Handicapping Wind

[Downthestretch55]

Originally Posted by pgardn

Headwind down the stretch at the track I play is very important. If the horses are spread out fairly well entering the stretch, they have a tendency to stay put and not make big moves. A general trend, But this is from one track.

The mud, slop, or other addition of large amounts of moisture is what baffles me the most because every race the hoof strike of the horse in a different part of the track changes. A horse might get a good compact hoof strike on one stride, and then hit a spot where they cant push off, and then hit a spot where they dont even seem to enter the surface, just kinda slide. Very difficult that H2O mixed with sand and dirt.

Agree that slop can be very tough. Good riders know exactly where the tractor's tires compacted the surface. Look for the five path.

Wind? Depends on how severe and whether they're going with it or against.
Drafting? Don't think so.

Earlier posts have questions about sun, shadow rolls, and blinks.
To understand, you have to have some knowledge of how a horse "sees".
A shadow roll has nothing to do with the sun. It has to do with keeping the horse from looking down. Blinks are used to focus attention on a limited field of view...forward. Horses see 270 degrees around and a wide range up and down. It has to do with being a prey species. Take a look at a rabbit's occular orbit and you'll get the same idea.
Sun??? LOL! Never saw one wearing sunglasses, and hope I never do...or I'll be running for the exit so I don't pee my pants.