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Pick Pony | March 21, 2024, 4:01 a.m.
Horses often have preferred post positions that align with their running styles. For example, speed horses typically prefer the inside lanes, while stalkers favor the middle posts, as it allows them to trail just behind one or two speed horses. Closers, on the other hand, are generally indifferent to their post positions.
Starting from a chute can disadvantage inside posts, as these can be deeper. In such cases, middle to outside post positions are more favorable. However, for turf races that begin from a chute cutting across the infield and joining the main turf course mid-stretch, inside posts can be advantageous.
Firstly, the post position refers to the designated spot from where a horse begins the race. This can greatly influence the horse's performance during the competition. For example, if a horse starts from an inside post position close to the rail, they have a shorter distance to cover than the horses starting from outer post positions. This could potentially save energy and give them an edge in the race.
However, starting near the rail, which is the innermost part of the track, also has its disadvantages. Horses in these positions may have a higher risk of being boxed in or trapped by other horses, which can slow them down or force them to adjust their pace and strategy. This can be particularly challenging in races with large fields where there's a higher likelihood of traffic and congestion.
On the contrary, horses starting from outer post positions have a longer distance to run, which can seem like a disadvantage. However, these horses may also have more freedom to maneuver around others and position themselves advantageously in the race. They also have a better chance of avoiding the congestion that often occurs immediately after the start of the race.
Turf courses use a temporary rail to assist with track maintenance. You may have noticed information about the rail's position on the turf course while watching a simulcast. This information is typically provided in feet (e.g., 10' or 10 feet). If the rail is set at 10 feet, it means the rail is 10 feet wider than its default position. If the rail's position is listed as 0, it indicates that no temporary rail is in use.
A temporary rail on the turf course aids in its maintenance. If the inner part of the course becomes worn, the temporary rail can be used to divert horses from that area. This changes the course's configuration with each rail position adjustment. For instance, if the temporary rail is extended, the turns become wider, which can slow the pace, making it tougher for closers or easier for speed to hold. If the temporary rail is not utilized, the pace could potentially increase, giving closers a better chance.
One essential tip is to become familiar with your preferred turf courses and track post-position statistics related to rail use. Also, review charts to understand the winning running styles for various rail positions.
Currently, only Equibase’s Premium Past Performances and TimeformUS, two past performance providers, include rail positions for previous races in their PP. Equibase includes it in the running line with run up information, while TimeformUS includes it with full race conditions within the running line. This information can be accessed by clicking the color-coded oval, which is based on surface type.
When Gulfstream expanded their main track from one mile to 1 1/8 miles, they installed a new turf course to utilize the extra space. The original seven-furlong turf course is now 160 feet wide, allowing for racing in eight different "lanes," each 12 feet apart from the inside. When the rail is set at 60 feet or more (either 72 or 84 feet), the running distance is approximately one mile.
Under normal circumstances, this amount of space would create two separate and distinct turf courses, each with their own characteristics. However, at Gulfstream, there's one large, wide turf course, which must be treated as two different courses.
When the rail is at 0 feet, the turf course behaves like the Inner Turf Course at Saratoga. Inside posts often dominate and horses that get wide, stalking trips are significantly compromised.
Conversely, when the rail is at least 60 feet out, the turf course behaves like the Mellon Turf Course at Saratoga. Outside posts now have a fair chance and horses coming from behind can make a wide, sweeping move and catch up in time. Inside speed horses don't have the advantage they possess when the rail is down on the inside.