The Value of leading at the 1st call on dirt

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Originally Posted by Indian Charlie

If a very high quality horse is at basically a gallop, it doesn't matter if there is a horse in front of him or not, as far as whether or not his performance is affected.

Like Uncle Mo. Or going way further back, Akinemod in her La Brea.

A lot of horses at all levels have turned in career best tops with the trip of laying 2nd in a similar spot Uncle Mo was in. Basically - rating off of a pace setter - while clear of the next horse and getting no outside pressure.

If the horse relaxes - and no one comes up from 3rd to force the pace - it's pretty close to being the same thing as being loose on an uncontested lead.