Does the rail position at all effect the distance of the race?

Winner winner chicken dinner!

The Rail position can be very important. 95% of punters don't check it, 95% of punters don't adjust for it, 95% lose.

Looking at the rail position can give you an advantage over punters who don't take the time to check it out.

But more to your question ... It depends on the track and where the Rail is out from. If its just out in the last 200m then probably not, but it will restrict running room for the horses trying to find a way through.

The rail position obviosuly affects horses behind the first 4-5 horses more then it affects those that lead. So the impact may be negligble depending on the running position of your horse.

The Rail out position favors front runners but then every race favors front runners.
Cheers
darky

Not in Brisbane Darky as you know from my Ultimate system, but keep sucking the mugs in mate so I can clean up.

Every state ,every race, the front runners have a advantage.

Cheers
darky

To quantify darkys statement:

Within 2 lengths or leader at Turn:
All price ranges:
15125 Selections
$12962 return (86%)

4 lengths or more from the leader at turn:
All price ranges:
6703 Selections
$4869 return (73%)

Lets assume we stick to those with a chance so under $5:

Within 2 lengths or leader at Turn:
3450 Selections
$2988 return (87%)

4 lengths or more from the leader at turn:
806 Selections
$629 return (78%)


These stats tell us a few things. Firstly its an advantage to be close to the leader. Secondly most people already know about it.

I never though of it before, because if it does affect distance, it would be compensated for.
Otherwise all our time/distance measurements and ratings would be up the creek and meaningless.

I think the distance is measured inside from a fixed point, like, I'm only guessing, 20 feet from the outside fence or at the midpoint of the track, so in theory at least, it should not affect the race distance.

However, to make sure, I asked for clarification from the racing authorities.

When and IF I get a reply I let you know.

Cheers

The race distance is the length along the rail not from the middle of the track.

I was guessing since it's common practice in car racing.

If it is not compensated for then our time ratings are useless.
I'm waiting for an explanation from the racing club.

Usually I have no trouble finding things but this one eluded me.
Cheers

This is the reply from Mr Jason Kerr
General Manager Racecourses | Race Course Managers
Melbourne Racing Club

"When the rail is out from the true position the barrier stalls are moved forward to allow for the greater distance covered around the turns. All starts have been surveyed and adjustments are exact so the race distance does not change regardless of where the rail is. The one exception* is the 1400m start when the rail is out 14 metres, we run 1440 metre races as the stalls cannot be moved too far forward as it is a short run to the turn. Thanks
"
* my note: this applies to Caulfield only, don't know about the other tracks, but what is important is that the distances are accurate!

I appreciate his prompt reply.
Thank you Mr Kerr.

Cheers