Overview:
Betting the highest speed figure is easy—and over time it usually loses because the public sees the same number. Fractional Charting from Today’s Racing Digest looks forward, not backward. It projects how today’s race is likely to unfold: early pace, likely leaders, closing strength, and an expected final time for each contender. That’s information you can plan around.
In this horse racing handicapping video, Jarrod Horak discuss how to use Fractional Charting to make money at the racetrack.
He used the Breeders’ Cup Friday Today’s Racing Digest Fractional Charting past performance data as examples. The Breeders’ Cup Friday program was held at Del Mar Racetrack on October 31, 2025 and included the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.
Winners:
BC Juvenile Turf Sprint: Cy Fair.
BC Juvenile Fillies: Super Corredora.
BC Juvenile Fillies Turf: Balantina.
BC Juvenile: Ted Noffey.
BC Juvenile Turf: Gstaad.
What Fractional Charting Is (and Why It Matters)
- Representative line selection: Experienced Digest handicappers identify the most telling past-performance line for each horse.
- Modeling and adjustments: Projections incorporate par times, class standards, surface/distance changes, and track bias.
- Actionable view: You get projected quarter/half/¾ splits, likely pace pressure, best last fraction (finishing kick), and ranked projected finals.
What this helps you do:
- Avoid overbet favorites that only have a top raw figure.
- Recognize pace setups—lone speed, speed duel, or closer-friendly shapes.
- Build exotic tickets with intention instead of guesswork.
How to Read the Chart (Step-by-Step)
- Compare par times to projected splits. If two or more want the lead above par, expect pressure up front.
- Flag the top projected final time(s). These are your most likely winners; price still matters.
- Find the best last fraction. On turf, this is often decisive. On dirt, it’s a key underneath piece unless the race collapses.
- Account for changes. Surface, distance, class, and bias notes are already factored—don’t fight them.
- Build by scenario:
- Normal pace: Key the top projected final; use logical followers and the best last fraction underneath.
- Speed duel: Upgrade the best last fraction and mid-pack sustainers.
- Lone speed: Give the projected leader more win equity; still use the best last fraction for second/third.
- Manage exposure. Let the projections guide your verticals; keep win bets disciplined.
What the Video Shows (Del Mar, Oct 31 — Breeders’ Cup Friday)
Names/odds below reflect the spoken transcript. Verify spellings against the official program before publishing.
| Race | Chart Signal | Outcome (per video) | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Best last fraction — Vodka Vodka | Won ~12-1 | Late kick plus tactical speed can beat the public’s choice. |
| R2 | Top projected final — Conducted | Won $5.40 | “A” horse wins; best last fraction Proton runs second (~6-1) → clean exacta. |
| R3 | Co-top projected final — Mo Haven | Won $5.60 | Co-tops are fine; use price and trip to separate. |
| R4 | Top projected final — Queen Maxima | Won $4.80 | Chalk the chart supports; best last fraction Navy Bell third (~5-1). |
| R5 | Top projected final — Ocean Bear | Won ~$6.60 | When chart and tote agree, execute the plan. |
| R6 | Top final + best last — (verify name) | Won ~5-1 ($12) | Double signal; reasonable key. |
| R7 | Best last fraction — Super Corodora | Won $19.60 | Value closer beats the favorite; exacta was straightforward. |
| R9 | Top projected final — Ted Nafi | Won $3.60 | Use strong chalk as a lever in verticals. |
| R10 | Top projected final — Stark Contrast | 2nd at 58-1 | Massive exotic boost; Super Hi-5 ~$14k for 50¢ per transcript. |
Takeaway: The chart identified multiple winners via top projected finals and pointed to prices through the best last fraction. That’s the kind of guidance that improves decision-making.
When to Lean on “Best Last Fraction”
- Turf routes and sprints: Finishing strength wins many of these races.
- Projected speed duel: Above-par early pace from multiple runners favors a strong closer.
- Crowded fields with similar raw figures: The last-fraction edge often separates the trifecta.
When “Top Projected Final” Usually Holds
- Orderly pace or clear class edge.
- Short fields where the best horse controls position.
- Situations where passing on the favorite is needless risk.
Why Use Today’s Racing Digest
- Established since 1970. Long track record serving serious players.
- Complete Digest: Fractional Charting, Race Header, Fire Numbers (whole-race speed), Fast Figs, Pace/Final-Time Ratings, Class/Performance Ratings, plus wagering strategies—in one download.
- Professional curation: Representative lines chosen by handicappers, not by a blind scrape.
- Practical edge: Converts past data and context into a clear plan for win keys and vertical structures
FAQs
Isn’t the top speed figure enough?
No. It’s widely visible and often overbet. Fractional Charting focuses on today’s expected pace and finishing dynamics.
When is the best last fraction most useful?
Turf races, likely pace duels, and any setup where finishing kick decides the outcome.
How should I bet around this information?
Key the top projected final on top when appropriate. Use best last fraction and other projected beneficiaries underneath in exactas, trifectas, supers, and Super Hi-5. Keep win bets selective.
Do surface/distance/class changes matter?
Yes—and they’re built into the chart via pars, class standards, and bias notes. Trust the adjustments.
Any bankroll guidance?
Let the projections shape your verticals. Size tickets sensibly; exotics carry variance.