Question about Changing Leads
 

Looking at the 5th at Delaware today, 8.5furlong Turf MSW
http://www.brisnet.com/bris_link/pdf...ion_117289.pdf

1. Failure to switch leads
The #1 horse, Yuletide never change leads in the stretch.
7 lifetime races
competitive 5f Turf sprint at Delaware
8th by 3 at Belmont MSW 9F Turf 7-15-2008
on paper, Yuletide is competive in this race. Visually not so much.

Any opinions on the severity of a problem like this? Injury? lack of footwork?


2. switch to Wrong Lead Late
Same past performances, #3 Hound was beaten by a horse called PICOU who in last switched back to wrong (left) lead when striking the front, 10 jumps from the wire. Picou was a debut maiden winner and hasn't come back yet.

Again, opinions of the severity? Just greeness of getting to the front, or are there larger possible issues?

YULETIDE opens betting as the 5-2 2nd choice

EDIT= closing 4th on what appeared to be the wrong lead once again.

An astute friend of mine noticed Picou switching leads near the finish as well. I own this guy and will tell you he has been fine and not raced back on purpose. We're looking for his next start in early August. In fact, when Dominguez dismounted in the winner's circle he said he galloped out as if he would "run all day" and that he "toyed with them." Let's hope he's right.
Switching leads near the finish is not that uncommon, especially in young or tiring horses. As for not switching, to me that indicates potential issues.

Wow. Good luck on his next start / thank you for the info.