1- Dead rail usually means rail on the stretch turn, but we are now starting to have trackmen at some tracks mark backstretch and stretch. On BC day it was pretty complicated, but seemed to affect those who spent significant time on the rail on at least 2 of those, with the exception of Thunderello. For whatever it's worth, last year's sprint was least effected by the dead rail as well.

2- I suggested last year following the horses in their next start to see if they went forward. The same test could certainly be applied this year. I think last year something like 23 got dead rails and all or virtually all went forward. There weren't as many this year, and the effect was not as severe.

3 I noticed the starting gate angle myself, but I don't think it had much effect, assuming the angle made it the same distance for all. I believe the only BC race involved was FM Turf, and the numbers came out really tight, so I doubt it made a difference that way.



TGJB