There are several potential problems in doing this involving run-ups and differences in pitch of the chute, track maintenance etc., but the biggest (and this race provides a good example) is wind. There was a solid 8 o'clock wind (if you are looking down on the track from above, wind blowing towards 8 on the clock) which is behind them both on the backstretch and turn, and in their faces in the stretch. You therefore can't compare the first 6f to the 6f races on the day, since you are subtracting a furlong into the wind and substituting one with it.

If we ASSUMED no other differences, we could work out a figure for a 6 furlong race ending at the eighth pole, but it would involve reconfiguring the wind program in the computer, which is based on races finishing at the wire, and would be a real pain in the butt. If you want a seat of the pants estimate, I would say there would be about a 3 point difference in the effect of wind on this day for a 6f race starting at the 7f pole and ending at the eighth pole vs. a regular one.

By the way, the 6 and 7f races at Laurel split often, and did on this day, with the 7f races coming up much slower, with the exception of the Gen. George.

Incidentally, I notice that Friedman has deleted a whole string of comments/questions about the Laurel day. Can't imagine why.



TGJB