NYRA handicapper Andy Serling provides daily analysis of track trends and conditions at The Big A in an attempt to share his thoughts and insights into any possible track biases. This can be a helpful resource for handicappers as track conditions can change from one day to the next.
Belmont Park Track Trends Saratoga Track Trends
2023
Sunday, January 29
Fast
Cloudy
50
Wind 15 to 25 MPH South
The track played fairly.
Saturday, January 28
Fast
Clear
49
Wind 10 to 20 MPH West
While the rail was fine, it was no real advantage, as the track played fairly.
Friday, January 27
Fast
Clear
42
Wind 10 to 20 MPH West
Similar to last week when the track dried after heavy rain, we saw a strong inside bias. The rail was a huge advantage.
Thursday, January 26
Muddy ( sealed )
Cloudy
44
Wind 15 to 25 MPH West
The track appeared to play fairly, with runners doing fine inside, and logical results throughout the day.
Sunday, January 22
Fast
Cloudy
43
Wind 10 to 20 MPH NE
While we saw some effective runs outside, for the most part saving ground was a significant advantage. and this created several exaggerated margins.
Saturday, January 21
Fast
Cloudy
42
Wind 5 to 15 MPH NW
The rail was a definite advantage. While speed did fairly well, the rail was the advantage.
Friday, January 20
Muddy (Harrowed) 1; Muddy (sealed) 2-8
Showers
47
Wind 15 to 30 MPH West
Some showers came after the 1st and the track was sealed for the rest of the day. The rail was not the place to be and the best running was likely done at least two to three paths off the rail.
Thursday, January 19
Good (sealed) 1-5; Muddy (sealed) 6-7; Sloppy (sealed) 8
Rain
42
Wind 15 to 25 MPH NE
As the day wore on, and the track took on more moisture, riders stayed a bit more off the rail, but there is no evidence the rail was bad, in fact it seemed good, not necessarily an advantage, earlier. Ultimately, while speed did fairly well, the track was pretty fair. On days like this, with rain most of the day, it's always possible the track at least subtly changed during the day.
Sunday, January 15
Fast
Clear
39
Wind 15 to 30 MPH North
Another day where the track played on the slow side, and speed did fairly well, but for the most part the track appeared to play relatively fairly.
Saturday, January 14
Good
Snow Flurries
32
Wind 15 to 25 MPH North
There were strong winds, with some gusts, and the track played very slowly, though it sped up as the day went on. While listed as Good, it was likely close to Fast, especially as the day wore on. For the most part, forwardly placed horses dominated, and there is an argument that the rail was at least a minor advantage, while dynamics also played its frequent major role in how the races were decided.
Friday, January 13
Sloppy ( sealed )
Cloudy
49
Wind 15 to 25 MPH NW
Most of the running was done off the inside but enough horses ran well inside to suggest the rail was fine. Speed dominated the races with little meaningful ground made up throughout the day.
Thursday, January 12
Fast
Cloudy
49
Wind 5 to 15 MPH SE
While much of the running was done a path or two off the rail, the rail was fine, and the track was fair.
Sunday, January 8
Fast
Clear
38
Wind 5 to 10 MPH SW
Similar to 1/7 in that the track was relatively fair but the rail was an advantage.
Saturday, January 7
Muddy ( harrowed ) 1-3; Good ( Harrowed ) 4-10
Clear
44
Wind 6 to 9 MPH SE
The rail was good but how much of an advantage was debatable as enough of the races played out fairly. Still, overall, speed did well, and being inside likely helped.
Friday, January 6
Sloppy ( sealed )
Showery
47
Wind 6 to 9 MPH SSE
The track played fairly with a mis of speed and closers doing well. Most of the best running was done at least a few paths off the rail. It's possible the rail wasn't bad but probably better off at least a couple paths off it.
Thursday, January 5
Sloppy ( sealed )
Cloudy
51
Wind 5 MPH SW
Speed appeared to be an advantage, but how much of one is debatable as it may have been more relatively logical results and race dynamics. The rail was good and possible advantage, but likely not severe.
Sunday, January 1
Muddy ( sealed )
Clear
52
Wind 11 to 7 MPH SE
Fair mix of successful running styles. Much of the best running was done off the inside but there is no evidence the rail was bad. Probably a fair track.
Download previous years' track trends below:
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