Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5  

Pace Maps  

​

 Before the race is run, the map offers a picture of where advantage may first appear. 

​

 Pace maps are never certain, but they remain essential when assessing likely settling positions and race shape. A good map helps identify tempo, pressure, and whether on-speed or off-speed runners are likely to get the set-up they need.   

​

 The caveat on pace maps comes as track bias exposes itself throughout the day with jockeys rushing to find a spot against their usual pattern. The maps can also add confidence to a punter when used in conjunction with speed data. Predicting track bias early while aiming to either use or overcome historical barrier statistics at a particular track can produce a gambling edge in itself. 

​

 Stable Talk: Stephen Theodore  

 Not long after stepping back from working with RacingBase, I received a call from Murray Bridge trainer Stephen Theodore. Stephen resumed training in his own right after several years as stable foreman for leading Morphettville trainer Travis Doudle.

  

 As share sizes in racehorses continue to grow smaller, syndicate numbers are increasing, prompting progressive trainers to explore effective ways to engage and communicate with the growing number of owners involved in each horse. Stephen engaged me to produce speed maps and form commentary for distribution amongst his ownership groups.   

​

 We didn’t see this as often in South Australia. I also felt that our lower‑benchmark horses generally lacked a sharp turn of foot over the final 600 metres. That gave us the confidence to ride fit horses a bit closer before, as Steve liked to say, going “handlebars down.”  

​

 Case Study: Divine Fire  

 Divine Fire quickly established herself as one of the stable flag bearers by racing with this style. She had initially joined the stable as a Class 1 galloper with a benchmark rating of 59. She had previously won a city maiden race when settling back off a strong tempo and nailing them on the line.   

​

 Punters love the line about mares in form, and Divine Fire proved them right yet again - winning five that prep up to 1800m for the On Fire Racing syndicate, including city wins in quick succession.   

​