I primarily use Speed/Pace as the backbone of my handicapping.
To my way of thinking the Race is over when the winner crosses the finish line, drawing a line thru this, I compute the actual/approx. distance each runner has covered when the winner crosses the line.

I use two crosshairs to pinpoint each runners pace, the first is based on converting the beaten margin by winners speed and secondly using a speed based on Best Times to 99%.

Furthermore when analysising futures races instead of looking at the Distance of todays race its more about looking at each ontenders ability to race over set distances.

I'd love to add more to the above, but this is my substantial edge.

The more ppl turned off using times the better is my way of thinking.

But its food for thought.