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| March 20, 2024, 5:36 p.m.
The comments in a past performance chart can seem like Greek to most. However, the limited space available on the page and the objective of fitting as much data as possible into the chart require comments to use abbreviations to save space. Below are standard abbreviations you will find in past performance comments.
This term refers to the horse's position from the rail. For instance, 3w means the horse is 3-wide or three lanes away from the inside rail.
This is the curve or turn of the track. 6w 1st would mean the horse is 6-wide on the first turn.
The "path" refers to the lane the horse is running in. 2p, for example, means 2-path, indicating that the horse is in the second path outside another horse. "Dueled in 2p" implies that the horse was contending for the lead on the outside of another horse.
This refers to the pole marker or the fractional distance from the finish line. For example, 1/16 is 1/16th of a mile from the finish line, while 1/4 is a quarter mile from the finish line. 6w 1/4 pl means the horse was 6-wide when it was a quarter mile away from the finish line.
This term is used when a horse is in the lead and is under intense pressure to maintain its lead against another competitor.
This refers to a horse being unhurried during the early stages of a race, allowing it to find its best stride.
This phrase is used when a horse has to change paths during a race, typically during the stretch run.
This describes when a rider, on an unimpeded horse, opts to change the horse's running path to the inside to avoid potential congestion. This move generally happens when the horse enters the stretch and is done gradually.
This is when a rider, on an unimpeded horse, decides to change the horse's running path to the outside to avoid potential congestion. This typically happens when the horse enters the stretch and is a gradual maneuver.
This term is used when a horse has the victory secured, and the margin of victory is determined by how much pressure the rider applies.
This is when a horse takes the lead at any point during the race. This term should be used in conjunction with a position on the track (e.g., assumed command at the quarter pole).
This term is used at the start when a horse ducks in or out sharply. The horse moves across at least three stall lengths in front of the starting gate before being straightened. The horse should be well behind the rest of the field after being straightened.
This term is used at the start and should only be applied when horses break significantly quicker than the rest of the field. Typically, no more than one or two horses should break sharply in the same race. This term can be used interchangeably with "Broke Sharply".
This term refers to when a horse is generally outrun during the early stages but gets into gear too late to overtake the leaders. The horse finishes with good energy and, in most instances, moves fastest at the finish line.
This term is self-explanatory.
This term is used during the running of a race when a horse drives up alongside the leader(s), appears poised to win, but then cannot gain further on the leaders and finishes evenly.
This term is used when a horse bleeds from the nostrils either during the race or when returning to be unsaddled. It is always a good idea to check if a horse has bled if it stops suddenly during the race.
This term is used when a horse tries to make a move during the race but has no room to run due to other horses in front of it. Generally, when horses are blocked, they have to be steadied, and these two comments are commonly used together. This term can be used interchangeably with "Boxed".
This term is primarily used at the start, but can be applied in other instances. Horses bobble when they break awkwardly in tight quarters. This term can be used interchangeably with "Broke in a Tangle" or "Stumbled".
This term is used when a horse bears out sharply during turns. It's more severe than BORE OUT as the horse quickly ends up well past the middle of the track.
This applies when a horse swiftly and uncontrollably moves inward. This term is best seen when reviewing the head-on shot on videotape replays. It's interchangeable with LUGGED IN.
This term is the exact opposite of BORE IN.
Refer to BLOCKED.
This term is used when a horse shows speed during the early stages of a race but then tires.
This term is used when a horse shows some early speed and then drops out of contention.
This term applies at the start when a horse's front legs leave the ground, resulting in a poor start. While all horses' legs are off the ground a bit, in this case, the horse is significantly in the air, compromising its position. Note: Horses that break in the air should mostly be categorized as "good for all but.." in the start line.
This term is used at the start when a horse starts awkwardly or the ground breaks away under it, taking it a while to find its best stride. Note: Horses that break in a tangle should generally be listed as "good for all but..." in the start line.
