Harness racing post position bias
 

I've begun studying the ponies and have noticed an odd disparity regarding harness racing post position bias.

On some tracks, such as Saratoga, there is a straight line for the post position statistics--the farther inside you are, the better the win percentage. At many (most?) tracks, the 5th post position seems to have the advantage, often better than the 1 position.

What accounts for this disparity? Are there two (or more) different starting procedures?

Re: Harness racing post position bias
 

depends on the size of the track

Re: Harness racing post position bias
 

Saratoga is a half mile track...4 turns...meaning if you are parked outside you travel further. Inside posts will always have the best win percentage in the long run.

5/8 mile tracks have 3 turns...inside posts still have a big advantage although not nearly as much.

7/8 mile tracks and 1 mile tracks like Woodbine and Meadowlands have 2 turns and at those the number 1 post is often harmful. Post 5 and 6 regularly are the best at those tracks.

Re: Harness racing post position bias
 

I'll pretty much echo previous replies w/out the exact details.

Shorter, more oval tracks it's more important to be at/near the front. Last straight away is very short and doesn't leave enough time to make up much ground. Battles for the lead are important, some can get parked outside. Sometimes a trip on the rail right behind leader can be good, but they can get trapped w/ no where to go until too late.

Maywood Park in Chicago is an example.