WORKOUTS

The magnificent misconception about workouts is that they reflect relative class. Workouts are indicators of form, not class.

Moreover, training patterns reflect the habits of horsemen, or the idiosyncrasies of horses, far more than real abilities. Faster workouts can be superfluous among horses 4up, claiming horses certainly. Younger horses should exercise smartly, to be sure, but the speed and ease of workouts does not transfer reliably to the races, any more than athletic practice transfers reliably to the games.

Horses recording average workouts demolish horses recording faster workouts every day at every track in the country. Positive form allows horses to express real abilities, but only occasionally turns the tables on more talented horses.

In addition, a poorly comprehended point, slow workouts should not be interpreted negatively. The speed and frequency of workouts are not nearly as meaningful as the distances and overall workout patterns. Longer workouts are invariably preferred.

In the peaking-form pattern, when the workouts following the much-improved race occur at five furlongs or longer, the distance is reassuring. Among sprinters, a blistering five-furlong workout is fortifying, especially at minor tracks. A blistering mile workout is ideal among routers, at any track.

Of the multitudinous workout patterns that handicappers encounter as standard fare, only a few are portentous, indicating a heightened degree of positive form:

1. Four workouts within 20 days, with one demonstrating authentic speed, preferably at five furlongs or longer.
2. In comparison with ordinary to sluggish works previously, a sharp workout from the gate with blinkers on.
3. A pair of improving grass works, prior to an improving horse's turf debut. The trainer not only takes the trouble to familiarize his charge with the new surface, but also the horse acts as if he likes it.
4. A sharp workout by a shipper at an unfamiliar track. If the stranger's workouts are faster than typical over an unfamiliar track, the shipper can be counted upon to dispense a solid performance in the race.
5. Improving form in competition, improved workouts following.
The top pattern, four workouts in 20 days, is a reliable guide to positive form, however ordinary the times.