Adapting to Polytrack, Cushion Track, and other artificial surfaces

When “The Power of Early Speed,” was published in 2005, the early lead was the right place to be on most days on most dirt tracks. The good news is that early speed is still the preferred running style on most dirt tracks.

But the recent installation of new synthetic surfaces like Polytrack, Cushion Track, and others at a number of race tracks has changed the sport of horse racing significantly. And it will continue to do so as more tracks switch to these surfaces in the future.

The strategy of looking for the horse with the most early speed occasionally works on some artificial surfaces, but it has become clear that a more diverse method is needed for bettors to succeed in races run on those surfaces.

Close-up view of Polytack surface

Photo By: John Kaiser

As a result I have changed the strategy for dealing with them. Since the track bias information provided by this web site focuses on all running styles rather than just front runners, users of powerofearlyspeed.com will be prepared to adjust to all artificial racing surfaces and can prosper from them. To the extent that any track bias is present on any artificial surface at a track we are watching, our clients will be ready to pounce on it with the combination of accurate, fresh track bias data, and Klein Speed Points that will point out the horses who will be in the right place to capitalize on the bias.