Track Trends

NYRA handicapper, Andy Serling, provides daily analysis of track trends and conditions at The Big A in an attempt to share his thoughts and insights into any possible track biases. This can be a helpful resource for handicappers as track conditions can change from one day to the next.

Belmont Park Track Trends   Saratoga Track Trends

Saturday, January 18
Fast
Cloudy/Snow
32
Wind 11 to 7 MPH NE

While many of the results were logical, it was clear that speed, and perhaps the inside as well, was an advantage, as few, if any, horses made significant runs from even relatively far back.

Friday, January 17
Fast
Clear
28
Wind 17 to 13 MPH SE

The races were dominated by forwardly placed horses, with few horses making any effective runs from well back, and while the rail was good, it did not appear to be a significant advantage, if even one at all.

Sunday, January 12
Fast
Cloudy
60
Wind 19 to 14 MPH E/SE

While speed did OK, there is no evidence it was a distinct advantage, nor was there any particular path bias ( inside or out ). Overall, the track seemed fair. 

Saturday, January 11
Fast
Clear
58
Wind 19 MPH N/NE

An argument can be made that inside speed was an advantage, though in most cases speed more than path position, but it wasn't impossible to make up ground. Can't call it a strong bias but worth monitoring going forward.

Friday, January 10
Fast
Cloudy
49
Wind 6 to 8 MPH NE

Speed was possibly an advantage, as was the rail, though a number of successful speed horses drifted off the inside during the stretch run. Still, it's worth at least entertaining the possibility that inside speed was somewhat of an advantage.

Thursday, January 9
Fast
Clear
32
Wind 5 to 2 MPH S/SE to E/SE

Speed did well but it may have been situational, as we saw some stalkers also perform well. While much of the running was done off the rail, the inside was good, if not an advantage, as the 4th winner excelled inside. Likely a fair track with, perhaps, a slight lean towards speed.

Sunday, January 5
Muddy ( 1-6 ) / Good ( 7-9 )
Clear
42
Wind 22 to 18 MPH SE

While track was listed as "muddy" for much of the day, it felt more like "good" pretty much from the start. While most of the running was done at least a path or two, if not more, off the rail, it's far from clear the inside was bad. At the very least, it was better than 1/4. The track was fair for speed and closers.

Saturday, January 4
Sloppy ( sealed )
Foggy ( 1-2 ) / Cloudy
49
Wind 4 to 6 MPH NE to SE

The track played relatively fairly, except the inside was bad and it was best to be at least a few paths off the rail, though it was better to be at least somewhat forwardly placed. The exception was the 5th race, but this was a pace meltdown.

Wednesday, January 1
Good
Cloudy
41
Wind 18 to 15 MPH E/SE

Another day where the majority of the running was done at least a few paths off the rail, yet there is no evidence the rail was off, and the 4th race in particular suggests it was fine.

2019      2018      2017      2016