I also agree that the mechanics of any system should play out better due to the uniformity of our tracks and yes, our racing is about 85% dirt here. The x factor, however in the standardization of our tracks is this. Every dirt track is watered and harrowed every night and morning as well as between every race. If the track superintendent wants to soup the track up he can let it dry out over night and push down the dirt to harden the surface and produce faster times that favor front runners and vice versa. You may notice this here on big days like the Derby and the Breeder's Cup. They want records set and people to take notice. It's not good for the horses and the 1990 Breeder's Cup at Belmont was a prime example with four or five horses breaking down in 2 days. Not good.

So you see, even a dirt track can change without you knowing,but if you do your homework you can check the track's web site to see if they did anything over night.