Understanding Horse Racing Leads: A Beginner's Guide

Question
When watching a race how can you tell when a horse switches leads.

Answer
hi-- when a horse breaks from the gate they are usually on the right lead ten they change to the left lead heading down the back side and again change their lead when coming up to the TOP of the stretch to the right lead again. you can see it pretty easy at the quarter pole when they change back to the right lead. if they do not change to the right lead in the stretch, they will most likely get out to the outside or middle of the track. hope that helps you. thanks ED HESS