Best starting position position for different size tracks.

[Open bridle]

If you could pick your post position for your horse what would it be. For 1/2 mile it's the 1 hole.  Winning statistics say the 5 hole on a 5/8 , but I say a post inside that is better. Not sure what the best is for 7/8 and mile tracks. Is there really a definite advantage on the inside posts on those bigger size tracks ?

[Ramone]

Your opinion or guesses don't matter Neither do mine. But the winning post stats for very track do matter. You may say that this or that seems illogical but it is what it is.

[Fuguzzi]

If memory serves at the old Meadowlands, the real Meadowlands, the #1 was like the fifth winningest PP. Not much higher percentage wise than the 8 believe it or not. I always liked including the 9 in trifectas and supers in those days.

[LUCPARK]

Big track
Post 4 or 5 best

Half mile
Post 1 and 3

[comeonman]

Clearly  half #1.   .mile aways 5 or 6........post 1 better than 2 ...but rail is not that good

[Fuguzzi]

Of all the half mile tracks, the 8 hole at Monticello probably has the lowest win percentage i have ever seen. Spoke to Billy Parker about this one rainy afternoon after he managed to get an 4 claimer warhorse of mine to the lead from the 8 despite the slop and the post, before they even hit the backstretch. ( horse got beat last few steps to the pocketsitter ) anyway, billy said that the 7 and 8 at monti are like two feet lower than the 5 or 6 because the track "crowns" right in the 6 path. So horses are climbing uphill as they are crossing over and that's what makes it so much harder to make the top from out there at Monti. I know a couple of feet seems trivial but i've heard drivers say you can really feel the drag I do realize the quality of horses that have raced Monti over the years contributes a great deal to their difficulty in winning from out there too

[Fuguzzi]

Big track
Post 4 or 5 best

Half mile
Post 1 and 3

At YR and RR back in the day the 4 always was second in wins to the 1   You can look that up   Rejean told me that the 4 at YR was the best spot to leave from ever. any gate  any track

[rainman2]

If you are following a hummer as the starting car, then posts 4 and 5.  You got gate acceleration and the hummer knocked down the wind!  RIP Pompano Park!

[Meadow Ford]

For Yonkers in 2023
PP 5    267 wins
PP 4    258 wins
PP 1    238 wins
PP 8    only 29 wins
PP stats for all tracks racing can be found at USTA under entries/results/track stats

For Med. in 2023
PP 5    139 wins
PP 6    123 wins
PP 1    91 wins

[Equus Caballus]

A lot of trainers and drivers will preach the 5 and 6 , especially at Woodbine, yet when it’s time to pick post, they go for the 4

Makes no sense to me

[Fuguzzi]

For Yonkers in 2023
PP 5    267 wins
PP 4    258 wins
PP 1    238 wins
PP 8    only 29 wins
PP stats for all tracks racing can be found at USTA under entries/results/track stats

For Med. in 2023
PP 5    139 wins
PP 6    123 wins
PP 1    91 wins

Raced at YR and RR for 30 years. Was just as happy pp 4 as pp 1    your stats make sense    hate the staggered starting hate btw

[Open bridle]

Raced at YR and RR for 30 years. Was just as happy pp 4 as pp 1    your stats make sense    hate the staggered starting hate btw

What makes the 5 hole statistically best position ?   I had heard because the driver has a good view of both inside and outside horses.

[The Exporter]

At YR and RR back in the day the 4 always was second in wins to the 1   You can look that up   Rejean told me that the 4 at YR was the best spot to leave from ever. any gate  any track

That is they way I remember it too. 1&4 on a half.

[Fuguzzi]

That is they way I remember it too. 1&4 on a half.

[Stan durbread]

What makes the 5 hole statistically best position ?   I had heard because the driver has a good view of both inside and outside horses.

That and you are going downhill to the rail. Gives a nice boost