Weekend Track Conditions

Published: 23 Dec 2014

Sacred turf - the Randwick track manager inspects the surface

A jam-packed racing calender hits us for the Christmas weekend across four very different tracks. Form alone won't be enough in finding the winner, an understanding of how each galloper suits the different set-ups will be key.

A summary of the four tracks and forecast conditions is shown below:

Royal Randwick, Friday 26th December 

• A track that suits tougher gallopers and can often be a trap for bigger types or long-striding types.
• The rain has come and the current rating is in the Soft range (Friday 8am) 
• The rail is out +3m, but the rain coming suggests that the 'Off Rails' bias is still likely

Forecast Conditions - Soft 5 to Soft 6 / Possible Off Rails Bias

Sandown Lakeside, Friday 26th December

• The corner is just a little sharp on this inside track, but otherwise a big open straight gives most their chance. A long sustained run pays good dividends.
• A dry surface with some watering currently. Dry weather is forecast. Current Rating Good 4 (Friday 8am) 
• The rail is out +8m. Sometimes outside horses can be favoured, as was the case a couple of weeks ago. 

Forecast Conditions - Good 3 to Good 4 / Possible Off Rails Bias

Canterbury Park , Saturday 27th December

• A tight track with a camber around the turn. It often suits horses that can get momentum into the straight and find the rails. Those that don't corner well will struggle.
• The Christmas Day storms have taken the Current Rating to Soft 6 (Friday 8am).
• The rail is in the true position.

Forecast Conditions - Good 43to Soft 5 / Possible On-pace Bias

Moonee Valley, Saturday 27th December

• A very tight track that some horses won't handle. Good cornering and the ability to accelerate around the turn is needed. Often suits muscular types that out-fight others before they even reach the straight.
• Dry weather forecast. Current track rating Good 4 (Friday 8am).
• The rail is in the true position.

Forecast Conditions - Good 3 to Good 4 / Possible On-pace Bias