I do agree with Bob, but with a little I'd like to add to what he said.
Times is one of the many important factors in harness racing. Post position and aggressiveness plays a major role on how a race shapes up. With most harness races going single file for much of the race, and horses moving 1st over from 3rd or 4th position about 3/8 pole. Obviously, that is extremely vague each race has a specific layout, but as a percentage, that will be the race breakdown.
I have been a student of Bruno De Julio and his approach to thoroughbred handicapping for some time. He studies workouts, but more-so studies the way the move, how they feel, etc.
When looking at internal fractions, or big power moves within a race, time is important. What is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT in my opinion is HOW they happen. Looking at pp's, you can't look at at fractions or "suck along" races at face value.
As with form patterns, standardbreds typically hold form from race to race better than thoroughbreds, mainly because they race week to week compared to month to month. One spot angle I LOVE, and ties into internal fractions and time is a horse that has a MONSTER race. That will be either a big brush or a very fast time. I love to play against these horses 1-2 starts after this race. Sometimes, especially classy horses, they're able to ride on that adrenaline for another week and will come back with another big race before starting to regress. For the claimers, mediocre NW classes or lower, a big race will be followed up with a poor, regressed performance. These are the heavy favorites that lose! Horses are athletes that become sore or have complications after a big performance!
I was an ex-college wrestler. I can assure you, if I stepped back on the mat at the moment, I could probably win some matches, however, the following week, I'D BE ONE SORE PUPPY!!!!
