How much farther does a race horse run when he is say, 3-wide or 5-wide on the turn, than a horse on the rail?

Question

I've always wondered approximately how much ground a horse loses to a rail runner when he goes wide on the turn. It probably varies according to the configuration of the track, but I'm no engineer, so have never even been able to make a good variable to factor into my handicapping system. Large tracks that are a mile around have more sweeping turns and shorter tracks have sharper bends. I would estimate thoroughbreds are around 3 feet wide, meaning a horse that is '3 wide' would be at least 10 feet from the rail, after accounting for a little running space between horses. One that is 5-wide would probably be about 20 feet away from the rail, but I know he loses a lot more ground than that on the turn. Maybe somebody who has an idea about the spacing of staggered starts in track would have an idea, but of course people tracks are much smaller than horse tracks.

Answer 1

ya havo pretty well sum it up......smartass  lol

Answer 2

Every lane further from the rail is about 2 extra lengths for each turn. (on a mile oval)

So in a sprint, if you run in the 3 path, you are running about 4 extra lengths compared to the horse who has a rail trip.

If it was a route, and you were 3 wide on both turns, you'd have run 8 more lengths.

Answer 3

Being a jockey myself for 27 years and still riding being caught 5 wide on the turn is no good unless your horse is traveling at a good pace and covering the field and coming home.Myself on the turn I like to be on the fence or traveling 2 wide,most of the horses here where I ride usually drift out on the turn,and if you are sitting on there tail you can get a split and make a run home.