and slowest (relative to each call’s average pace for the final time).

ARE THE BRISNET RACE SHAPES ON THE SAME SCALE AS THE BRIS PACE RATINGS?

Yes, like the Brisnet Pace Ratings, the Brisnet Race Shapes use a fixed scale of two (2) points-per-length. For example, a “+6” Race Shape represents a pace which is three (3) lengths faster than normal.

IS THERE AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR THE BRISNET RACE SHAPES?

No, there is no additional charge. Brisnet Race Shapes are included in Brisnet’s Premium and Ultimate PPs (condensed versions excluded).