|
My pet peeve? Riders who haven't taken the time to develop a left hand.
If you've ever played basketball then you know there's a right way and a wrong way to handle the ball when you drive to the basket for a layup. When you drive to the right side of the basket: Use your right hand. When you drive to the left side of the basket: Use your left hand.
As a general rule that's the correct way to handle the ball because it reduces the likelihood of a defender stealing the ball or blocking your shot.
After watching 10's of 1000's of races over the years I've come to believe something similar exists in thoroughbred horse racing.
Imo, riders who possess the athletic ability to (quickly) switch hands with the whip in the stretch have an advantage over those who lack that ability.
I can't tell you how many times I've seen a rider get an early speed type to the wire first after going to the left hand in the stretch --
Wheras I can't tell you how many times I've seen a rider without a left hand get an early speed type caught at the wire.
As someone who learned how to do a left handed layup by the time I was ten, it's mind blowing to me how many of today's riders haven't taken the time to develop a left hand.
Watch a replay of yesterday's Indiana Derby. Imo, the stretch run of that race is a perfect example.
-jp
.
__________________
Team JCapper: 2011 PAIHL Regular Season ROI Leader after 15 weeks
www.JCapper.com
|
