What is tactical speed in horse racing and how to reduce it?

When the Triple Crown and other classic races are held each year, the topic of tactical speed and how to use it to harm horse racing often comes up. Some people are confused about what tactical speed really is, while others are in denial about its value. Tactical speed, in my opinion, exists and is very important for several reasons.

Tactical speed is the ability of a horse to approach the front runners early in a race and maintain a comfortable position so that they can take the lead when the opportunity presents itself. The timing is usually when the front runners start shooting. Having tactical speed allows a horse to avoid trouble because he is close to the front and less likely to get blocked or have to be taken.

Tactical speed is not to be confused with early speed, although tactical speed horses do have some early speed capability. The difference is that a horse with tactical speed does not have to be in the lead and can also change pace and speed later in the race when the other leading sprinters are tiring. Horses like “Big Brown”, for example, have tactical speed. The fact that his dam has “Nureyev,” a sire known for producing horses that can run classic distances, is an indicator that he probably would have tactical speed.

When I handicap and look for tactical speed, I look at the horse’s position in his last few races to see if he was 5 lengths off the lead in the early calls and how much speed he exhibited at the end of the race. Now here is the key. A horse with good tactical speed not only passes the first who are tired, but also keeps up with or outruns horses that are coming a long way. For example, if a horse runs 5 lengths off the front, takes the lead at the top of the stretch, or gains the lead in the backstretch, despite a late charge from another competitor coming from off the pace, I consider than a horse with good tactical speed.