COMBINATIONS OF HANDICAPPING FACTORS
Most handicappers rely upon combinations of handicapping factors when analyzing the races. Methods can vary greatly, but below are a few combinations that are positively related, and a few that should not be used in combination.
POSITIVE COMBINATIONS Speed figures, pace, and trainers
Class, form, and trainers
Distance, running styles, and track biases
Pace figures, early speed, and cheaper races
Drop in class and switch to leading jockey
Turf longer than 1 mile non-handicap races. pedigree, and relative class
Speed and class in stakes races
NEGATIVE COMBINATIONS Speed and weight
Class and weight
Biases and class
Pace and class
Speed figures in cheaper stakes
Pace figures in graded stakes
Jockey, weight, and post position
Pedigree and handicap races
Gallop reports and class