Racing Analysis - Tempo and Bias

Published: 29 Dec 2014

Setting the 'Tempo' - gallopers round the first turn in the Melbourne Cup

Tempo and Bias are the sneaky gremlins that can eat away at hours of diligent form guide reading in a flash. As any form student knows, the best horse in the race doesn't always win. It's often the horse most suited to the unique challenge of each individual race.

What better example of these race factors than Casino Dancer, who finished 5th in a lower grade race at Rosehill when not suited by a Slow Tempo (i.e, Tempo was against), then backed up at Royal Randwick on Boxing Day to finish 3rd in the Group Three feature Summer Cup, where she found the best ground (i.e. Bias was in her favour).

Those who backed her in the first run lost out to the 90/1 shot Phrases, who led from start to finish.

Led all the way - Grey galloper Phrases controlled the Tempo and got the prize, at 90/1 (Casino Dancer in yellow sleeves)

Two decades ago these things were hardly spoken of, but now they form a critical part of race analysis. The trick is to factor them into your bets rather than wait for the inevitable hard luck story after the race.

What is Tempo?

The Race Tempo is the speed the field moves at during the race. A Slow Tempo will suit horses near the pace, or those with better acceleration, while a Strong tempo will favour gallopers with a strong finish that come from the back.

What is Bias?

When it comes to bias, it’s a bit more self-explanatory. An ‘On-pace Bias’ and an ‘Off Rails’ suit the horses that find those positions on the track.

So What Next?

A good read of The Race Guide will give you the picture of the Form, Speed Map and strengths of each horse. Add in the race-day Bias and you are as prepared as you will ever be for a day on the punt.

Finding that hidden factor the market hasn't included means you have found value. And value is all that matters when it comes to beating the bookies.

The Race Guide for the Tattersalls Club Cup on New Years Day will be on-line this Tuesday