I don\'t know much about lead changes and how to differentiate between right or left leads(it looks to me like they are all on their right lead coming down the stretch). Anyway, I am currently reading a handicapping book and the author states that horses who do not consistently change to the appropriate lead coming out of a turn may be doing so due a physical problem and, therefore, are not a good bet. On the other hand, he says that a horse who usually changes leads appropriately but does not change to the correct lead in one race can be expected to improve in the next race (assumes the horse or the jockey will make the lead change happen in the next race and the horse is not injured).
Just wondering what the board thinks about the importance of lead changes in handicapping and,if deemed important, is it feasible to add a notation to the TG sheets about lead changes (or lack thereof). Thanks, Asfufh
Undeniably the most famous of all non-lead changers was Alydar. Watch him along side of Affirmed and you\'ll see the difference. Trainer, fans, and bettors would sit praying for the lead change and the other gear that may have come with it, only to be disappointed time and again.
Another famous non-lead change winner was Arazi in the Breeders Cup at CD as a Juvenile.
If you have access to this years Wood Memorial, watch Eddington as he approaches the 1/8 pole and his awkward lead change.
That should help you see the difference.
The most important thing is that the horse travels on the turns with his left lead. Ideally, he should change to his right lead upon straightening for the stretch run.
I\'ll leave the rest to the smart guys.
pgsheets,
great post.
MO