In several of my posts I mention "Polytrack", but I realized that someone reading might not know what it is, so I will attempt to explain.

Polytrack is actually a brand name for a type of synthetic all-weather track used at some racetracks around the country. It is often used to mean any type of synthetic track however, and that is how I used it previously. Different brands have different formulas, but it is generally made up of sand, synthetic fibers and recycled rubber coated in wax. It requires an extensive drainage system as exposure to water over a long period of time may cause the wax to break down.

This drainage system provides it with a big advantage over traditional dirt, it allows races to be ran over a dry track faster than with dirt. Horsemen and Handicappers alike prefer fast tracks to muddy or sloppy tracks. Another major advantage of polytrack is that major injuries (such as what happened to Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby) seem to occur far less often, as running over the track seems to put less stress on the horses legs. Furthermore, the track doesn't frost over, so there is no need for it to thaw before races can be conducted on it.

However there are some disadvantages. The major one is that horses who need the hardness of dirt to be able to run their fastest seem to lose some of their kick on the surface, and don't run as well. For example, Harlem Rocker finished 4th against a lackluster field in his only start on a synthetic surface. Furthermore, some trainers claim that minor injuries occur more often on synthetic surfaces.

With California mandating that racetracks in the state switch to synthetic tracks, Polytrack and the ilk are here to stay. Some horses don't take to it, but many do. When betting on a race on a synthetic surface, look for horses that run well anywhere, horses that do well on turf, and horses who are just plain fast.