Refer to AWAY ALERTLY.
This term is used at the start when the horse doesn't have any other excuse, except that it began a bit behind the rest of the field. The horse wasn't bumped, steadied, bobbled, or unprepared for the start, but simply left the gate a bit late.
This term is used at the start when a horse forces its way through the starting gate before the start.
As the name suggests, it refers to any broken equipment. Note: If horses bear out or bolt on the turns, it's a good idea to check if they have some broken equipment, like a rein or iron.
This term is used when a horse either makes slight contact with a rival or has the contact initiated by another horse. It's similar to "bumped" but less intense.
This term is generally used at the start or shortly thereafter. Instead of settling into stride, a horse behaves erratically and rank, similar to a bucking horse in a rodeo.
This term is used when a horse is bumped by another horse. The horse initiating the bumping is the one being referred to. It should be accompanied by another descriptive term, such as "bumped rival" or "bumped by rival."
This term applies when a horse takes the lead, loses it to a rival, then regains ground. The horse doesn't necessarily have to win, but should be gaining ground on the leaders at the finish.
As implied, this term is used when a horse is forced out by another rival.
This term is used when a horse is running close to the leader without challenging for the lead.
This applies when a rider has to adjust his mount's stride due to encountering traffic trouble. This term can be interchangeably used with 'steadied'.
This is used when a horse has to steady or adjust multiple times when racing in tight quarters. Refer to 'checked' for a more detailed explanation.
This is used when a horse has to take the widest path to reach contention. It applies when a horse must pass four or more rivals.
This happens when a horse runs up behind a rival, or is caught in tight quarters and its front legs clip the hind legs of the horse directly in front. This can be identified by the jockey having to sharply adjust his horse's stride. In some instances, the jockey may lose his irons or the horse may fall.
This term describes when a horse is finishing the race with good speed, gaining lengths on the leaders.
This is when a horse gains ground on the leaders during the stretch run.
This is when a horse is racing in a good position, usually a few lengths behind the leaders.
This is when a horse steadily makes up ground during the late stages of a race.
This describes when a horse is moving fastest of all during the late stages of a race, gaining on the leaders with every stride.
This is when a horse is within striking range, typically within eight lengths of the leaders.
The term "disliked track" usually refers to horses running on an "off" track. These horses struggle to settle into their stride (i.e., climbing) and seem unable to recover during any part of the race.
A "distanced" horse is one that is significantly outrun, typically 25 lengths or more behind the next closest finisher, but still completes the race.
"Drew clear" describes a horse that moves into the lead at some point in the race and opens a margin of two lengths or more over the closest competitor.
"Drew even" refers to a horse that comes nose-to-nose with the leader.
"Drew off" describes a horse that gains the lead and then opens a clear advantage. This term is only used when a horse is in front. However, it doesn't necessarily mean the horse has to win (e.g., drew off the turn, weakened mid-stretch).
"Drifted" is a less severe description of horses that bore out or bolted. It only pertains to a horse’s course during the stretch run and can only be determined by reviewing the head-on shot of the videotape replay. Horses that drift do so gradually. Any more deliberate movements to the outside should be classified as bore out or bolted.
"Driving" is only used for the winner. It describes a horse that is under constant pressure, either through whipping or a strong hand ride, to prevail.
"Dropped back" describes a horse that raced close up during the early part of a race, then lost ground. It should generally be used in conjunction with "brief speed."
"Ducked in gap" is used when a horse moves into a gap between the temporary railing set up for some races that start out of a chute, then makes a sharp left-hand turn onto the main track.
"Dueled" is used when two or more horses compete head-to-head for the lead for an extended period.
This term is used when a horse fails to be a factor at any point during the race. It is interchangeable with several others, including No Threat, No Factor, Failed To Menace, Trailed Throughout, etc.
This term is used only at the start to describe a horse that stays in the gate after the rest of the field has broken. The horse then breaks several lengths behind the rest of the field.
