Cratos
04-18-2017, 12:52 PM
The major Derby preps are over and the “tale of the turns” for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs can be told.
Churchill Downs Ky Derby Turn Impact by Quarter
• First Quarter
No turn impact; 1,320 feet straight-a-away
• Second Quarter
93.4% impact at 1,206.50 feet in the turn; 113.50 feet straight-a-away
• Third Quarter
6.5% impact at 85.50 feet in the turn; 1234.50 feet straight-a-away
• Fourth Quarter
93.4% impact at 1,206.50 feet in the turn; 113.50 feet straight-a-away
• Fifth and Final Quarter
6.5% impact at 85.50 feet in the turn; 1234.50 feet straight-a-away
Why is the consideration of “turn impact” important? In a word, “acceleration”; this determines not how fast a horse is moving, but how it can move fast and in the turn, the derivative is dD/dF which states the change in distance with respect to the change in force.
When a racehorse goes into the turn it is confronted with a side force and the smaller the turn, the greater the force. Consequently, with the horse running wide in the turn reduces the force, but increases the distance.
Churchill Downs have small turns which will not be favorable to late running horses.
Churchill Downs Ky Derby Turn Impact by Quarter
• First Quarter
No turn impact; 1,320 feet straight-a-away
• Second Quarter
93.4% impact at 1,206.50 feet in the turn; 113.50 feet straight-a-away
• Third Quarter
6.5% impact at 85.50 feet in the turn; 1234.50 feet straight-a-away
• Fourth Quarter
93.4% impact at 1,206.50 feet in the turn; 113.50 feet straight-a-away
• Fifth and Final Quarter
6.5% impact at 85.50 feet in the turn; 1234.50 feet straight-a-away
Why is the consideration of “turn impact” important? In a word, “acceleration”; this determines not how fast a horse is moving, but how it can move fast and in the turn, the derivative is dD/dF which states the change in distance with respect to the change in force.
When a racehorse goes into the turn it is confronted with a side force and the smaller the turn, the greater the force. Consequently, with the horse running wide in the turn reduces the force, but increases the distance.
Churchill Downs have small turns which will not be favorable to late running horses.