Question about track condition

TheSpyder · #1 12-07-2007, 02:10 PM

I noticed Hollywood and Golden Gate list their track condition as "cushion". Are there not different levels of this surface? Is it always "cushion" even with 3" of rain? I can't believe it's always the same.

And in the form, why does it say fast for this condition on cushion. This stuff may be better but that says it's perfect.

Doesn't make sense to me. You?

Spyder

Scav · #2 12-07-2007, 02:27 PM

They should figure out categories but that will take 5 years. I do know they played differently because when it rained at Arlington, speed held alot better then it did when it was dry

BillW · #3 12-07-2007, 02:46 PM

They don't report conditions on artificial tracks on the theory that artificial tracks are always fast. In place of the condition the convention has been adopted to place the name of the track (Poly, cusion, tapeta) in the place of the conditions for traditional dirt tracks.

Whether artificial tracks always play "fast" or not is up to the handicapper. While I'm not a big bias guy, I thought I saw a difference at Keeneland this fall.

Riot · #4 12-07-2007, 02:52 PM

Dirt tracks labeled "fast" play differently day to day - and sometimes throughout the same day.

This weeks entire issue of The Blood-Horse is devoted to artificial surfaces, btw.

BillW · #5 12-07-2007, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riot

Dirt tracks labeled "fast" play differently day to day - and sometimes throughout the same day.

True, and some tracks also take a really lax approach to labling track conditions. Yesterday there was standing water on a "good" track at Laurel.

TheSpyder · #6 12-07-2007, 02:54 PM

Doesn't seem to be brain surgery to decide at what level is changes. I'm sure the track guys don't go to school to learn: fast, good, muddy, sloppy.

I guess they just need to come up with names...let's see, how about:
beach-tide out, retread, rubbery, tire soup?

Spyder