Synthetic Surfaces Changing Handicapping Strategy for Thoroughbreds

I remember when the most favorable racetrack for closers was Hialeah Race Course. Unfortunately, the historic South Florida track that opened in 1925 and I enjoyed for quite a few decades until the 21st Century is history.

Do you recall where you were on May 22, 2001? I do -- among 3,280 who attended the final day of racing that attracted the rich and famous.

One of my favorite sports trivia questions is, “Who won the last race?” You might make a buck or two if you know Cheeky Miss captured the 10th at Hialeah.

Now there’s a new factor in racing that apparently favors horses coming off the pace: the synthetic surface.

Pay attention horseplayers because whether it’s Polytrack, the Cushion Track or the Tapeta synthetic surface, the newest phenomenon will alter your handicapping methods.

Polytrack surfaced this year at several facilities: Turfway Park, Keeneland and Woodbine. Keeneland bettors expecting the usual speed bias were unpleasantly surprised as horses on or near the pace at all routes were doomed as closers dominated.

At Hollywood Park, where the Cushion Track replaced dirt, closers are doing best. According to Brisnet.com, the winning running style is roaring from behind at seven furlongs and 1 1/16 miles.

Hialeah’s stretch was 1,075 while Hollywood’s is 991, considerably shorter than the 1,346 feet at Fair Grounds. Woodbine’s is only 975 feet, five feet longer than Turfway Park.

So the length of the stretch isn’t necessarily a factor in playing to closers, but the racing surface is.

Fast forward to 2007. The California Horse Racing Board last February ordered all thoroughbred tracks that operate meetings of at least four continuous weeks to install synthetic racing surfaces by the end of next year or lose dates.

The Tapeta synthetic surface, similar to Polytrack, will be installed at Golden Gate Fields. Del Mar is going for Polytrack.

The final verdict on the bias at individual tracks won’t be in for several years so watch and act accordingly.