This term describes a situation when a horse is well behind the leaders, and the rider has determined that the horse is hopelessly beaten and allows it to gallop along under no pressure.
This term is used when a horse wins a race and is under no pressure at any point during the race to control its rivals.
This term is used when a horse is in contention, and the jockey asks it to respond, either through the use of the whip or strong hand urging. If the horse does not respond to these tactics, it is referred to as coming up empty.
A horse is considered to race erratically when it "runs in spots", moving to contention, dropping back, coming on again, dropping back, etc. Young horses with little or no racing experience could also race erratically, swerving in and out. In this case, the term could be used instead of Greenly.
This term is used when a horse maintains a relative position behind the leaders throughout the entire race and never offers much of a bid.
This term is used when a horse races in contention during the early stages of a race, then falls back.
This term describes a horse's entire performance. It applies to a horse that raced near the back of the field the entire way and did not make significant gains on the leaders at any point. This term is interchangeable with terms like No Threat and Failed to Respond.
This is similar to Failed To Menace, with one subtle difference. If a jockey is noticeably trying to get his horse to respond and the horse does not, it is said to have Failed To Respond.
This term applies to a horse that moves into contention at some point during the race, then lacks further response and either finishes evenly or falls back.
Along with a few other comments, this term describes a horse that loses ground during a race. In other words, it backs off the leaders, generally in the late stages. This term is interchangeable with Weakened, Tired, Gave Way, etc.
This term is used when a horse is more than 20 lengths behind the leaders.
This term refers to races where the leading horses set fractional times that are significantly faster than normal for the distance.
As implied, this term is used when a horse falls. This could be caused by a number of factors, including clipping heels, stumbling, breaking down, or even taking a bad step. Fell should be accompanied by another explanatory comment such as Clipped Heels, Stumbled, Fell Over Rival, etc.
A horse that closed a good deal of ground through the stretch run. IT MAY BE INTERCHANGEABLE WITH FOUND BEST STRIDE LATE.
A horse that throws his shoe, either in the paddock or during the post parade and has to be returned to the paddock to be reshod.
When a horse moves to a contending position, then cannot gain significantly and finishes evenly.
Term used only at the start. It refers to a horse that is acting up in the gate, then rears up and either falls backward or becomes hung up in the gate. In nearly all instances, the horse also loses his rider in the process.
A horse that is forced to race wide due to the fact that another horse is either getting out or bolting. It is also possible that there are three or four horses across the track which forces a horse very wide to gain contention. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH CARRIED OUT.
See FORCED OUT.
Used only at the start, this term is used for horses that are acting up more than normal in the starting gate, and possibly for a horse that unseats his rider or takes an unusually long time in entering the starting gate.
post-paradeAs logic would indicate, this term is for a horse that is acting up considerably during the post parade. He could be lunging in the air, running off despite the efforts of his jockey, or generally being unruly.
When a horse gains ground quickly on the leaders during the stretch run.
When a horse wins a race but has been put to extreme pressure by his rider to hold off rivals.
See ASSUMED COMMAND.
Although this term is similar to FOUND BEST STRIDE LATE and FINISHED WELL, there is a subtle difference in that this type of rally is more of a slow, steady gain rather than a quicker burst of speed associated with the other two terms.
A horse that narrowly misses victory. He has either dueled for command from the outset and gave way grudgingly in the late stages, or set all the pace and just missed.
Another term for a horse that loses ground after becoming a factor during some stage of the race.
A horse that breaks alertly, shows races up near the leaders, then tires.
Term similar to GAMELY, but has a slightly different connotation. This is more of an editorial comment for a horse that turned in a solid performance, but failed to come away with a victory for any number of reasons. He could have overcome traffic problems, dueled for command throughout, or may have been forced to race wide throughout while finishing well and may have been best with better racing luck.
When a horse is well placed off the leaders, offering the opportunity to rally for the victory.
