Hi Barny/Vortech,

If you think of it logically a horse does not cover any extra ground when running in a straight line. It is only on the bends where a horse will cover extra ground.

Hence we need to consider the configuration of the track. Courses such as MV and Canterbury which are tight turning tracks the ground covered would be greater than say Randwick or Flemington.

Saying all this it is interesting to hear some of the jockeys riding the International horses saying the horses prefer to be ridden wide as it gives them clear running and less chance of get blocked or checked.

An interesting debate!