Question for JB - 10 Furlongs @ Belmont

[magicnight]

Jerry;

I remember when Dispersal drew an outside post for the 1990 Classic at Belmont, one waggish trainer noted \"If I was Bud Delp I\'d be throwing up right now.\"

What are your thoughts on post position in mile-and-a-quarter races at Belmont? Assuming a full field of 14, are the outside posts significantly more disadvantageous than, say, the same posts going 8.5 furlongs at Pimlico? Obviously there are (pending) factors such as \"where the rest of the speed is posted\" and similar ... but, generally, is starting in the 10 or 12 path in the middle of the turn significantly worse than a similar post with a short straightaway before hitting the turn? How would you factor?

Thanks.

[TGJB]

I don\'t know how to compare the ground loss issues on a relative basis. In the Belmont 1 1/4, there is no run before the turn, so no chance to get over-- they\'re starting on it. On the other hand, it\'s only half a turn. Getting post 14 isn\'t a great idea in either case.

[jbelfior]

I know your question was not intended for this JB, but here goes anyway.

I think it\'s a disadvantage if you have early speed. UNBRIDLED won the BC Classic from Post 14 by dropping in after the start. The fact that he did not have early lick enabled him to comfortably drop in as opposed to being kept wide.

I remember DISPERSAL. Nice horse with early lick.

Good Luck,
Joe B.

[BitPlayer]

Potentially also relevant is the experience NYRA had starting mile races on the turn at Saratoga (although, admittedly, 8 furlongs is not 10). As I recall, they did it for one year and then abandoned the idea.  Outside posts (and we\'re talking 8, not 14) were at a ridiculous disadvantage.  

[pistol]

I\'ve read that there is a crown on the track that the outer post have to contend with, out around post 12-14.  They have to run up a bit to get over the crest of the turn.