Handicapping Wind

[slotdirt]

It's gotta be rough on a horse to go into one of those headwinds with a jock on their back going 35 MPH. I think the idea that there may be somewhat of a draft is true, but still, I think the best horse will win under these kinds of conditions. It's not like a change in surface where one horse would adapt differently than another. Does that make any sense?

[JJP]

I think its a bigger factor in elongated sprints; for instance at Arlington, a 1 mile race is around one turn. If the wind is from the east, the horses up front will have a long run to the turn right into the teeth of the wind. Other tracks w/elongated sprints are Bel, Aqu (main not inner), Hol and CD to name a few.

Originally Posted by JJP

I think its a bigger factor in elongated sprints; for instance at Arlington, a 1 mile race is around one turn. If the wind is from the east, the horses up front will have a long run to the turn right into the teeth of the wind. Other tracks w/elongated sprints are Bel, Aqu (main not inner), Hol and CD to name a few.

These are the exact type of races I struggle with. I wish there was some formula to use to say if there is a 20 mph head win and the horse is running in an elongated sprint and the wind is from the east, the horse is really running 1 1/16 with the energy the horse has to use to run in the head wind.

Originally Posted by slotdirt

It's gotta be rough on a horse to go into one of those headwinds with a jock on their back going 35 MPH. I think the idea that there may be somewhat of a draft is true, but still, I think the best horse will win under these kinds of conditions. It's not like a change in surface where one horse would adapt differently than another. Does that make any sense?

Yeah that make sense. But I dont think the horses are going fast enough or are that aerodynamic to cause some sort of draft. I know that I want my horse on the lead turning for home with a headwind. But I really struggle with wind. But I agree the classiest horse should win.

I have the same problem with the sun.

Some horses it seems run better going towards the sun ... while others do better going away from it.

I often wonder if blinkers and shadow rolls have an effect on that. For instance ... if a horse has a single cup partially covering his right eye ... and his eye is in the sun on the backstretch ... but shaded from the sun down the stretch ... how does this affect the horse's acceleration?

Also ... if a horse is equipped with a shadow roll ... and the sun goes behind a cloud so that there are no shadows ... how does this affect his performance?

Any "sun" handicappers out there?

Originally Posted by Bold Brooklynite

I have the same problem with the sun.

Some horses it seems run better going towards the sun ... while others do better going away from it.

I often wonder if blinkers and shadow rolls have an effect on that. For instance ... if a horse has a single cup partially covering his right eye ... and his eye is in the sun on the backstretch ... but shaded from the sun down the stretch ... how does this affect the horse's acceleration?

Also ... if a horse is equipped with a shadow roll ... and the sun goes behind a cloud so that there are no shadows ... how does this affect his performance?

Any "sun" handicappers out there?

That is pretty interesting to think about. I have been a victum of a horse jumping a shadow or too. But just like driving a car, the sun can play a role.

[slotdirt]

I don't know, I was up at Penn one night where the winds were literally blowing a consistent 35-40 miles per hour. Horses would reach the stretch and start running like drunken sailors because of the winds directly in their face.

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I don't know, I was up at Penn one night where the winds were literally blowing a consistent 35-40 miles per hour. Horses would reach the stretch and start running like drunken sailors because of the winds directly in their face.

I guess there is really no rhyme or reason to handicapping wind. Some horses might be able to tolerate it and some may not. I would assume horses that are "larger" are more adapt than slightly built horses.

Oh, well ...

... it's been over seven hours now ... and not one person has helped out with handicapping the sun.

I'm very surprised ... I thought the members of this forum were savvy to all aspects of the game.