It's about time to consider reforming the way our races are timed

[hi_im_god]

it's impossible to disagree with the basic premise that a uniform standard for timing races would be a good thing. but i'm not sure this is the worst thing ever from a handicapping viewpoint.

it's more difficult to make a good figure if you aren't on the gate crew. but unless you're seriously overvaluing the first split how much does this actually matter?

if the first fraction is an unreliable variable would it be a bad thing to just ignore it and substitute lengths ahead/behind?