Quote:
Originally Posted by PhantomOnTour
I know some really good horses never (or frequently didn't) switch leads...Affirmed maybe?
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Think it was actually Alydar that would not switch leads, maybe a different TC outcome if he would/could have, definitely in the Belmont at least.
Horses seem to be able to extend themselves better on the correct lead, also get that burst of speed on the switch. Examples, that last race on Sunday at SA, the longshot 10, Joy rode, she got a lot of grief here on the loss, was on the wrong lead through the stretch probably cost her the decision, jockeys can do some things but think training, soundness and fatigue are probably the most important elements.
One of the best runners of all time would not change leads, Dubai Millenium.
McShell I am sure has more on the training part of it.