Why are some horses track specialists?

Why do some tracks produce nightmare results for punters?

Why do some tracks favour leaders?

These answers and more can be found in our descriptions of Australia's main horse racing tracks. 

Cheltenham racecourse is the South Australian Jockey Club's smallest course.

It has a circumference of 2,052 metres with a 325 metres straight. It is a tight course with some sharp turns which does not help long striding horses.

Horses midfield on the rails at the home turn often have difficulty getting a clear run. It is a track that favours leaders and on pace runners at the home turn.

Barrier Guide

1000 metres: This barrier is located at the end of the chute off the course proper. There is a straight run of 700 metres to the home turn. Inside barriers have a slight advantage.

1250 metres: Situated on the course proper, there is only a short sprint of about 100 metres to a sharp turn. Inside barriers are a significant advantage.

1350 metres: Similar to the 1250 metres start, there is only a short sprint of about 200 metres to a sharp turn. Inside barriers are a significant advantage.

1450 metres: This barrier is located in a chute off the course proper. There is a straight run of over 300 metres to a sharp turn. Inside barriers have the advantage.

1500 metres: Similar to the 1450 metres start.

1850 metres: This barrier starts in a chute off the course proper on the turn out of the straight. There is a straight run of 350 metres to the first corner. Inside barriers are an advantage.

2250 metres: This barrier starts in the home straight on the course proper. There is a short sprint to a sharp turn. Inside barriers are a big advantage.

2400 metres: Located at the top of the home straight, there is a straight run of about 300 metres to a sharp turn. Despite the distance of the race, inside barriers are an important advantage.

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