Those experienced in betting on horses know that track conditions can have a very real effect on the outcome of a race. Unusual track conditions can turn a horse with no chance into a champion if that runner is particularly suited to those conditions.

The following are the different track conditions, and how they affect dirt and turf tracks:

Good – For turf, this is a fairly firm course with a reasonable amount of give to it. On dirt tracks, this is a drying dirt covering that can slow down the horses.

Firm – This is a drier turf course than a Good track, without as much give.

Fast – This is a dirt course that should provide the fastest possible run times. The surface is dry and steady.

Wet-Fast – On dirt, this is a fast track has a slight amount of moisture on top.

Muddy – This is a dirt track that is very moist and slows down run times.

Yielding – This is a turf track with a deep water level that considerably slows the runners.

Sloppy – This is essentially a flooded dirt track. There is a layer of water on the track deep enough to cause puddles.

Slow – A deep and dried out dirt track that can slow runners down.

Heavy – This means the course has deep pockets of water, and causes the greatest slowdown.

Soft – A turf course that has more moisture than a Good track, with more give than a good track would have.

Frozen – This is a dirt track with frozen moisture, producing a hard surface.

When trying to pick a winner who is not a favourite, be sure to take track conditions into account. For example, if the track is Heavy, and you know there is a horse with long odds in the race who has nevertheless performed very well on Heavy tracks, you’ll want to consider a bet on that runner.