Off Track Blues
 

I liked 2 horses yesyerday at Charles Town and didnt play either as I thought they did not like the slop according to their off track records.Needless to say both won paying 10.00 and 15.00.I would like to get opinions on how others on board handle the off tracks.This is just another example of why I will never be a consistant winner.Jeff

Jeff,

I have finally quit looking at track conditions and how they run on off tracks. My results have been much better with less consideration and confusion.

Good luck,
Bud

NO horse likes unsure footing. Most just run like they always do. leaving it alone is what you have to do....Easy Goer and Cougar II both hated it as did Riva Ridge but they still ran over it.

Total Energy
 

Hello Jeff

to answer your question 2 ways
1. Using off lines to pick contenders
2. What happens if todays track is off

#1
If I am picking lines and
if its a lightly raced horse I will just avoid the horse
and check the ML odds /betting odds
sort of like a FTS. If there are more than one of these I
pass

For horses with many fast surface lines I check the total energy
for these lines and see if the off track lines are in line
I also check the field size and the finish position

Some times on off tracks there are many scratches
and a horse might run 3rd in a 4 horse race
trailing all the way but running fast enough to
stay close, so If the Total energy or speed rating
is very high compaired to the fast lines I wont use it

# 2 Track is off
Pass and look for a fast track
thanks you simocasting:)

With modern track maintenace most "off" tracks aren't that far off. They usually seal the track before a rain and it takes a petty major storm to seriously mess with the base. I do discount very fast performances on a sloppy track, but there are too many reasons for a horse to throw a bad performance to attribute it to not liking off tracks.

Like Bill, if it's raining today, I look at another track. If I'm at the track, I hang out in the bar and risk very small money, usually ignoring the off track, except for a slightly increased preference for front runners.

dick...