If you're watching Kentucky Downs racing and seeing the slow times and scratching your head in wonder, here is an explanation:

The rails are significantly out today, as they were yesterday, but gate placement is the same - per track president Corey Johnson. So the horses are running "about" distances - farther than usual when the rail is in the inner most position. In addition, there is give in the ground - with the course called "good" and it might even be more tiring than that.

Most tracks have multiple positions for the gate to enter its course to accomodate different track lanes based on the movement of the rail, but Johnson said Kentucky Downs didn't want to tear up the course by doing so this year with its tractor and gate. It is being considered for next year, he said.

Long story short, races are being run a little longer than their scheduled distances.

Beyond that, races at Kentucky Downs are hand timed. So my advice to horseplayers is simple - pay less attention to time and handicap for perhaps a little more distance today. 

The rail will be in for the weekend...so precise distances those days.