Post Postion Load

[musola]

Hi All,


I have a rather unusual question. I have watched various tracks and noticed post position varies. Some races pp1 loads 1 stall in, other races 2 stalls. This can vary even at the same distance. Is there some rule Is it universal or does it vary from track to track.




Thanks,
musola

[Dave Schwartz]

I'm not the expert at this, but I would guess that it could be situational.

As an example, SA 6.5f on the downhill turf, they usually try to leave the first 3 posts open because of the right-hand turn. In the old days, when they'd have the occasional large field, they'd utilize the inner posts.

Perhaps at other tracks it can be about weather, condition of the track, etc. I do not personally have knowledge of the practice.

I also question that it matters much except in crowded fields.



Dave

[therussmeister]

It also depends on scratches because they have to climb up and change the numbers on top of the gate. If there were 12 entered but the 3 scratches they would rather move the 1 & 2 one position out instead of moving 4 - 12 each one position in.

[musola]

Thanks Dave and Alan for the input. Appreciate it musola

[Denny]

It's up to the track.

Some tracks even keep the gate farther away from the rail than others.

Check out how far they kept the gate from the rail in the Belmont Stakes.
You can see it really well from the overhead shot.

Run-ups are also up to the track.

[appistappis]

a case of beer to the starting gate guys will get you last load at some places.

[MadTiger]

Originally Posted by appistappis

a case of beer to the starting gate guys will get you last load at some places.

Load my horse last, then you get loaded later.