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Post by the believer on Dec 2, 2006 11:23:45 GMT -5
Harness horses ,not sure if you can classify race horses into these categories, but i would like to hear from members and guests ,names of horses racing at Northfield ,that you feel race better in the colder months vs all-weather-all season campaigners?
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Post by trackrat on Dec 2, 2006 11:48:32 GMT -5
That's an interesting question because you have to consider other variables besides the weather. One variable would be the cheaper stock that races in the winter months. Does a horse race better in the colder weather because of the colder weather or is the horse facing lesser competition, which makes the horse look better? Let's hear from our panel.
I'm sure Cliff can provide us some statistical background, while horsemen Jay and 150Flat might be able to expound upon this subject from their perspective as horsemen.
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Post by cliff on Dec 2, 2006 12:08:46 GMT -5
I can't provide much insight. I tried to look for correlations years ago (summer vs. winter horses) and came up empty. I think the answer is similar to what I see when comparing horses racing on off tracks. A few benefit, a few really hate it, but for the majority it really doesn't matter. My approach to handicapping in winter doesn't change.
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Post by trackrat on Dec 2, 2006 12:17:00 GMT -5
My general observation is that there are some horses who reel off a series of wins in colder weather, early in the racing year and then never approach that success when the weather warms up, but as I said earlier, is that because the horse likes cold weather, hates warm weather, or is racing against weaker stock in the winter? Probably all three, I would guess.
While this might be an interesting trivia discussion, the handicappers success comes down to what the horse is doing currently. The charts tell you all you need to know
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Post by jay44224 on Dec 2, 2006 13:06:35 GMT -5
I'll share some theories I have- and they are that just theories- can't prove them.
The main one and I have experienced it with a horse in particular. a horse that is a bleeder- I mean a real bleeder. One that needs time off every once in a while because he gets to bleeding more- will go backwards in the cold weather as it stings their lungs.
Then there are others that pace consistantly all year, say within a few ticks one way or another whether they are doing work or not- their lifetime mark- and even seasonal mark are not as good as the class that they are competitive week in and week out- I will usually take a shot on these when the weather turns cold- as long as they seem somewhat in form hoping that the colder weather will be the difference in getting that one home.
The reality of any situation whether a horse likes the mud, likes the cold or likes the heat- they will not have a huge form reversal- They will have to have been racing well in the class and just not getting the job done- then this little difference might be all it needs to be succesful. I think it is easier to eliminate horse that you know will give a subpar performance in a particular condition. Take Pocket Vance this horse just hates having mud kicked in his face and will gap if behind a horse- thta minimizes his options on an off track. He either must be on the lead- or he will gap- if not on the lead he has to come first up- again if he gets cover he will gap until he pulled 3 wide and he will start rolling again- can you throw him off your ticket completely on an off track. No- because if he gets the top or comes first up he will race his heart out.
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Post by sulkyhaven on Dec 2, 2006 13:43:03 GMT -5
I think that the colder weather does affect horses that bleed. I know that my uncle, who stabled and maintain broodmares at Hanover Shoe Farms, wouldn't let them out to forage and run when the weather was colder for that exact reason. As far as standardbreds that are regularly racing, I really don't know if it makes a difference.
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joani
New Member
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Post by joani on Dec 2, 2006 14:02:53 GMT -5
How about the stud/gelding factor also. My experience is that studs seemingly like the warmer weather.
Although, horses are alot like people....each one is an individual, we all have our season when we feel more alive.
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Post by the believer on Dec 2, 2006 14:16:35 GMT -5
Joani,loved your comments...have any experience (or comments) with cold weather fillies or mares
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joani
New Member
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Post by joani on Dec 2, 2006 15:19:33 GMT -5
Lol....fillies and mares are another set of circumstances....you know us woman.....are we pmsing? Horsin? or just wake up on the wrong side of the stall? Did that stud look at us funny?
Take for example B.B. Big Girl last night.......usually getting her ready almost takes 2 people......nothing like putting a harness on a horse that is standing on 2 legs......rocking back and forth in the cross ties.......put a boot on? Can you do it in mid-air? Bringing her out of the stall to warm up you have to be ready to fly otherwise she'll run right over ya. Last night, I kept asking if they brought the right horse.......she was a complete doll baby...never moved, had her dressed in record time, and then.....she WALKED out of the stall!!!! Go figure....
I wouldn't venture a guess as to how weather effects fillies/mares.........I would be better off explaining how the solar system evolved......gotta love em.
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