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The methods of timing and chart calling are flawed. Whether the gate is placed properly or the timers are working correctly you just never know. When you add to this situation variant production that is computer generated, you have to expect these kinds of anomalies. Len Ragozin used to have his own timers at tracks around the country, particularly turf courses and time from the opening of the gate. So it is certainly acknowledged that horse racing is technology deficient and error prone.
Being forewarned is to be forearmed. You have to look at each horse past performances and note the lines that just don't belong. Horses can make major jumps in speed but it normally associated with maturation, change in surface or reaching fitness after a long layoff.
When you see a speed figure that is haywire don't use it. Bradshaw always spoke of preponderance of evidence. Make sure that the circumstances exist that could possibly support a big improvement in speed. Examine and evaluate each running line from gate to wire and convince yourself that the race was legitimate. The tracks have to incentive to insure fidelity in there reported times and charts. The bigger the prices the better in their view.
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