But according to my analysis, he didn't possess as much early speed as Keats and so wouldn't be able to grab an early advantage. Either Keats would control the pace and lead throughout, or a late closer would take the prize. And since Keeneland resolutely favors speed, Keats became the choice. For many years, handicappers have attempted to quantify horses' performances. As far back as the 1930s, handicappers made numbers.
Many handicappers make their own.
Len Ragozin and his father, Harry, began making their numbers back in the 1950s for their personal use. Unlike speed figures, the Ragozin numbers are adjusted not just for a track variant but also for trouble, trip and even wind. The lower the number, the better the performance.