Published Workouts

Question
What would a handicapper think about DRF published workouts that were timed and turned in by the trainer of that horse. I would think it wouldn't be worth a hill of beans or even more likely it would be misleading. It IS happening and has been for years and I may soon reveal this information.

Answer
Hi James:

As I have told people many times, workout times are not very important.  Except for noteworthy horses - those whose workouts are publicized and scrutinized - workout times should be taken with a "grain of salt."  You are correct, there are many instances in which a trainer just tells a clocker that his horse worked in :49 or :36.3; many times, the horse never even went to the track that morning. The horse's PP and the trainer's percentage are far, far more important than any workout.  I don't even concern myself with workout times, (except, maybe, for high-quality horses who are prepping for a major event.   

Brad Adler
www.superthoroughbred.com