Using Beyer Speed Figures

[Zippy Chippy]

I was listening to today's ATRAB broadcast, and Steve said that there is no such thing as a stupid question . . . hopefully I don't prove him wrong . . .

I just got done with reading Picking Winners, and of course Beyer tells all about how he came up with his speed figures and how he creates them. I understand the concept, and I guess half of the work is done because the figures are already calculated and printed in DRF. I'm a newb, and I have heard and read about people "misusing" the speed figures when handicapping. I guess my question is, what is the "right way" to use Beyer speed figures?

Again, I apologize for the newb question-- I just want to make sure that I understand them correctly. All respondents will win a free Santa Anita t-shirt