MYTH

The NO. 1 post position is a negative.

MAXIM

Horses exiting from the rail post-position win their fair share of the races at all tracks and at all distances. The bad reputation of the NO. 1 post position is unsupported by facts and unwarranted.

The only time the NO. 1 post position should be avoided is when the track surface exhibits a negative speed bias along the inside. Now the front runners along the rail will tire more quickly than normal and few of them will be capable of winning. Just as frequently, however, the track surface favors speed horses on the inside. At that time the No. 1 post position should be preferred.