ENGLISH TEXTS
now accurately measure the quality of a performance at any moment during a race .
The rise of tracking : Hurdles to overcome
The advent of tracking in horse racing has paved the way for an extremely detailed analysis of horse performance . However , although the data is available , its usage is still limited by outdated publication practices . While France Galop provides this information , its current PDF format makes it hard to manipulate , reducing its usability to a mere overview , far from the flexibility needed to fully exploit its potential .
This barrier in data distribution only adds frustration for those looking to refine their analysis . Access to this information needs to be simplified , and only by improving its format and accessibility can we truly benefit from it .
The three race profiles : Keys to assessing a horse ' s true potential
To evaluate a horse , it ’ s not enough to look at an easy win . One must analyze the pace , acceleration and how he manages the race . Three profiles stand out , each helping to better understand what a horse can achieve and whether he can become a champion .
1 Slow-paced race , low acceleration : limited potential
This profile is characterized by a horse that starts slowly and fails to make up for it . Acceleration is weak or moderate , and responsiveness is lacking . While this type of performance might be stable , it does not promise a bright future at the top racetracks . This horse will struggle in high-level competition .
2 . Slow-paced race , good acceleration : standard performance
In this case , the horse starts slowly but manages to pick up speed mid-race or towards the end . While this kind of race shows good ability to accelerate at the right moment , the base speed remains average . This horse might be reliable in standard races but won ' t necessarily be competitive against faster starters . It ' s a decent performance but doesn ' t stand out among similar-level horses .
3 . Fast-paced race , strong acceleration : the top of the pyramid
This is the profile sought after for elite horses . This horse starts strong and maintains a fast pace until the end , where it further increases its speed . Such a horse combines power , explosiveness , endurance and effort management . This profile is rare and highly coveted , appearing on the most prestigious podiums . It can excel in international races and compete against the best .
The secret : balancing pace and acceleration
It ’ s this balance between pace and acceleration that generates the famous " Sectionals Ratings ," values based on real , not theoretical , performance . This data is not hypothetical ; it reflects what each horse has shown on the field . This analysis determines what a horse has truly done and what it could do — making all the difference .
Why should you care
Horse performance data is more essential than ever for those making informed decisions . Whether you are an owner , bettor , breeder or trainer , these numbers provide a clear , sharp and precise vision of the real capabilities of horses , far removed from vague judgments and assumptions .
It ’ s no longer about belief but knowing . Knowing what each horse can do and if it is ready to shine in major races . This concrete data , deeply analyzed , allows you to make informed choices . And this ability to measure performance precisely is what separates winners from losers in the unforgiving world of horse racing .
So , the question arises : are you ready to embrace data in racing and take a giant step forward in evaluating equine performance ? The answer is simple : yes , if you want to stay in the race , it ’ s the only way .
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A concrete example : performance analysis at ParisLongchamp and Chantilly
Let ' s take a moment to analyze the concrete data behind horse races with specific examples and revealing figures . On September 15 , 2024 , at ParisLongchamp , three Group races served as preparatory events for the Arc de Triomphe : the Prix Niel for three-year-olds , the Prix Foy for four-year-olds and up , and the Prix Vermeille for fillies and mares . But in which race could we truly spot an Arc winner ?
Prix Vermeille : the undeniable choice
The answer is simple : the Prix Vermeille . Why ? Because it was by far the fastest race , with a gap of 15 ½ lengths better than the Prix Foy and 16 ½ lengths better than the Prix Niel . This data shows a clear difference in the intensity and quality of the horses running in these races . The horses in the Prix Vermeille proved to be much faster , a crucial factor when discussing performances with an eye toward winning the Arc .
Looking at the top three in each race ,
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