When a horse is able to successfully move into an opening, either along the rail or between horses.
Generally used for horses with little or no racing experience. They either race forwardly, drop back, the come again, or weave in and out during the stretch run. This term is similar to, but not exactly the same as ERRATIC.
Term applies only to a winner. Describes a horse that is well in command during the final furlong, is under no encouragement, and is taken well in hand by his rider.
A horse that was hard ridden during some stage of the race, generally to keep up with another horse while dueling for the lead. In most instances, a horse that is hard-used will tire during the late stages.
When a horse has the lead, then another rival briefly gains a short advantage. Generally this term is used when the horse in question retakes the lead at another point in the race.
When a horse finishes second but has enough left to hold off the rest of the field.
When a horse finished well enough to hold his position through the stretch run.
Term used only at the start. A horse that bounces off the side of the gate at the break due to one of a number of factors. This incident can only be seen through reviewing the head-on videotape replay of the race.
As implied, this term is used for a horse that hits the inner rail at some point during the race. A horse could hit the rail for a number of reasons, including ducking in and hitting the rail due to his own efforts or being forced in by another horse when in tight quarters, hitting the rail.
This generally occurs during the stretch drive when two horses are dueling for the lead and are lapped on one another. With both riders hitting their mounts, it is possible for one horse to be hit by the other rider’s whip inadvertently.
A horse that is being kept to urging, either by the use of the whip or strong hand urging to keep up or maintain position.
A horse that looks like he is going to emerge as the winner, driving right up alongside the leader(s) but just does not have enough to go by, and flattens out or finishes evenly.
A term describing a riding style in which a jockey is trying to conserve a horse’s energy for the later stages of a race. It can be used for a horse running on the lead, with the rider slowing down the pace, or for a late-running sort who does not want to be rushed before launching his bid.
A horse that is experiencing traffic troubles during a certain point of the race. If a horse lacks racing room due to bunching of the field, or his rider has to check or steady in traffic, he is IN TIGHT.
Term describing a horse’s positioning on the track. It is particularly effective for handicappers who are trying to determine track bias and for trip handicappers. It is just as important as noting how wide a horse has raced.
This term is helpful, especially when a jockey has claimed foul against another horse in the field and the stewards determined that there was insufficient evidence to warrant a disqualification. Obviously, the rider felt that he was impeded in some manner and should be a benefit to the handicapper in the horse’s next outing.
When the horse has the lead but is narrowly beaten by a rival in the late going.
A term similar to ALL OUT describes a horse struggling to hold on to a diminishing lead but hanging on for the victory. The term JUST LASTED should be used only for a horse that wins.
A horse that, as opposed to one that JUST LASTED, was gaining ground with every stride and with just a bit more ground, would likely have emerged with a win. Obviously, horses that just missed would have been beaten in a photo finish.
In most instances, this would refer to a horse that had jumped tracks left across the racing surface by the starting gate. This horse left his feet and was thrown off stride.
A horse that jumps shadows that cover the track from time to time. As with JUMPED TRACKS, the horse left his feet and was thrown off stride for a brief time.
A horse that has moved to contention, then lacks that final closing kick that could carry him to victory, or a horse that is well placed from the outset, but cannot muster a rally.
When a horse closes ground through the stretch run, finishing closer to the leaders than he was when entering the stretch.
As with a number of other terms such as FINISHED WELL, GAINING, and FOUND BEST STRIDE LATE, this describes a horse that is steadily closing ground through the stretch run after racing off the pace.
This term is especially helpful for handicappers who are reviewing race result information. Sometimes a horse gains the lead between our points of call, then is not in front at the next point of call. This insight will provide serious handicappers with additional information.
A horse that wins the race in front-running fashion, leading virtually every step of the way.
A horse that was under strong left-handed whipping by his rider.
A horse that was kept to pressure for an unusually long period of time . Most horses have a burst of speed for about an eighth of a mile, however, others can prevail after a prolonged drive and this in when this term comes into use.
