How the race sets up is of utmost importance, as from there contenders and pretenders can be separated. By evaluating each entrant's style and speed, a reasonable concept of how the race will set up starts to crystallize. By comparing early fractions or the races of each horse in today's race, a visualization or projection of where each horse will be at each juncture of the race can be theorized upon. If there are seven horses in the event, and one has superior early speed and he's proven at the distance, he becomes one of the best chances in racing. If there are three or four speed horses in a race that show similar ability to pressure the first fraction of a race, a horse that prefers to make one big run from off the pace can sometimes be in the right spot at the right time.
Current form is obviously important, but it can be very tricky.
It is demanding for a horse of lower status to hold sharp form for a long period of time. And with the present-day saturation of racing, horsemen can point to a particular time of year or meeting and have their charges primed off extended layoffs. Fresh, well-trained animals from stables that have proven ability with comebackers present some of the most lucrative opportunities in the game today. Class can mean different things to different handicappers and prove elusive in the evaluating process. If a horse has beaten or run very close to better animals than his present foes, or he's dropping to a level that he's been successful at in the past, he fits solidly class-wise in the race.