2 - Track Condition

In this section, I explain how different racing conditions effect the performances of greyhounds with various running styles and why this may effect race predictions. Please see: English Dog Track Circumferences, Hare Types and Race Surfaces. Greyhound Predictor Track Dimensions are also provided.

Track Condition?

An understanding how the 'weather' effects the running surface of a greyhound track is the key to answering this question, the ability to predict accurately in advance the going conditions? or state of the track? is indeed a vital element that all 'greyhound predictors' should consider when predicting future outcomes of dog races.

The vast majority of greyhound races now take place on sand tracks, although originally many of today's prestigious events were first run on grass tracks. Other surfaces used include the 'loam tracks' sometimes seen in Australia and not to forget the old 'cinder tracks' of greyhound racing's historical past.

All greyhound racing establishments regularly maintain a fair and safe circuit for all competing dogs, by rolling flat and watering the surface of a track. However, this can often be a very difficult task to achieve, as 'racing surfaces' are constantly effected by adverse weather conditions. Therefore, any greyhounds fortunate to race on a faster surface then their competitors, will obviously hold the distinct advantage theoretically, of being able to produce quicker racetimes! This 'advantage' or alternatively considered 'disadvantage' in the bias of the track, always effects the race performances of dogs that chase or course a lure, running either an 'inside', 'middle', 'wide' or 'very wide' racing line around a track. Please see Racing Lines for further information.

I suggest, the 1st thing all "Predictors" should do when attending a meeting is to check the condition of the track!

Knowing how the track is running, is very important and a major advantage in finding winners, given to all 'racegoers'. Although interestingly many of us 'off track gamblers' may still be able to calculate correctly the 'advance going' or 'surface conditions of a dog track'. This can best be achieved in 3 basic ways, firstly, by paying attention to local weather forecasts will give you a good idea of any 'climatic changes' due to occur in the vicinity of the track your predicting. Secondly, you may notice a certain repetitive pattern to the 'previous trends' of winning trap numbers, reflected in past results from earlier run races. Or thirdly, you may, if you could, wish to study all the 'winning times', 'racing lines' and 'running styles' of all previous winning greyhounds competing at that meeting, then decide for yourself, which traps, if any, have the advantage on those particular surface conditions.

Greyhound Predictor Software v2.0 allows 4 types of racing surfaces to be simulated:-

Fast Track - [+0.40 secs = GP state of going adjustment] - Racing on firm going in hot atmospheric temperatures will create a 'fast running track' and generally gives a slight advantage to the 'inside runners'! This type of track surface helps greyhounds produce very fast sectionals and allows racing dogs of all styles to record extremely quick times! It is usually on 'fast ground' in the summer months that 'track records' maybe broken, although a hard frozen track in mid-winter may also be considered a fast track and overall benefits the 'quick away runners'!

Normal Track - [0.00 secs] - All dogs racing on a normal track surface, should produce normal race and sectional times. This type of going should be considered fair to all racing lines and running styles of greyhounds.

Slow Track - [-0.40 secs] - Winter racing in cold temperatures on wet, windy, sloppy tracks, will produce slower race and sectional times and overall favours the 'strong finishers'! The races being 'slower run' than normal inevitable give greyhounds that 'stay on' or 'finish well' more time to get into a virtual dog race!

Wet Racetrack - [+0.20 secs] - A recent shower of rain generally makes a dog track run a little faster than normal, although persistent heavy rainfall invariably slows speeds down and overall tends to favour the 'middle to wide' runners! The racing surface along the rails often becomes waterlogged due to the natural contours of a greyhound track, therefore dogs that 'move off' the rail and course more of a middle, wide and even sometimes a very wide raceline, frequently have the advantage of running on a faster surface!

All "punters" will know the importance of correctly estimating the surface conditions of a track, this should never be over-looked or forgotten as 'race conditions' effect 'race results' and therefore, always play a vital role in understanding 'The Science of Greyhound Racing Prediction!'

Now enter the track condition? - Fast, Normal, Slow or Wet

Greyhound Predictor v 2.0 Racetrack Dimensions

Next Page: Race Length

The Science of Greyhound Racing Prediction

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