When a horse moves rapidly to challenge for the lead.
A horse that does not have a smooth stride. The reasons for a horse to lose action are varied, but can include that he disliked the track, has to steady for some reason or another, or was rank.
When a horse loses lengths between one point and another in the race. In many instances, a horse loses ground when he is forced to race wide or encounters traffic problems.
When a jockey loses one or both of his stirrups during the race. In many instances, a rider loses his irons at the start due to the fact that a horse does not break cleanly and throws him off balance, or when a horse stumbles or checks sharply in traffic. The best way to find if a rider lost his irons is to review the head on video tape replay closely.
This occurs when a rider falls off his horse for any of a number of reasons. Horses lose their riders frequently at the start when they stumble, or when a rider has to avoid other fallen horses or riders during a spill.
This applies to a jockey who has lost his whip during the running of a race. Again, close attention to the head-on shot of the videotape replay will show this. Note: When a rider loses his whip, it is important to indicate where he lost it.
This term is the exact opposite of LUGGED OUT. IT IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH BORE IN.
A horse that pulls outward, generally during the stretch run despite his rider’s efforts.. It can be best seen by reviewing the head on video replay. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH BORE OUT.
As implied, this term is used only at the start and describes a horse that lunges into the air at the break. It is essentially the same as BROKE IN AIR, but not quite as severe.
This term is another designed to help the serious handicapper. A middle move occurs when a horse moves quickly to contention during the middle stages of a race, then lacks a further response and finishes evenly.
When a horse races in the mid range of horses in the field. (e.g. a horse running fifth, sixth or seventh in a field of twelve is racing in the middle of the pack).
When a horse makes a slight gain in position to move within challenging range.
As with a number of other terms, this describes when a horse makes up ground during the stretch run. In this instance, the gain is minimal.
When the fractional times of a race are slightly slower than the norm for the distance.
Used only with a horse that has won the race. He drew out to an authoritative win, and as indicated, was a superior animal on this particular day.
A horse that raced in contention during the early stages of a race. He was racing in good position. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH WELL PLACED.
This term should be used to describe a riding style in which a jockey did a good job of either slowing down the pace, or conserving a horse’s energy. A horse that was nicely rated was allowed to relax, and more often than not produced a good effort.
As implied, this refers to a horse that was well placed within striking distance, but failed to produce the needed winning response.
A horse that failed to be prominent at any point in the race.
This term should be used only with a horse that has finished second. In this instance the winner was a clearly superior animal, but the horse in question was second best.
When a horse is in position to be a sharp factor, then lacked the needed response once called upon. THIS TERM IN INTERCHANGEABLE WITH FAILED TO RESPOND, LACKED LATE RESPONSE.
Term applies to a horse that shows no speed at all during the entire race. It is an alternative to NO FACTOR or OUTRUN.
Used to describe a horse that runs an even race and was not really a factor at any point. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH NO FACTOR.
Term used only at the start. As with its opposite AWAY ALERTLY, we are referring to a horse that breaks cleanly, but a few lengths slower than the rest of the field. Horses that are off slowly do not necessarily have to be noted in the “good for all but...” category in the start line. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH BROKE SLOWLY.
Used to describe a horse that is in sharp contention during the late stages of a race, then lacked the needed surge to gain a victory. He may be turning in his best effort, but may not be good enough on this particular day.
Term applies to a horse’s entire performance when he races well back during the entire race. He was either overmatched or for some reason or other was never a factor in the outcome. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH NO THREAT OR NO FACTOR.
A horse is gaining position, but only because others in the race are tiring, and he is finishing evenly. The horse in question is moving up in racing position (i.e., moving from eighth to sixth position), but it is not gaining ground significantly on the leaders.
This term is another used as an aid to the serious handicappers, and in particular, trip handicappers. It describes a horse that has experienced no traffic trouble during the race and was not forced to race wide at any point (saved ground).
