Why
 

I have been following TB racing for 30+years and wonder. Why is the 1 hole always left open rounding the turn comming home. Is it a safety thing? Something as simple as its always a slower position comming around the turn. It could be someting to do with geometry even. Just wondering I have never understod.

Maybe it's momentum carrying them out a little, though I have seen some horses hold the rail pretty well.

could it be because of a 'dead rail'? What I've noticed is very few are running along the rail in morning w/o's and that could be a safety thing.

One reason I ask is the way Lava Man runs the turns. With his front rnning style . he seems to put them away running the final turn and huggs it anddoes not give anyone a chance to come inside. He is not a lights out closer but he does turn it on in the final turn and with his position is able to hold off the closers. The turns could verywell be the differanc in the Classic. A uilt in excuse if Lava Man wins is his perfect trip, which he generally gets because of his speed in getting early position.

Jocks don't like to be THAT close to the rail for one thing.

Alot of times its because you want the horse to have enough room to switch leads.

at some tracks you can drive a mack truck up the rail