Warning of leg problems

[ken]

10 DANGER SIGNS A RACEHORSE MAY HAVE A LEG/FOOT PROBLEM::

01) More than 3 months' layoff between races
02) 2 or more gaps in racing frequency of more than 6 weeks
03) 3 or more consecutive races with gaps of 2 weeks or less
04) 2 or more consecutive unusually slow workouts
05) Lugging, drifting, swerving more than once within 1 or 2 races, especially on turns.
06) Awkwardness while trying to switch leads
07) excessive bobbing while running, (like a merry-go-round pony).
08) Any problems leaving the gate in a race
09) 5 or older stretching out or shipping to a slower pars track
10) Losing normal early speed
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Any comments?

[Chuck]

All true when you look in context of the overall horse. In other words, at times all horses get 90 day breaks and one could argue most all horses have leg troubles to one extent or another. One key sign is after the race. Watch the horse pull up to be unsaddled. If he pulls to a stop clean and sharp...he's fine. If he plants his feet a couple or more times to stop, problems. If he stumbles, could be a problem or just darn tired. You should be able to tell a lot from him walking off after being unsaddled. Mark your programs and then watch how long it takes a horse to get back to the races. Some tracks like AQ or Tampa....there is no excuse for longer delays for most types of horses. Mountaiineer....its common to see a month between races just due to the number of horses trying to get into races. While plenty of sore horses win races......it can be an important piece of the handicapping puzzle. Sometimes.

[McSchell_Racing_Inc]

Good post,Very true in what you both say..BUT its very easy to win with a class horse droping down, The oldest trick in the book is give the horse almost a month without works, Drop him down, Thus giving claiming trainers a red flag. I love this kind of guy as I love to watch for this and then grab his horse.Another thing I watch for is quick short fast works on the droppers IMO these are selling works and I stay away.If you see a speed horse going a mile droping down after running 3/4 all his life, He could win that race IF he is a "Need to lead" horse as the pace will be slower..

[ken]

I posted this list to help verify. No works has me guessing a bunch- I guess that's the idea!LOL!
I have seen UC Dais and another Rquine research site say lung infections can be caused by excessive bleeding and I translate that into Possible overwork.
I have also seen horse on the PP's (coming back from leg problem layoffs) rushed too soon to several races to try to sell on a claim.