distance training

Question
when training for a distance race like 1 1/16 vs a 6f race do you train differently. currently I've been galloping a Philly 3 to 4 days about 1 1/2 miles and I'll breeze her 5f 7 days before the race.should i be taking her 2 to 2 1/2 if i decided to go long with her.

Answer
Hello Andy,

It all depends on her age, soundness and how she is currently handling the workload. If she is galloping a fast pace then I would think she is getting a lot out of the mile and a half. I would only add a half mile to a mile warm up jog for an added distance. A misconception many trainers have is that if the horse is stretching out in distance then the horse should train further. A sprinter in many cases is better adapted to run a distance. The horse at this point needs to be able to slow down and harness that energy to last. Instead of focusing on fast workouts, focus on training the horse to relax at a 2 min mile with a little kick down the stretch. If your horse is finishing well at 6f then he should be ready to slow down and stretch it out.

I don't know your exact situation, so I can only advise you based on information you have given me. I hope I was helpful to you. Good luck at the races.

Christopher Crocker

Http://crockerracingstable.com