Term generally used at the start. It is used when a horse is forced to steady slightly when one rival comes in and another comes out, with the horse in question left with no room to run, therefore steadying or checking. It can also be used during the running of a race. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH IN TIGHT.
This term refers to a case where a horse has good speed and is forcing the pace set by a rival or rivals.
This term is used only for a winner. It describes a situation when a horse has been put on an extended drive with stiff competition and emerges with a game win.
When a horse should have won the race, but does not due to factors such as having to steady at a critical point in the race, racing wide, etc.
Term used to describe a horse that does not finish a race. His jockey is trying to bring his mount to a complete stop due to a number of reasons, generally unsoundness.
When a horse gains lengths on the leader very rapidly.
This term is another for horses that are gaining ground significantly through the stretch run. IT IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH CLOSED WILLINGLY, FINISHED WELL AND LATE RALLY.
A horse that is fractious or rank in the post parade gets the best of his rider and runs off prior to or during the warm-up period.
Used to describe a horse that is fighting his jockey and is unmanageable.
Used only at the start. A horse who stands in the gate after the starter has opened the gates and will not come out. Note that horses that refuse to break MUST be listed as “good for all but...” at the start line.
A horse that returns to be unsaddled following the running or a race that is limping noticeably.
A horse that returned sore is one that is walking gingerly when returning to be unsaddled. When he stops to have his saddle removed, he may stand with his legs spread unusually far apart. Use this term with discretion.
Term used only to describe a winner. A RIDDEN OUT winner is one who is under intermittent urging (whipping) by his rider or under a mild hand ride through the final furlong.
This term applies to a horse that is under right-handed whipping.
Used to describe a horse that experienced a number of incidents that compromised his chances of winning. (e.g. a horse that steadied at the start, was in tight on the turn, forced was forced to alter course, etc.).
This is used to describe a horse that has experienced traffic problems. His jockey has been forced to steady him because a rival has impeded his progress. He has been bumped and jostled around.
When a hockey asks his mount to respond, either by strong hand urging or by using the whip.
This occurs when a horse makes a quick move to become a sharp factor. He may either sustain his bid, or flatten out.
When a horse makes a quick move from off the leaders to take command.
This term is used when a chart caller observes that the saddle on a horse has moved either backward or sideways due to the fact that the girth, which holds the saddle in place has not been tightened properly. When a horse’s saddle slips, in most instances the jockey loses proper balance and cannot control his mount.
Term applies when a horse that is quite competitive is dueling with another rival and he reaches out, attempting to bite them. This term generally shows up well when reviewing the head on video tape replay.
This term is used to describe the trip that the horse had during the race. If a horse is allowed to stay inside, just off the inner rail throughout, he SAVED GROUND.
Obviously, this term is used for a horse that finishes second, and is clearly superior to the rest of horses in the field.
When a horse is racing in the second group of horses in a race. Generally there is a group of horses dueling for the lead, then another group a few lengths back. A horse in the second group is racing in the second flight.
This term describes a situation where a horse is leading at any point during a race. (e.g. SET PACE for a half, SET PACE to deep stretch, etc.).
When a horse is racing on the lead, but has a rival in close pursuit less than a length back.
This term is another used to describe a horse’s entire race. If he was not in contention at any point, he SHOWED LITTLE. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH NO FACTOR, NO THREAT, OUTRUN, ETC.
In most instances, this term is used at the start, when a horse becomes sandwiched between rivals. He does not have to steady sharply, however he does lose valuable position. This term may also be used when horses are bunched and lose position.
This term is descriptive of a case in which a horse is caught in traffic with no racing room. In most instances, the jockey will have to take up when in this situation.
This term is generally reserved for stretch runners. Many horses have to settle into stride for a period of time before launching their bid and this is a good descriptive term to categorize this running style.
When the fractional times of a race are substantially slower than the average times for that distance.
