Small field races - Any ideas ?

[Trotter]

Recently I've been concentrating on small field races, around 5/6 runners if possible, 7 maximum Partly this is due to less time for study and a certain 'can't be bothered' attitude to six meetings a day to trawl through..............:unsure In the spirit of having a debate, i wonder if anyone has any ideas which might relate specifically to small field races........... I can think of a couple of things Front runners - in theory front runners should be better suited to running in small fields merely because there is a greater chance that they'll get a soft lead. Stamina - Logically you'd think that a 5 runner race would suit a horse with more speed than stamina at a given trip because 'the field' would would be toddling around and something with a finishing kick would be well placed. However, I think this doesn't work in practise because hold up horses can't get 'covered up' as easily in small fields and use up their energy more than they would hidden away in a big field. (this is an analogy with 'the peloton' in cycling - I've been watching the Tour de france and am always looking for ideas from other sports to apply to racing !) So, at the moment I'm thinking that in a small field you look for a front runner who definitely stays the trip or gets a bit further. If there's no obvious front runner then concentrate on the ones that stay the trip well Anyone got any other ideas ?

[BillyHills]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ? Not sure I agree with your last comment Trotter, if you have no front runner surely the race will be run at a false pace and therefore the chances of form holding up are limited. Its also dangerous to assume that all hold up horses need to be covered up, some are just as happy lying third/fourth as long as they are not pullers which can easily be sussed via the form book. Pace of the race is vital in trying to read these races in my opinion, if your pretty sure there will be an even pace then stamina is key, whether a front runner or not (after going suitability of course), if not leave the race alone. *My opinions are only valid for races of a mile and upwards having thought about it.

[Gingertipster]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ? I think it's the same as any other race. May be it is more likely to be slowly run, when there is just one prominent runner. He can dictate a slow pace and kick from the front. Although you do have to look at each prominent runner. A 10f to 12f front runner running at 10f, may not be suited by dictating a slow pace, being outspeedsd, so will often set a good pace. Where as an 8 to 10f front runner (at 10f) probably would have the gears. However, some hold up horses are suited by a slowly run race e.g. Premio Loco at a mile. Has an excellant turn of foot, increase in speed. Beware: A "turn of foot" is the most over-used phrase in racing. Most hold up horses do not outspeed their rivals; they're merely slowing down at less of a rate than the ones in front. But you've also still got to get value. ;)

[fintron]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ? I also think pace issues are more likely in small fields, but that said i think its suprising how many front runners fail to capitalise on the small field and dont win. To name just two that have failed to dominate when they should have enjoyed the run of things.... Whiskey Junction last week at Yarmouth in a field of about 5-6. Today Angus Newz in a field of just 8 at the same track. I bloody hate Yarmouth, might stop betting there, but thats another issue.

[south_eastern_ram]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ?

I also think pace issues are more likely in small fields' date=' but that said i think its suprising how many front runners fail to capitalise on the small field and dont win. To name just two that have failed to dominate when they should have enjoyed the run of things.... Whiskey Junction last week at Yarmouth in a field of about 5-6. Today Angus Newz in a field of just 8 at the same track. [b']I bloody hate Yarmouth, might stop betting there, but thats another issue.

Although i had a winner there today, i was thinking the same thing. I couldnt figure out why but i always seem to do badly there.

[NIGEL2611]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ? I think jockeyship is also worth considering, for me one of the best jockeys that I can think of in a small field and aslo on a front runner is Phillip Robinson. I have often backed against and watched in agaony as he has dictated the pace to perfection. It has almost been as if he has a stopwatch with him! There may be a case for looking out for horses that do better in smaller fields, as it has been known to work for come from behind horses in large fields!

[fintron]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ?

Although i had a winner there today' date=' i was thinking the same thing. I couldnt figure out why but i always seem to do badly there.[/quote'] which others do you struggle at? Bath, Chepstow and Folkestone seem to be other bad ones of mine. They dont seem to offer many decent handicaps though and I suppose I dont bet there as much.

[south_eastern_ram]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ?

which others do you struggle at? Bath, Chepstow and Folkestone seem to be other bad ones of mine. They dont seem to offer many decent handicaps though and I suppose I dont bet there as much.

Only started to record my betting from about a month ago but from memory Folkestone is definitely one and so is Ascot. Most of my betting is in class 4-6 handicaps so dont really have that excuse.

[Gingertipster]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ?

which others do you struggle at? Bath, Chepstow and Folkestone seem to be other bad ones of mine. They dont seem to offer many decent handicaps though and I suppose I dont bet there as much.

Bath is tricky. Other than on firm ground, it's the only left-handed course I know that favours high numbers in the draw (at shorter distances).

[Gingertipster]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ? Been to Bath quite a bit before Northern Racing :puketook it over. Backed an Oaks winner in her maiden.

[Trotter]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ?

There may be a case for looking out for horses that do better in smaller fields' date=' as it has been known to work for come from behind horses in large fields![/quote'] Good point there ! Of course with older exposed handicappers you can look at their record and see if they have most of their wins in small fields........try and identify some small field specialists and watch 'em trail in well beaten in big fields waiting for the right time to strike ! There's also the 'small horse for small fields' theory which Nick mordin often mentions in his columns. The idea is that small horses tend to be timid types and find it difficult to run in big fields, particularly round bends when the field bunches up eg Paco Boy........ In single figure fields has won 10 out of 11 (only defeat was to Rip van Winkle in last years Sussex) In double figure fields has won 1 out of 8 (and that was with just the 10 runners)

[mowgli77]

Re: Small field races - Any ideas ? I would suggest looking at races with just a few more runners but no more than 10. Fields of 8 runners (as long as there are no non runners) are ideal because they pay 3 places and you can almost split the field down to about 4 runners quite easily and work from there. Focus on class 3 and above if possible, form is a lot stronger than class 5 where you have horses sliding down the handicap and progressive ones going up the handicap. Look for false favourites, horses priced up on one run and that look too short and find value alternatives where you can back one each way or back 2 or 3 against the favourite. You need to consider if it will be a truly run race, split the field into front runners, drop in horses and hold up horses. As mentioned it is harder to find cover in a 6 runner race than a 16 runner race. A horse with stamina doubts may get home over the trip if they go a crawl and lack any real pace from the front. A lot of group/listed races are small fields and a lot of the so called good horses are quite overrated. You'll also find value in maidens when a horse that has placed in its first race is a short price favourite next time out, more so in small fields I've found. Good luck. :ok