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"Track bias"
is a term used to describe how one part of a racetrack may
be different from another part.
It could cover
many different conditions in such matters as hardness of the
surface, angles of the surface from a true flat position,
the configuration of turns, the type of surface, where the
starting gate is located and so forth.
Track bias is a
feature of racing around the world and is not unique to Hong
Kong racing. It has, however, become a widely discussed topic
in racing circles over the last ten to 15 years.
There are three
major factors that cause track bias:
The design
and nature of the track
Usage of the
track
Weather
There are many
design factors that may create a pattern of racing which
can advantage or disadvantage horses. Some of these examples
are:
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Small
tight turning track: - This usually favours front runners.
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Location
of starting point: - Starting points close to a turn
favour inside drawn horses. |
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Radius
of turns and design of turn: - Small tight turns favor
on-pace runners. |
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Track
camber (cross falls on turns and in the straight): -
This causes bias in wet weather. |
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Length
of straight run to winning post: - A long straight changes
from an on-pace bias to an off-pace bias. |
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Type
of surface: - This has a major impact on track bias.
Even the type of grass affects track bias. |
The usage pattern
on a track will influence the performance of the track.
Racing in many countries has increased considerably over
the last 30 years and to help overcome some of the issues
associated with the increase, the concept of the movable
rail was introduced. Examples of usage affecting track bias:
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Location
of movable rail: - This may affects track design and
the pattern of racing. Horses racing away from wear
near the rail will be advantaged. |
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Track
conditions in regard to track wear: - When the track
shows signs of wear, it can favour back markers. |
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Excess
kickback: - It can favour front runners. |
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Track
maintenance procedures, such as use of vertidrain, can
also matter. Right after track renovation, the track
favours front runners for the first part of the programme. |
Weather condition
will influence track performance. A very dry track can favour
on-pace horses. A wet track will often favour off-pace horses.
When a grass track dries out quickly after rain, it will
often favour leaders or on-pace runners.
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