THE INSIDE BERTH

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 35, 10 August 1934, Page 6

THE INSIDE BERTH

NOT ALWAYS BEST DRAW

An erroneous impression exists in some quarters that an inside berth is a good one at the seven furlongs and mile barriers at Riecarton (writes "Sentinel"). Unless a horse' is a really good beginner an insido berth is the worst position in a big field such as that usually lining up for the Winter Cup. The tendency to go over to the rails is apt to crowd the inside lot and so hamper and spoil the chance of a clear run. "

■ An outside position is much' better, providing tliat-it, is not an extreme one. A better run can be obtainad from about the middle or about two-thirds out if the rider makes a bee-line for-the far turn instead of cutting over to the rails, and so risking-getting in the pack and perhaps being boxed. Ground ean_ be saved ,'by making a bee-line1 for the fur turn, >md there ia less risk of interference on the outer than in the crowded field near the rails.-...-.'.. .■":■ ...

This opinion is the result of years cf observation. A 1 position near the rails is a great help to a horse at the six-furlong barrier if he can get away smartly On the other ,hand one on the outer is nn extra handicap, because if those near the rails have the speed to hold their posi-' tion the outer lot are forced to cover estru ground and so land in a bad position at the home turn. Very few horses have won from the,extreme outside at the six-furlong barrier at Riecarton. One of them was Glentruin when she won -the Stewards' Handicap with C. Emerson up, and incidentally made a race record ai lmin 10 2-ssec. Others have won from the outside but helped their chance by cutting in behind the leaders and making a beeline for the rails at the home turn, where there is generally an opening left. Once in the Riecarton straight there is a run. home of about,three, furlongs and a half. This allows' a horse every chance to win if good enough, and here a'position in the middle is perhaps better than one on the rails.

The common mistake made in the Riccarton straight consists in winning too far from borne, and so fading in the last 100 yards or so. Riders generally accustomed to ride on small tracks make their run from the home turn and this is generally fatal at Riecarton.