Handicapping Wind

[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.