Sprint lane debate once and for all!!!!

[Showgrounds]

No sprint lane didn't effect the result in the Cup, some desperate drivers took the sprint out of most of them. And that is the big difference, no follow the leader and wait for the sprint lane tactics. And what an exciting race we got!

[Messenger]

I am not for sprint lanes but I can't understand how a couple of tracks can be exempt - a bit like, how Collingwood refuse to have an Away jumper (Go Blues)

[Messenger]

So Ballarat has to have a sprint lane tonight for consistency across the Inter venues
If this is deemed necessary, I cannot see why it doesn't have to have a sprint lane all the time
Or no venue have them - an option I once strongly preferred but I must admit I have softened on this viewpoint (and think it might be too late to reverse their dominance)

[Big K]

https://www-harness-org-au.akamaized...PC26112203.mp4
I'm all go for the sprint lane.. horses need to be able to run to the line on a loose reign in my book. The 2nd race at GP last night(Sat), I had a small wager on El Jessie who was a big roughie, classic example of why not to bet at GP unless you lead or can breeze.

[Messenger]

No luck for El Jessie Kev but I wouldn't have minded a few bob on the winner at $51, who came from the 1x1
It would have been interesting to see what El Jessie might have done if she kept the lead as she took some restraining to give it up and then proceeded to pull

[Big K]

Hey yea for sure, in hindsight I think that would have been the best option but it was a roughie and the other was the short priced fav who was persisting.. but it's not as very good look in my opinion and my pocket says the same. I know the winner was 1x1 but they get trapped too at GP a lot of the time if they don't go early in better races. To be leading or breezing at the bell goes best usually at GP. But yep just wanted to highlight a negative aspect of not having a sprint lane.

[Big K]

El Jessie a big chance tonight at my home track in Wagin.. no sprint lane but if it can hold the lead!! Actually a bit of value in a lot of the races tonight.. sorry a bit off topic but just giving the home track a plug!!

[Messenger]

I may not be of sane mind (not very well at present) but I think the boring WA Pacing Cup without one
and then seeing in R1 at Melton tonight what a sprint lane can produce
I am a convert
It was only the existence of the sprint lane that prompted the serious challenge of the fav and leader - it failed but McGuigan knew that if he did not get the lead the sit/sprint lane may be an option

If there had been one at GP last night Magnificent Storm may have gone on with his challenge

[Mighty Atom]

If the race is run at a solid pace there may not be the need for a sprint lane at GP but presently there seems to be a mad dash for the first 400 metres and then put the brakes on especially in the lower classes I know of four drivers that use these tactics. Around the bend to the finish, drivers have got a stronghold of their horses and consistently look around keeping others behind them clamouring for a bit of space it's surprising there aren't more accidents. At this time of the year and with the condition of the track there's no excuse especially for G1 horses to be dawdling around at a 1:57 - 1:59 mile rate. Time for a sprint lane.

[Messenger]

Watching Conner Clarke do a beautiful job of stitching up the favourite in R7 at Ballarat tonight
I cannot help but wonder what a relatively knew punter/follower would make of it
Eg "What do you mean Ballarat does not have a Sprint Lane - how come?"

It has gone on for too long - ALL OR NONE

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fi...23#BAC25052303