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The above table
indicates the change in the average pace call at various synthetic tracks and distances from
the dirt tracks they replaced. Positive (+) numbers in blue
indicate the pace call is faster than the same call was on the dirt
track, while negative (-) numbers in red indicate the pace call
is slower.
For example, Dmr 6.5f races were 0.44 seconds slower to the pace call on polytrack than on dirt.
The times represent
the pace time of the WINNER of the race, not the leader. For
races less than 8.0 furlongs, the pace call is the 4f, or 1/2 mile,
mark. For races 8.0 furlongs or longer, the pace call is the 6f,
or 3/4 mile, mark.
One note, Keeneland not only installed polytrack, but also eliminated
some banking from the track. Since the pace calls always involve
turns, this most likely makes the differences appear greater than they
would have been with a surface switch only.
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