[Ted Craven]

Mufasa,

LS is easy: it stands for 'Line Score' (either the Line Score of Primary Factors, or the Line Score of Supplementary Factors). It is the sum of the ranks of the Primary Factors (or Supplementary Factors). The BL/BL number is then derived from the Primary Line Score at so many points for a #1, so many for #2, etc. It is the counterpart to Perceptor 1, or, Perceptor 1 is a refinement to Primary Line Score, if you will.

TPP is 'Total Pace Potential'. TPP (found on the Energy screen and the Synthesis Superscreen) is an aggregate of E/ep (Early Energy Potential) and L/ep (Late Energy Potential). E/ep is a kind of blend of the Early fractions velocity with a smidge of F3, and L/ep is a similar blend of later fractions velocity with a smidge of F1. You would have to satisfy yourself from record keeping whether these 3 factors produced any more winners, or extra ROI, (by track, distance, surface) than simply using EPR (compared to E/ep) or LPR (compared to L/ep) or CPR (compared to TPP). Some think they do - others think it's factor overload.

Re 'preferred use of Speculator' - the discussions so far talk only of the preferred use by those who have posted (me included)! There are so many tools in that toolbox (and in Validator as well), and some tools suit particular handicapping styles, or particular happy experiences. Some people use Early/Late almost exclusively, some the Computed Beaten Lengths screen. Some hate the BL/BL and love Perceptor. One guy goes straight for the PreAnalysis. If they choose to comment, you'll also get 'their' preferred usage, but lest your head begin to spin, remember to focus on a few factors until they regularly give you positive results, then expand, experiment.

Good luck!

Ted