WORKOUTS
The
magnificent misconception about workouts is that they reflect relative
class. Workouts are indicators of form, not class.
Moreover,
training patterns reflect the habits of horsemen, or the idiosyncrasies
of horses, far more than real abilities. Faster workouts can be superfluous
among horses 4up, claiming horses certainly. Younger horses should
exercise smartly, to be sure, but the speed and ease of workouts does
not transfer reliably to the races, any more than athletic practice
transfers reliably to the games.
Horses
recording average workouts demolish horses recording faster workouts
every day at every track in the country. Positive form allows horses
to express real abilities, but only occasionally turns the tables
on more talented horses.
In
addition, a poorly comprehended point, slow workouts should not be
interpreted negatively. The speed and frequency of workouts are not
nearly as meaningful as the distances and overall workout patterns.
Longer workouts are invariably preferred.
In
the peaking-form pattern, when the workouts following the much-improved
race occur at five furlongs or longer, the distance is reassuring.
Among sprinters, a blistering five-furlong workout is fortifying,
especially at minor tracks. A blistering mile workout is ideal among
routers, at any track.
Of
the multitudinous workout patterns that handicappers encounter as
standard fare, only a few are portentous, indicating a heightened
degree of positive form:
1. Four workouts within 20 days, with one demonstrating authentic
speed, preferably at five furlongs or longer.
2. In comparison with ordinary to sluggish works previously, a sharp
workout from the gate with blinkers on.
3. A pair of improving grass works, prior to an improving horse's
turf debut. The trainer not only takes the trouble to familiarize
his charge with the new surface, but also the horse acts as if he
likes it.
4. A sharp workout by a shipper at an unfamiliar track. If the stranger's
workouts are faster than typical over an unfamiliar track, the shipper
can be counted upon to dispense a solid performance in the race.
5. Improving form in competition, improved workouts following.
The top pattern, four workouts in 20 days, is a reliable guide to
positive form, however ordinary the times.
Once
peaked form has been attained, it can endure, and does. A short series
of regular races finds the finely tuned horses at the top of their
form. In between, workouts may be slow or irregular, to maintain condition,
but race performance continues to peak. Eventually, form dulls, not
severely perhaps, but the sharp edge is gone.
