| An off track is any dirt race track that is rated | | | | runners. Was Mine That Bird really that much |
| as muddy, sloppy, good, or heavy. For the | | | | faster than all those other talented three year |
| purposes of this article and finding good bets | | | | olds? |
| when the dirt track is off, we won't be discussing | | | | The answer to that question is yes and no. On |
| turf races and grass surfaces, though they too | | | | that track surface with that footing and running |
| offer opportunities for good bets when they are | | | | style, Mine That Bird was that much better |
| not fast. | | | | because he accelerated slowly so he didn't slip or |
| Because the people who supply past | | | | lose traction, and he was digging deep and |
| performances and sire statistics also supply | | | | reaching the hard surface below the wet mud |
| information regarding a horse's chances of running | | | | above it. No, on a fast track he will not outshine |
| well on an off track, there is some confusion | | | | the other horses, though he may be competitive, |
| about what makes on horse run well when the | | | | he won't fly by them as he did in that race. |
| track is wet while another might not run as well. | | | | When looking for a horse that may seem to |
| The following information works well for | | | | improve on a wet track, particularly a muddy |
| thoroughbreds, harness horses, and quarter | | | | track, look for a horse that drives its hooves |
| horses, alike. Though the ability to run well or | | | | down hard and propels itself with the front tip of |
| even better on an off track may be traced to | | | | the hoof. At first, it is hard to spot, but with |
| the sire or dam, what really makes a horse run | | | | practice you will realize that some horses skim |
| well, and something you can spot with some | | | | and float, accelerating very fast on a hard and |
| practice, is a horse's stride and running style. | | | | fast track, while others dig and seem to plod on a |
| When the track is deep and heavy because of | | | | hard track but can accelerate nicely on a muddy |
| rain, it may also be slippery. Horses that normally | | | | track. |
| have a light step and skim over the surface may | | | | When picking winners on a muddy track, check |
| have trouble getting good traction and therefore, | | | | the breeding to see if the sire is noted for |
| also not be able to race as fast. A good example | | | | producing mudders and then actually watch the |
| of that was found in the Kentucky Derby when | | | | horse warm up on the track before the race in |
| Mine That Bird seemed to fly right by the other | | | | order to check its stride. |