What Is The Fairest Turf Course?

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by tiggerv

I find Tampa at 8/8.5F about as fair as it gets for Turf.

A fair turf course shouldn't be dictated by the distance. If that was the case the European turn sprints would be fairest because some of them are run on a straightaway.

[the_fat_man]

TAM is the best place to play turf in the winter. The only problem with that course, and I've mentioned this on a number of occasions with zero effect, is that there's an open rail towards the end of the stretch (like many other courses). What they've done there, however, is cut the grass in an 'outward' manner. This results in the field coming out late stretch. Luckily, the stewards are finally on to this and have stopped DQing horses for drifting late. (see the Gio Ponti race)

[tiggerv]

Originally Posted by randallscott35

A fair turf course shouldn't be dictated by the distance. If that was the case the European turn sprints would be fairest because some of them are run on a straightaway.

Fair enough. I only pulled that distance because I find 8F a bit unfair because the outer gates are penalized. That isn't a reflection on the turf itself and whether it is speed favoring or not. I think that plays fair across all routes.