Course Conditions

Turf: Firm > Good-Firm > Good > Good-Soft > Soft > Yielding > Heavy  / All weather (Artificial surface): Polytrack > Fibresand

The ground conditions are one of the most influential factors when studying the form. A horses performance can vary significantly according to the ground. Often a trainer won't enter a horse into a race if he feels the ground is unsuitable. Extra give underfoot results in a slower race and plays into the hands of horses who have strong stamina reserves. A horse's action or running style can be affected by ground conditions and often a horse won't perform on certain types of ground. For example, some horses have very good all-weather form but are less competent on turf and vice versa. This is because the surfaces differ greatly.  Check previous performances and results to assess a horses ground limitations before betting.

The distance of a race is of critical importance when assessing a horses chances. Flat races on grass and all weather are run over distances ranging from 5 furlongs up to 2 miles, 6 furlongs. Sprints range from 5 furlongs to 1 mile (8 furlongs). Middle distance races range from 1 mile to 1 mile, 6 furlongs. Long distance races are 1 mile, 6 furlongs upwards. Most horses usually have a favoured distance but some horses possess the ability to race over a variety of distances. Speed and stamina are the key ingredients which determine a horses preferred trip. An extra furlong can make a big difference especially in sprints so check to see if a horse has winning form over the specified distance.

Some horses will favour a right or left handed track. Just as we are inclined to favour one side, horses can act in the same way preferring to run in a particular direction. This is not always the case but trends can be identified and it can be decisive, for example if a horse has never won on a left handed track but has had numerous successes on a right handed track. The expression 'horses for courses' refers to a horse's particular preference and success on a racecourse he/she has already experienced and runs well at. Courses can vary greatly with some courses providing more testing race conditions. To simplify this, an example would be a course with an uphill finish. This would suite a horse with extra stamina and power reserves, but a horse built purely for raw speed may struggle. If a horse has ran well at a particular track it eliminates the possibility of unfavourable conditions so this is a factor to look out for. Draw bias can be a very influential factor particularly in sprints. For example, on a left handed oval track it would be an advantage to be drawn low when negotiating the bend, as a horse forced to run wide would have more ground to cover thus impeding his/her chances of winning. In races where winning distances can be separated by a neck or a shoulder this is a crucial part of the overall picture. Below is a table highlighting the areas I have covered, providing a helpful reference guide.