Understanding Horse Racing Line Figures: A Beginner's Guide

Question
I'm relatively new to this. I've been reading Brad Free's Handicapping 101, and I have a couple of questions. What do the figures on the line to the left of each horse's previous racing class mean (pace line, racing line, I get confused) and how do you interpret them?

The other question is: the book mentions the "Beyer Speed Rating par for this racecourse" How do you find this information?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Nora,
As I live in New Zealand I am not familiar with the ratings information systems you mention.
I suggest you ring your local racing reporter on your local newspaper or contact a racing club near you.
You will find a lot of contacts in www.jockeysite.com.
Good luck with your research,
Don Boddie

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