Wow,

Impressive presentation. I love the terms "energy return", "compaction" and "drop hammer"...lol On slow days it may behoove the jocks to run the truck path. I'll keep my eyes out for that...lol Maybe they already do at Belmont during the dry summer and fall.

I've always known the track changes speed, (If it changes speed by days, it certainly can change speed by hours) but the optimum moisture content information 6-9%, 8-8.5% was very revealing. As was the .5% change by every sprinkle truck pass. The number of truck passes could provide some supporting evidence. I'm sure you're guys are already counting the number of passes. Can they increase the water flow per pass or put more or less water down with valves?

Additionally the anecdotal evidence from the N.Y. Track Supervisor was outstanding. He "bakes" the soil to determine moisture content? That can't be so, that was the scientists. How does Portocelli measure it?

Of course the issue is what is the figure when the race goes in 1:48 when earlier races on the card have gone in 1:51. Without the moisture content reading to corroborate it boils down to an "educated guess", which is better than a steadfast position the track does not change speed, but with the moisture in hand you have supporting evidence.

Outstanding, even better than I thought it was. By the way your voice hasn't changed a bit in ten years.

:)

Also, I find it hard to believe that you are doing the figs for all those tracks yourself. I thought thats what I heard. Is that true?

I can see if I ever want to go through the challenge of making figs again I'm gonna have to count sprinkle passes...lol Especially when trying to fig races like the Florida Derby and Skip Away.

CtC



Post Edited (03-18-04 00:33)