Paceline selection is important but

[ranchwest]

Originally Posted by For The Lead

I don't want to say that the horse's wins have nothing to do with it, because to some extent they do. I'll explain.

If you are not familiar with the Quirin Point System, a horse gets 3 points if it is on the lead at the first call, 2 points if it is second at the first call and 1 point if it is 3rd at the first call. Therefore, this horse gets 3 points for its' last race + 2 points for its' race 2 back + 3 points for its' race 3 back for a total of 8 points. This is how BRIS calculates early horses and therefore the designation they show is "E8", to the right of the horse's name.

As to my point, all horses do not run the same style even within "similar"
distances.
Not all horses run on the lead in all sprints.
Some will and some won't.
Some horses will run on the lead at 7f, but will "press" at 6f.
There are many examples, this is just one.

That's not an accurate explanation of Q speed points. A horse can never earn 3 points for a race. There is 1 starting point which can be denied. Up to 2 points on 3 races. Then there is a possible bonus, for a max total of 8. The full explanation is in Quirin's book.