This term should be used in conjunction with a position on the track to indicate that a horse was prominent to this point (e.g., speed to upper stretch).
As implied, this term refers to a horse that moves between horses to gain contention.
Term generally used at the start. It occurs when a horse is sandwiched between rivals, losing valuable ground. IT IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH PINCHED BACK.
used to describe a situation when a horse is allowed to press the pace while still in hand. IT IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH PRESSED PACE.
This term is interchangeable with CHECKED and refers to a condition when a jockey has to take a strong hold on his mount due to the fact that he is experiencing traffic trouble. In most cases, a horse that has to steady is thrown off stride momentarily. If the steadying incident is not severe you may use steadied briefly, or if the incident in more pronounced, steadied sharply.
This term may be used to describe a horse that made constant, even progress to contention.
This term is a description of a horse who gives way suddenly or races forwardly and tires badly.
This occurs when a horse either loses his footing at the start and is scrambling to regain his best stride, or when he is caught in tight quarters and forced to steady. Another possibility is when a horse clips a rival’s heels.
As implied, this term is used when a horse changes course suddenly, either inward or outward.
When a horse is taken farther out from the inner rail to secure racing room.
When a horse is restrained by his rider during the early stages of a race. In most instances, this tactic is used by a rider when the pace is too fast or to allow a late-running horse to settle into stride before launching his bid.
Another term to describe a horse that encounters traffic problems, forcing his rider to pull up on the reins. It generally forces a horse to alter his stride and lose ground.
Term used when a horse races forwardly for some period during the race, then loses ground. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH GAVE WAY, WEAKENED, FALTERED, ETC.
When a horse is prominent during the first half mile of a race, either setting or prompting the pace, then tires significantly.
When a horse shows brief speed then drops back during the early stages of a race.
This self-explanatory term is used when a horse is racing last during any portion of the race.
When a horse is racing on the lead with no pressure exerted by his rivals.
This term is used to describe a horse that is allowed to settle into stride before launching his bid. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH ALLOWED TO SETTLE.
There are a number of instances when this term can be used. The most common is when a horse has his head turned sideways when the starter opens the gate and breaks poorly. There are also instances when the rider is unprepared for the start.
See FRACTIOUS IN GATE.
As implied, this term is used to describe a situation in which a horse rallied from off the pace, then finishes determinedly to get the victory in the late stages. Note This term is used only with a horse that won.
When a horse finishes well to gain the runner up spot.
A horse that has been under pressure to prompt the pace, or a horse that was hustled to set the early pace and tires.
When a horse is dueling for command with another rival or rivals.
This term is another for a late-running horse who is allowed to settle before launching his bid. THIS TERM IS INTERCHANGEABLE WITH ALLOWED TO SETTLE AND UNHURRIED EARLY.
This is another term which should prove very beneficial to serious handicappers. It should be used when a horse is unusually wet when coming onto the track and in some instances is lathered up in the neck area and between his hind legs. Note In some instances, on very hot days all horses will be wet on the track. Use this term ONLY when a horse’s condition is not comparable with others in the field.
This common term is the same as TIRED or GAVE WAY. The horse has raced forwardly, then gave ground.
When a horse is on the lead and the jockey allows him to relax nicely, many times slowing down the pace to increase his chance of victory.
When a horse is well within striking position.
This term is a comment on the jockey’s handling of his mount. It generally applies to a horse that is on the lead and the jockey allows his mount to relax nicely, many times slowing down the pace to enhance his chance of victory.
Used only at the start. This term refers to an instance when a horse makes either a sharp right or left turn immediately out of the starting gate and is pulled up.
As implied, this term can be used when a horse is forced to race wide during the early stages of a race. Use this term when a horse is at least five or more horses wide.
Use this term only with winners. This describes a horse who closed determinedly to get up for victory after a prolonged drive.
Self explanatory term for a horse who is fractious entering the starting gate and delays the start for an unusual period of time.