What are Timeform Ratings?
Timeform Ratings are numerical performance figures used to evaluate racehorses, primarily in the UK and Europe, though they’re increasingly recognized by international handicappers. They aim to measure how well a horse ran in a given race based on speed, weight carried, race conditions, and the quality of competition.
Unlike traditional speed figures that are tied directly to final time (like Beyer Speed Figures), Timeform Ratings take a broader view of performance and include context, such as how strong the pace was or whether the horse was eased late.
The higher the rating, the better the performance. In general:
- A rating above 120 is considered Group/Grade 1 level
- 100–115 is typically competitive in listed or allowance-level races
- Top-class horses like Frankel have earned ratings above 140
Where Timeform Ratings Are Used
Timeform Ratings originated in Britain and are widely used throughout European racing. The Timeform organization publishes horse ratings, race analysis, and sectional data across the UK and Ireland, and also provides select ratings for major international runners.
In the U.S., Timeform US offers an adjusted version of the rating system tailored for American racing. Timeform US ratings are focused more on pace and final speed, often displayed with early and late pace figures as well.
How Timeform Ratings Are Calculated
While the exact formulas are proprietary, the core components include:
- The horse’s finishing time and how it compares to standard times
- The weight carried by the horse
- The strength of the competition
- Pace and race flow
- Ground conditions
Unlike some speed figures that adjust only for time and track, Timeform’s methodology attempts to reflect how the race actually unfolded—accounting for horses who were compromised by pace, wide trips, or other factors.
Timeform also offers two types of ratings:
- Performance ratings: what the horse achieved in a specific race
- Master ratings: the horse’s best rating to date, used for comparison
Why Timeform Ratings Matter
For handicappers, Timeform Ratings provide a trusted, consistent way to evaluate form—especially when comparing horses from different regions. They're especially helpful in turf races, where final time can be misleading due to varying pace setups or ground conditions.
In big international events like the Breeders’ Cup, Dubai World Cup, or Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Timeform Ratings can be a valuable tool to understand how European or foreign runners stack up against American competition.
Timeform US figures, meanwhile, offer a pace-based alternative to Beyer Speed Figures, which some players find more predictive, especially in sprints or speed-favoring setups.
Final Thoughts
Timeform Ratings are a widely respected tool for evaluating racehorse performance across regions and surfaces. Whether you’re following European turf racing or just looking for a deeper read on an international contender, Timeform offers a performance-based view that goes beyond raw time or finish position.
Want to blend ratings with real-time outcomes and pace projections? Visit the EquinEdge Race Results page to track how top-rated horses are performing across different circuits.