Fifth Major Resurface in the Last 8 Years

[joemama]

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts regarding this latest resurfacing of Santa Anita\'s main track.  I know there isn\'t much to go on since the venue just went live with the new surface but I though this might be worth discussing especially in light of the upcoming Breeders Cup races. It should be interesting to note any transformations that might take place regarding the surface as the championship weekend approaches.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[miff]

Most winners were up close to the pace,inside, deep closers faired poorly,winners mostly logical.Two fig makers were taking a couple points of off on Friday\'s surface to adj track speed, Sat and Sun neutral.

The surface will wear in between now and BC. If no one knew the surface was changed, it would not have been noticed by too many players, time wise.

[rhagood]

It looks like real dirt versus the packed silt mix prior. NBC Sports did a piece showing the two in champagne glasses and believe she stated it was sourced around the LAX area.  Compares more visually to the Oaklawn Park surface made of real farm type earth which has more inherent cushion and the hope of less injuries. I am sure it will be tightened down somewhat and especially for Breeders Cup. If they left it as is the Eastern horses would stand a better chance than they have faired in the past (surface only 1 of the disadvantages).  Check in this weekend for the next round of Santa Anita stake preps to see if a week brings any change yet.

[rhagood]

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/sports/20140615/santa-anita-to-get-new-dirt-track-surface

http://www.sgvtribune.com/sports/20140925/santa-anita-parks-new-dirt-track-ready-for-autumn-meet

[rhagood]

Jerry get\'s a mention in this write-up of the new surface:

http://www.twinspires.com/blog/2014/9/26/bruno-works-dishes-santa-anitas-new-dirt

Also longer article from the other side of the pond that covers the whole racing surface issue and quotes Dennis Moore (track super at Santa Anita).  He has very good ideas on utilizing available farm technology to better monitor the moisture in track surfaces for more consistency and safety.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/23/racing-racetrack-surfaces-horse-deaths

Interesting to note the differences from the SA backstretch which gets sun all day vs the final 1/8 mile of the stretch that is shaded from the sun most of the day.

[TGJB]

This stuff sounds really good, but it\'s obviously wrong. Just ask Friedman, or Ragozin if you can find him. Peterson? Who\'s he?

I quoted Ragozin\'s amazing position on this subject (taken from his book) in \"Changing Track Speeds\" (Archives this site). Friedman scoffed at Brad Free some years ago for talking about exactly what Bruno does in his piece-- how shade (or the lack of it) affects moisture content in different parts of the track, which in turn can make them different \"speeds\", affecting one/two turn relationships, for example.

Seriously, ask Friedman. He can tell you how they \"objectively measure the resilienc(ey) of the track\".

[mjellish]

For what it\'s worth, I think Keeneland is a perfect example of this.  You want to know why they often had a golden rail on the dirt surface?  Watch some old replays and look at where the shade falls in the stretch.

[rhagood]

Just like technology advances all fields of endeavor, speed figures are no different and old dogmas only hold one back.  Let them keep thinking certain things don\'t matter so we can continue to find a edge in very tough game.  Beyer figs won\'t touch ground loss even though it\'s there for every one to see and 1 week suspensions given for forcing too much of it! I guess it does matter. Just as Beyer had an edge before he sold his figs, just as I had a slight edge using his figs in The Racing Times while it lasted before it\'s owner untimely demise and the fact that most horseplayers wouldn\'t fork out extra bucks for a second form. Edges even slight and often larger can be found starting right here with your products and insights shared on this board. Keep up the great work and open dialogue.

Ironically Keeneland is the only track to my knowledge built with the grandstand facing the afternoon sun.  Better bring shades and pay attention to how the track is watered. The odd layout was due to the creators vision: for the pleasure of a morning brunch crowd of well to doers who had gathered at the lodge (now clubhouse) of the builder for a weekend of festivities as I have read. This was in the years prior to opening it\'s door officially as a pair-mutuel facility.

[TreadHead]

You may need to have a talk with Bruno.

He debated me on Twitter earlier this year as to whether a drier track always meant a faster track.  I directed him here to read up the study and then never heard back from him.  

Certainly there are many occasions where drier does equal faster, but you cant possibly say that is always true and you need look no further than the beach for that evidence.

He seemed to be saying that the less moisture there is in the soil the more hard-packed it becomes, and the blog that is linked above leads me to believe he still thinks that way.  You have to have moisture to hard-pack soil.  Dirt that is too dry becomes loose, not sure how there could possibly be any debate about that.