Handicapping Question

[Bogeyman]

For handicapping purposes, when looking at times, how do 1/2-mile, 5/8-mile and mile tracks compare to one another. I have been using a two-second difference between 1/2 mile and mile track times and one-second difference between a 5/8 track and a mile track.   Example, a horse going from a half-mile track to a mile track - I assume, given all things being equal (such as a decent post position), that horse has the ability to pace up to two-seconds faster at the mile track. Agree or disagree on this thought process?

[pocketrocketwinner]

There is no general rule that will serve you well. Experts like Dave Little would disagree but the real answer is everything is circumstantial.

[Trigger]

For handicapping purposes, when looking at times, how do 1/2-mile, 5/8-mile and mile tracks compare to one another. I have been using a two-second difference between 1/2 mile and mile track times and one-second difference between a 5/8 track and a mile track.   Example, a horse going from a half-mile track to a mile track - I assume, given all things being equal (such as a decent post position), that horse has the ability to pace up to two-seconds faster at the mile track. Agree or disagree on this thought process?

I'd say about 0.75 seconds (three quarters of a second) slower for each added turn in general.

However track surfaces, distance to finish line, make all the difference.

I.e. Western Fair is a slow track, you won't find many horses blasting from the 7 hole.  So slow (narrower too) the 8 is a second tier horse.  Northfield in comparison when weather and other conditions are the same is faster.

Take of these what you will they are the track speed ratings for NA:

https://www.harnessracing.ws/Speed-Ratings-for-US-Harness-Tracks.htm (US)

https://standardbredcanada.ca/content/track-speed-ratings-standardbred-canada.html (CAD)

[Trigger]

The track speed ratings haven't been updated too.

Grand River (GRVR) in Canada is a 5/8's track now.