Santa Anita Polytrack Results

larrygene · Postby **larrygene** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 8:07 pm

We certainly don't want to leave anyone out, so, WELCOME BACK, ageecee. Try not to stay away so long

Larrygene

George William Smith · Postby **George William Smith** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:02 am

Sorry, I just used poly to synonymously with synthetic. Is 'cushion' the trade mark name, like Tapeta surface. Anyone know how many trade mark different surfaces are there classified as synthetic. What about the synthetic surfaces of Lingfield and other European courses? What is the trade mark name of such surfaces so that we actually can find out the differences between each? Thanks George

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 8:24 pm

As far as I know there are three 'brands' in use in N. America, Polytrack, Cushion Track, and Tapeta. I believe in Britain Polytrack is the most commonly used. So far in North America it would appear that Cushion Track seems to have had the most positive response as being 'fair' and not producing a series of injuries that are different from the old dirt track injuries but problematic nonetheless. Santa Anita and Hollywood have Cushion Track, everywhere else except Presque Isle Downs (and one of the training tracks whose name I've forgotten) has Polytrack. At Keeneland and Turfway Park there have been criticisms and difficulties in handicapping, but the biggest complaints about Polytrack have come from Del Mar and Arlington. I don't know what the problem is at Arlington precisely, but at Del Mar because of the sensitive position of the groundwater with respect to the ocean, I understand that some crucial part of the product's base was not allowed to be installed. Del Mar's Polytrack then played out as very soft and tiring.

There was a breakdown on Tapeta during the very first race on it but I didn't hear much after that.

Jump in anyone to correct or amplify my impressions.

Tucumcari · Postby **Tucumcari** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 6:27 am

They had several though I don't know the #. I know the one the first day and Super Frolic and I believe others as well

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 2:44 pm

To add to the list - Golden Gate Fields is installing Tapeta.

bdw0617 · Postby **bdw0617** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 3:09 pm

kinda off topic but has anyone heard of this pro ride surface? Apparantly it's not getting much love here in the states, and it looks like...well..fake. But it's around. wanted to know some thoughts on it

Tucumcari · Postby **Tucumcari** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 3:25 pm

geowarrior wrote:To add to the list - Golden Gate Fields is installing Tapeta.

It is installed and opening day was today

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:47 pm

Any breakdowns so far? Losing a favorite of mine like Super Frolic on Tapeta doesn't put it at the top of my popularity list.

Tucumcari · Postby **Tucumcari** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 6:26 pm

Yes. Atleast two during training hours

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 12:07 am

Oh God. Cross Tapeta off my list.

So it seems that although Cushion Track isn't perfect, so far it's the best? Of course if I'm right Cushion Track has only been installed in California so perhaps it might not fare so well in a different climate zone.

Tucumcari · Postby **Tucumcari** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 5:06 am

Ya, my preference is Cushion.

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 1:17 pm

Good to know, Tuc. Can you elaborate, though? Is your preference based on least injuries on that surface, the 'fairness' of the surface, some other factor, or a combination of all of these?

tbrace · Postby **tbrace** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 9:43 am

How about the "grass horse-dirt horse" discussion at GGF?

Is there any feeling about a trend on Tapeta?

Tucumcari · Postby **Tucumcari** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:14 am

geowarrior wrote:Good to know, Tuc. Can you elaborate, though? Is your preference based on least injuries on that surface, the 'fairness' of the surface, some other factor, or a combination of all of these?

We did have injuries on both. I had one breakdown at H'wood though she was salvageable. But by the grace of God! She should have snapped her leg clean off but didn't. I was on her and was able to pull her up immediately. Then I had a pelvis. That wasn't that bad (by comparison to other pelvic fractures. She is back in training. Other than that we had hot feet and improved joint pressure. It actually seems to be very kind on joints.
At Del Mar, We had a bunch of mystery lamenesses. Joint pressure increased. Ankles paid the price. The mysteries we not solved even by nuc scan and were given time off. Feet cooled out. I know alot of people complained about abcesses, but we didn't have one. BUT we had had nothing vanned off, only one vanned to the barn to test as he cooled out badly. Undiagnosed.
I didn't mind Del Mar, thoughI won at a decent clip. I had the right kind of horses. Closers.
I didn't like the fact that we couldn't keep a she on a horse. we had to use clips on everything or we were resetting atleast one shoe a day. On Cushion we didn't need clips.
We had injuries on both surfaces, but the thing I like about Cushion is that it acts more like dirt. It seems more fair to any style. Santa Anita has had it's fair share of injuries already, but (unfortunate but true) fatalities are going to happen.
Then there has been the drainage issue. They will get that worked out. It improved with every rainfall, which apparently is supposed to be the case.
The one thing I have said all along is that you and your barn had better be on top of every leg in the barn! Dot your i's and cross your t's. or fatalities could rise. In some ways I think it is too kind and that is where injuries are going o happen. If a horse is off on the track, you DO have a problem.
It has been a big adjustment for trainers and some are doing it better than others.