A 'crab' around a corner

Published: 29 Sep 2014

Classy, but a 'crab' - Longma is a talented horse that doesn't get around the turn as well as others

Readers of the weekend Race Guide will know that there are a few factors to consider for each horse. The team pulls together not only the detailed form and video comments, but also a profile of each animal to show their strengths, weaknesses and how they might perform. All a service to bring you the best information.

Elements like Acceleration, Finishing Strength, Reliability and Adaptability are considered, along with the other key factors.

One of those factors could play a big part in Canterbury Race 7 tomorrow, depending on how Gai Waterhouse's training has progressed. The top-weight, Longma, is a very smart horse that The Race Guide Analyst team have a good opinion of. In terms of class, he looks the standout, but there is one feature he has that could be an issue.

The horse simply corners like a 'crab'.

His runs at Warwick Farm and Randwick are a perfect example, when he lost momentum on the turn, before accelerating nicely when asked. The signs aren't clear if he has improved, but his two barrier trial wins indicate he still might struggle cornering under pressure.

Canterbury is the tightest circuit in Sydney and it will be interesting how he runs. If he gets around it well, The Race Guide's profile will be updated, but for the moment it looks like he could be a risk.