Track Trends

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 1^st 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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