Re: Hmmmm. (795 Views)
Posted by:
HP (IP Logged)
Date: October 03, 2002 11:55AM
I would say that there are situations where keeping the momentum going is more valuable than saving ground.
To answer the question, no, Secretariat is not better off behind average horses and would not be significantly affected by going two wide. He's still going to win. Most horses, however, are not Secretariat. If MD'Oro goes 3 wide on the turn and some other horse on the rail runs his race, MD'Oro (according to the chart link Jerry posted) is going to lose about 30 feet on the turn (10 yards), and full stride or not, this may be the difference in the race. Frankel and every other informed handicapper would probably tell you the same thing.
If you're telling me that the momentum gained is ALWAYS going to overcome the ground loss, I would respectfully disagree. HP