curious

Yes. But sectionals have been electronically timed for probably two decades. From memory Ellerslie and maybe Riccarton started using them in the early 2000s They are measured by a timing device on the rail at the exact say 600 point triggered when the first horse passes that point and again at the finish line. That of course only captures the first horse to pass those points. The other horse sectionals are calculated based on their distance from that horse and the relative speed that the sectional is run. Neil Davis could probably explain it better but I don't see how you could possibly use a marker on the outside fence 30m away from the rail for that purpose.

Why?

The last 100 is clearly marked. I doubt any of the inside markers are precise. They are only a guide and on many tracks could be 10 or 20m out depending where the rail is. The actual start points are marked on the rail for the rail position used for the meeting. You can clearly see that for the 2100 start.

I don't think they have a 2000 start point do they? If you look at the start of the Trentham Stakes though it's definitely closer to the post than the 100 marker.

Must be 2011m based on what they said musn't it?

No you can only enter the saddling area with the trainer at CD. You may be thinking of Keeneland where horses are saddled under the trees behind the stand.

Except it's no picnic.

Don't think going forward was the wrong decision. Trying to take on the other two when they clicked up was. The wide lane doesn't get a head start. Each lane is measured so they all run exactly 400m. Horses don't race in lanes. None of those full of running after saving ground win do they? Those that are in the open do because they are able to fully exert themselves.

Yes. A top rate rider with a career plagued by a foot injury. But that is exactly my point. Avoiding bumps, ground changes, momentum shifts from speeding up or slowing down, all conserve energy, often moreso than what is used by covering a little extra ground.

Don't agree with that. The decision to go forward may well come mid-race as it did with OP yesterday. Then it's based on your judgement of pace and how you think the horse is traveling.

Have a look at the first at Gore yesterday JB. Perfect example. CWJ may be getting close to his use by date and is more known for dropping horses out, getting them relaxed and travelling and getting them home late but you don't ride 2500 winners without the ability to judge pace and the confidence to back that judgement. 3w without cover early, then 2w without cover. No pace on, took action. Bolted in.

Just another armchair expert JB and that's what many of us were taught to think or do. Not sure I entirely agree though. There is a momentum and/or energy cost in going forward or back contra to the distance cost of traveling 3 wide. It also may mean that a further momentum/energy cost is incurred to get a run in the straight e.g., having to change ground. Some horses (bigger long striding types especially) may travel more comfortably a bit further out even if 3 wide without cover. I agree with Freda that the much more important thing is to be able to judge pace and position horses, go forward or steady on that basis. If you are wide in the open then you have a much better chance of doing that than if you are stuck snuggled up on the fence where the race can be taken away from you and there is nought you can do about it.

He's well up to it. Good luck to him.

I reckon stick with 6, 8 and 13. They feel lucky.

They all have a chance. I just back the ones that have a significantly better chance imo than the market says. Has worked ok doing that in multiple jurisdictions the last 18 years or so. So, from my perspective I'll just keep doing what's working. Not that interested in backing what is most likely to win. That's what all the losers try to do.

Probably the opposite to what I do. Don't necessarily back the horse I think most likely to win, rather the ones that I think are priced greater than what I rate their chance of winning.

I agree with you and Prof Tobin on that. Needs sorting. Witness the ridiculous cobalt debacle.

Can't imagine there's many that never use them?

Do they blood test the All Blacks before every game to check on their health and conditioning status?

Firpo was indeed by Pep and Alberto rode him numerous times including at least 3 of his wins. Showing my age but the first horse I ever raced was by Pep.

True but he only gave him 5 or 6 inside the last 100. Nothing before that.

I was thinking the same thing. One of 3 excessive use charges on the day. T Comignaghi (IDLE LADY) - Admitted a charge in that she struck her mount IDLE LADY 7 times prior to the 100 metre mark. After considering submissions the Adjudicator imposed a suspension of T Comignaghi’s licence to ride in races from the conclusion of racing on Saturday 29 January until the conclusion of racing on Thursday 10 February, 7 national riding days, and in addition imposed a fine of $200.