While there may be a number of online horse games for racing fans to experience online, none offer the attention to detail and reward for knowing the intricacies of this majestic sport like one I found at the NTRA’s
website.
One aspect that is not only important to professional horsemen, but also online virtual owners, trainers and jockeys is the layout and starting gate setups at the major tracks in North America.
Our staff has spent countless hours making sure we have the proper circumference and details of all the major tracks.
This information is important when handicapping the races on-track or via simulcast, and is just as important when picking spots to race your virtual horses.
Here is a closer look at the dimensions of Belmont Park, arguably the most unique setup for racing here in North America.
Known as “Big Sandy” Belmont is easily the longest dirt thoroughbred track in North America, with a circumference of 1 1/2 miles. You can notice the difference when at the races here, as the horses seem miles away when they are on the backstretch and turning for home. The most noteworthy aspect of this layout is found in races going up to 1 1/8 miles, as they can be run around one turn. In races going the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles, the horses start from chute and just about where the first turn begins.
What does it mean? Post position is not as important, as there is no short run into the first turn, like with traditional one mile racetracks. Many trainers actually prefer to be drawn outside, especially in races going 1 to 1 1/8 miles, as it allows a stalking trip with the expected speed horses to your inside. Many horses will rate comfortably outside of others, but are not comfortable doing this when on the rail with competitors boxing them in.
Horses that have also run turns well, and/or have a prolonged stretch run that builds up also do well navigating the wide sweeping turns that are much kinder compared with the tight turns found on smaller ovals.
The Belmont Stakes is the only noteworthy race run here going two turns on the main track at 1 1/2 miles.
Belmont has two turf courses: the outside Widener (1 5/16 miles) and the Inner (1 3 /16th miles) . Races run going 1 1/4 miles, 1 1/8 miles and 1 1/16 the miles are also run from chutes on the Widener. The starts are relatively fair from the chutes, and while middle post positions are preferred, none are all that destructive to ones chances. None of the other horse racing games I’ve seen follow perfection to a track layout like the one I saw at the NTRA.
Keep in mind that the Inner turf course at Belmont is a 1/16th of mile larger than the main tracks at such known locations as Monmouth Park or Pimlico. The size of this place can not be really felt until visiting this venerable Long Island gem.
What are you thoughts on Belmont Park? What horses have you seen live that benefited, or were at a disadvantage at Big Sandy? What type of virtual horses excel over the unique courses at Belmont Park?
Let’s here your thoughts?
