Basic Action: Continuing on the topic of post positions (which we started with last week), it’s important to recognize that an inside post position can sometimes be a good thing, and at other times be a bad thing. In route races (a mile or longer) or similar distances with a long run into the first turn, it can a help a “speed horse” to have an inside draw. They can often get to the lead without having to cross over (which they’d have to do from an outside post) and attempt to settle in on an ideal loose (uncontested) lead.
On the other hand, in shorter races (sprints), it’s sometimes tougher to overcome an inside post. Horses who face prolonged pace pressure from their outside (when drawn on the rail), are more likely to fade late. It’s also sometimes tougher to secure a solid position when drawn on the rail in a sprint race, unless the horse in question breaks very cleanly and is far and away the fastest in the field.
Advanced Action: Which post position is best at a particular distance varies from track to track. Our suggestion is to ask around when betting a certain track. Ask track regulars, “is this a good post position for this distance?” Also, pay close attention to track statistics outlining how well, or poorly, certain post positions play over particular surfaces and distances.
