It seems to me it is the usual misunderstanding/overreaction when it comes to track biases. I think we can all agree the rail was a very good place to be, probably the best part of the track, but enough horses that got decent trips were able to run at least OK, and not significantly worse than prior efforts, while not being on the best part of the track, that the track wasn't one of those super inside tracks.
Take a look at Aqueduct last weekend over the inner, or the main track at Aqueduct on November 11th, and I think one will get a much clearer picture of a super inside track where wide moves were virtually impossible. I just don't think we had one of those on BC Day and perhaps it would be wise to just downgrade some of the performances of horses who spent at least some of their race on the inside. Let's not pretend it was impossible to close outside, as that is simply not true, but certainly some were aided by inside trips.
I also think the Thor's Echo race is not a great example, as no matter what the track, Thor's Echo got a perfect trip. He tucked inside behind a speed duel and angled on the turn to cruise by. He was best but his trip made it easier. It's hard to imagine a bias that would have stopped him. Also, remember it was the only one turn BC race of the day. While inside speed was good in the first sprint, with the best horse probably winning, good trip horses did well in the second race ( a one turn mile ) with only the second finisher spending part of the race on the rail.
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