Ground Loss vs Momentum Loss

[confused]

First of all, this is not a critical topic....more of an observation.

The Haskell writeup gives a cogent insight into TG\'s handling of \'ground loss\' as an important handicapping factor.  It is very consistent with the approach I have used for years, with some success.

However, the terminology is really offkey from the scientific point-of-view.  What happens to a horse on a turn is not related to the extra ground it travels as much as the momentum a horse loses when it is further and further away from the rail.  If you can get this into your mind\'s eye think about the fact that EVERY stride on a turn involves a change in direction.  Horses have to turn left continuously with every stride on the turn, which takes more energy than running in a straight line.  Every stride must find a new direction.

Something similar, but less affecting, happens when a horse switches lanes in the straightaways.  I try to account for momentum loss in turns as well as in the stretch and backstretch runs (but as I said, it doesn\'t mean nearly as much in the straightaways).

This is really a small point, but if the loss of ground only involved the extra ground traveled, Trakus would be a lot more important handicapping tool than it is.  It\'s almost a non-factor to me.

To summarize: the loss of momentum equates to an exertion of energy.  Running turns is tiring, whether a horse is in front or behind.