What This Page Is
Angles & Insights outlines repeatable ways to narrow races using the Paceform Figures.
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Angle 1 provides a starting point, using Significant Stats to flag candidates before applying strict Paceform Figure rules.
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The angles that follow are optional layers for more experienced users and do not require Significant Stats to be used.
For deeper study, past races can be revisited in the Paceform Figures Archive, with recent real-world applications shown in Figures In Focus.
1. Significant Stats → Paceform Figures (Strict Filter)
This angle applies the same Significant Stats → Paceform Figures process shown on the homepage.
Qualification Rules:
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A runner appears on the Significant Stats page
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The runner is top or joint-top rated overall on the Paceform Figures for the race
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The runner is top 3 on last-time-out figures
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If a runner fails any of these rules, it does not qualify. If no runner qualifies, that is the result.
Worked Example:
→ Figures In Focus: Weddell Sea – When the Data Aligns
2. High Last Time Out Figure + Suitable Conditions
One of the strongest signals in racing: a horse running close to its peak and doing so under conditions that suit.
What to look for:
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High LTO figure
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Strong suitability boxes
Why it matters:
Horses that have recently run to a high figure and have today’s conditions in their favour are well placed to reproduce their best form.
Using Jazz Scene as an example:​
🟥 Red box = Turf run
⬜ White box = All-weather run
LTO: 80 - Highest in the race​
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Suitable Conditions:
Course: 80 Highest in race
Distance: 80 Highest in race
Going: -3 Only 3 from best
Weight: -3 Only 3 from best
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Jazz Scene has the top LTO number plus strong suitability conditions, making it reasonable to expect him to reproduce his recent speed figure.
3. Top Rated Figure + Top Course Figure
A powerful combination that often highlights a strong performance setup: a horse with the highest true ability figure and a proven record at today’s track.
What to look for:
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Highest 12-month Top Figure in the race
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Highest Course Figure in the race
Why it matters:
Some horses naturally peak at certain tracks. When the top-ability horse is also proven at today’s course, the setup often allows them to run close to their ceiling.
Using B Associates as an example:
Top 12 month figure: 84 - Highest in the race​
Top Course figure: 84 - Highest in the race
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B Associates is clear on both the 12-month Paceform Figure and the Course column, indicating he is the runner who can most reliably reproduce a high figure under today's conditions.
Worked Example:
→ Figures In Focus: Marching Mac – When Ability Meets Course Suitability
4. Horses Returning to Their Preferred Surface (AW/Turf Switches)
Some horses run to a much higher level on one surface compared to the other. When a horse has been running on its less suitable surface but now returns to its preferred one — and has proven figures to support it — this can create one of the most potent setups on the Paceform Figures.
What to look for:
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A horse whose recent runs were on the “wrong” surface
(e.g., turf runs shown as red boxes) -
A strong historical figure on today’s surface
(e.g., previous AW run shown as a high white-box figure) -
Conditions today that match their stronger surface profile
Why it matters:
Horses often show clear surface preferences.
When a horse returns to its best surface — and you can see a previously strong figure there — they become far more likely to reproduce that level today.
Using Drama as an example:
Best AW Figure: 94 – Highest AW figure in the race
Recent Turf Runs: Lower red-box figures – below AW peak
Surface Return Profile:
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Returning to AW today
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Proven AW figure: 94 – clear career-best
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Conditions (course / distance / going) all support a return to his peak AW figure
Drama has been running below his peak on turf, but his best AW figure of 94 stands out as the strongest surface-specific rating in the race.
With the return to his preferred surface and matching suitability conditions, he is well-set to reproduce a much higher level today.
Worked Example:
→ Figures In Focus: Drama – When a Surface Switch Restores the Signal
5. Unexposed Improvers (Lightly-Raced, Progressing Horses)
Horses early in their careers often make big forward steps because they haven’t yet had many chances to show their true level. The Paceform Figures highlight these improvers when their numbers trend upward with racing.
What to look for:
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Progressive figures across recent runs (they don’t need to improve every run, but the general trend should be upward)
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A strong LTO figure — ideally their highest to date
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Limited career runs, shown by fewer boxes in the panel
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Opposition that is more exposed and has already shown its ceiling
Why it matters:
Lightly-raced runners may be unproven under some conditions simply because they haven’t had many opportunities. But when their latest figure is the best of their career and they are still improving, they are often the horses with the most upside in the field.
These are runners to be aware of — especially when taking on rivals who have already revealed their level.
Using Antrim as an example:
LTO Figure: 85 – Highest of his career
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Profile Notes:
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Only 4 career runs – lightly raced
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Best figure came LTO – clear progression
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Rivals more exposed and have shown their level
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Antrim has produced his highest figure to date on his most recent start and remains lightly raced compared with his rivals. With a progressive profile and further improvement likely, he stands out as the runner most likely to take another step forward today.
Worked Example:
→ Figures In Focus: Westcombe – When Improvement Reveals Itself
6. The Best Compromise Horse (Overall Profile Strength)
Not every race contains a standout across all categories.
Often the most reliable proposition is the runner who ticks enough key boxes — the one whose overall profile is strongest, even if they are not top-rated in any single measure.
This angle identifies the horse most likely to run to their figure today based on all-round balance.
What to look for:
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A solid LTO figure
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A competitive 12-month Top Figure
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Suitable conditions (course / distance / going / weight)
Why it matters:
Races rarely contain the “perfect figures” horse. More commonly, they are the horses whose combined profile gives them the highest chance of reproducing their figure today.
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Not necessarily top-rated
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Not necessarily highest LTO
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But the strongest overall profile when all indicators are weighed together
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These horses often prove the most solid in races lacking a clear standout.
Using Buddy Batt as an example:
LTO Figure: 86 – Highest in the race
12-month Top Figure: 86 – Third highest in the race
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Suitability:
Course / Distance / Going / Weight: All align with reproducing his peak figure of 86 today
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Buddy Batt combines the strongest recent figure with suitability conditions that clearly support him running to that level again today. With rivals either lacking recent form or showing historic peaks outside the last 12 months, he presents the most solid overall profile in the race.
Use these Angles & Insights to add context, confidence, and clarity to the Paceform Figures.
Combine them with your own judgement and you’ll consistently spot the horses most likely to run to their true ability.
Now explore today’s cards and apply the angles.