Paceline selection

[For The Lead]

Originally Posted by Ted Craven

Bluewaterbill,

There are lots of different possible scenarios for going back, but I try to use a few principles:

1. a horse runs as fast as it needs to, not as fast as it can
2. err on the side of recency
3. don't mix surfaces unless there's no choice (then have confidence in your ITV figs)
4. don't mix distance structures unless you have no choice (also with ITV confidence)
5. for Turf races only, consider using good lines from the entire PP set (if the horse seems fit today)

Ted

With regard to item #4 on the above list, are you speaking of sprint lines in route races, route lines in sprint races, or sprint lines in sprint races and route lines in route races?
i.e.- 5.5f to 7f, 7f to 6f and etc.
8.0f to 8.5f, 8.5f to 8.3f and etc.
Many times you will find that a horse who runs early at 7f will run as a presser or sustained when turned back to 5.5f or 6f, as just one example.