Courses that move their stalls to the inside/outside rail

[wb]

I'm doing some work on stall positions, but have come up against a problem.

As you know, stall one is always nearest the rail.

BUT...

Some tracks sometimes use their outside rail to 'attach' the stalls as well as the inside one. So, stall one could be on the inside rail at one meeting, while it could be on the outside rail at others.

In effect, sometimes the horse drawn is stall one could be running on the inside or else wide - depending on where the stalls are 'attached' to.

Can anyone shed any light on this and when it is done? Does it only happen when the distances change, or could a 7f race at a track use the inside rail one day, and the outside another?

For example, Let's say the inside rail proved an advantage at a certain course. When the stalls are placed against the inside rail, stall one would be at an advantage. However, when they are placed against the outside rail - stall one would effectively be on the outside of that track. Therefore, the stats for stall one at that track are pointless.


I have access to stall stats, but they are useless unless I know what tracks move their stalls from the inside rail to the outside, and when.

[wb]

Actually, could someone move this to the regular forum, as it might be seen by a larger number of people - thanks.

[silax]

as requested moved
if only i had the power

[Win2Win]

I moved it :)

You've hit on one of the problems of understanding speed ratings. Times are adjusted by a guestimate if the stalls are not in the usual position.

Why do they move them? Usually either to avoid bad ground, or protect ground.

Generally speaking though, the times they do this are a minority, and not worth worrying about in the grand scheme of them being in the correct place most of the time.

If you are having a bet based on stalls, and you see the track have put them in a strange place, just void the bet.

[wb]

Interesting, thanks Keith. The RP states the position of the stalls on each given day. The strategy I'm working on is for all-weather, so I suppose it wont be long before I get used to any changes.