Who's fastest? Comparing Derby contenders' speed figures

Speed figures, of course, only show how fast horses have run — not how fast they could run. But Beyer and TimeformUS speed figures, along with Brisnet Speed Ratings, can give us an idea of who belongs near the top of your 2018 Kentucky Derby wagers.

For instance, Classic Empire and Always Dreaming sported some of the top figures heading into last year’s race at Churchill Downs. But Classic Empire posted his number as a juvenile. Always Dreaming peaked at the right time and won.

“I look at them,” said Mike Battaglia, who has set the Derby’s morning line more than 40 years, on figures. “I try to find a horse that has a little worse Beyer — that’s probably better than what the Beyer says.”

No matter how you use them, consider speed figures part of the equation. Here, we’ve listed the last three numbers from each source to help with your handicapping.