Skip to content Skip to footer
0 items - $0.00 0
Smart Horse Picks
0 items - $0.00 0
Smart Horse Picks

Handicapping Tools

HomeHandicapping Tools
Close
Back to Home Page

Handicapping Tools — Pace, Class & Performance Calculators

Practical tools designed to support disciplined handicapping and race analysis.
⚠️
Disclaimer: No guarantee of success. These tools are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for wagering decisions.
Available Tools

Field Class Rankings – Weighted Class Evaluation

Pick each horse’s last 3 class levels. Race 1 is weighted most (50%), then 30%, then 20%.

Tip: change field size by editing data-horses="10".

Check out tips to help understand these tools? See our Pace Handicapping Tips.

Pace Shape Predictor – Race Flow Analyzer (V2)

Pick each horse’s projected running style from recent form (ignore obvious trouble lines). The tool estimates pace pressure, flags lone-speed / duel risk, and tells you which archetype (speed / stalkers / closers) is most likely to benefit.

Auto-builds rows (max 20)
Adjusts thresholds slightly
Turf = less early decisive
Set styles, then click Analyze Pace.

For a full explanation of running styles and pace pressure, visit our Pace Handicapping Tips guide.

Form Cycle Predictor – Improving, Flat, or Regressing (V2)

Enter today’s race date and your last 2–8 races. Use lengths at 3rd call and finish. Dropdowns keep entries fast + consistent.
Sign rule: + = AHEAD (good) • - = BEHIND (bad). Finish: “+” = won by, “-” = lost by.

Auto-filled. You can change it.
How much to forgive trouble.
Quick Paste Import (optional)
Paste 2–8 lines (remember: + ahead / - behind). Examples:
• 2026-01-14, -2, +1 (3C: 2 behind; Finish: won by 1)
• 2025-12-22, -5+, -3, trouble (3C: 5+ behind; Finish: 3 behind)
• 2025-11-30, 0, -2 (3C: on lead; Finish: lost by 2)
Enter races, then click Evaluate.

Use these tools in conjunction with our complete pace education guide to better understand and interpret your results. Read the full breakdown here: Pace Handicapping Tips

Want to see these tools applied in real races? Each week we break down pace, class, form, and fair odds in our featured analysis: Race of the Week

Handicapping Tools – FAQ

What do these handicapping tools help me measure?

These tools help you evaluate pace, class, and form using structured metrics. Each calculator provides clearer insight into race shape, contender strength, and how well a horse fits today’s conditions.

Are these tools accurate for all race types?

They work best when you use running lines that match today’s surface and distance. Accuracy improves when you avoid troubled lines and stick to representative performances.

Do I need past performances to use these calculators?

Yes. These tools interpret the same information found in standard past performances—fractions, positions at calls, spacing, class levels, and running style indicators.

How do these tools work with SmartHorsePicks race cards?

Use the calculators to analyze individual horses, then combine that insight with our Fair Odds, ABC rankings, pace projections, and Key Horses on the SHP cards to sharpen your betting decisions.

Are these handicapping tools fully finalized?

These tools are still being fine-tuned. Some formulas and calculations are complex, and we continue refining them as we test different race scenarios. If something looks off, it likely is—use these tools as guidance, not absolute predictions.