Derby Blogs

During my trek to Keeneland today, I finally got to experience the notorious Polytrack surface up close and personal.

Polytrack, a synthetic racing surface, certainly doesn’t look or feel like a traditional dirt track. It’s filled with tiny fibers that are Blue, Green, Orange and Red. The material feels cushiony and spongy. It also needs little maintenance. I was at Keeneland all morning and there were no renovations done to the track; its condition remained even all through training hours.

Horses just seem to bounce over the surface. Because of its shock absorption properties, horses make little sound when galloping or breezing over it versus a natural dirt surface. It’s quickly easy too see why there’s been a significant reduction in injuries at tracks using synthetic surfaces.

It was especially cool to check out Polytrack because I enjoy betting races run over it so much. Grass races have always been favorite to bet, and I love Polytrack races because they’re run similarly. Since synthetic surfaces are still new to handicappers, I’ve found value in many situations where the general public seems confused. I’m looking forward to the unveiling of the newly installed Polytrack surfaces this summer at Arlington and Del Mar.

Hall of Fame jockey, Angel Cordero, who’s been working Todd Pletcher’s horses over Keeneland’s Polytrack all spring, raved about the surface this morning. He said Circular Quay, in particular, has thrived over it.

“I don’t know about running on it, but they sure love training on it, "he said.

* Funny Cide finished third in the $65,000 Kings Point Handicap for New York Breds at Aqueduct today. He was wearing blinkers for the first time. It’s cool seeing a Derby winner still racing four years later (and he’s one of my favorites), but I wish he could still hang with top company.