Leads III

Well, naturally, the very day this blog notes my personal obsession with correct lead changes the filly Sarah Lynx wins the Canadian International at Woodbine on the wrong lead. Just to rub it in exact same deal with Miss Keller in the Woodbine E.P. Taylor stakes.

Europeans, of course, and let's make the pertinent observation that nobody is saying a horse is unable to win on the wrong lead. My point, which I consider crucial, is that what these two horses did violates the "horses are egg membranes" principle, and though I'll likely never know, there's still the question whether either of these horses will race again. Additionally, since they're Europeans it would be possible that they may have been on their right leads part of the way into the final turn, and therefore the particular circumstances may be less of a big deal.

I will stand by my statement that a horse racing competitively down the stretch on the left lead of a dirt surface has about a 75% chance of being injured by that effort, and a 50% chance of never being heard from again. Have seen it time and again including several circumstances documented on this blog, see as one e.g. Kathie Walsh's KY Derby contender Georgie Boy winning the San Felipe on the wrong lead:

http://ratherrapid.blogspot.com/2008/04/georgie-boy-and-spacing-works.html

Bye, bye Georgie Boy and so many similar others. For the novice or oblivious owner, if you value your horse suggest being tuned into "leads".

Our good rider is planning a 2 min mile from the 5f pole and is starting out on this by approaching the finish line at the trot. If leads are crucial, what should Mr. or Ms. Rider be doing at this point?
Training:
Sun 10/16 primed for fast stuff when I get to the farm I had the overwhelming sense of avoiding tack work this day for the purpose of keeping my lazy horse interested. Went with the instinct and did a riderless work with several nice spurts planning a short breeze tomorrow.
Mon. 10/17 As is prone to happen whenever a workout is skipped (yesterday) it rains. Did another riderless 10 min. with some fast stuff. Unable to ride fast safely over wet grass.