Kempton's Polytrack circuit is the only domestic right-handed all-weather track, and races take place over an inner and outer loop.
The inner loop is used for 5f and 1m2f races only, with all other races - up to 2m - run over the outer course.Runners in 5f sprints encounter two sharp bends, with a home straight of less than 2f. Horses drawn low usually struggle get competitive so taking on the fancied runners can be a profitable strategy.
Races over 6f and further unfold with a marked difference. Most of these take place around the outer loop, giving horses and jockeys have the benefit of a longer straight. Often hold-up horses prevail as the cut-away rail offers more racing room. The complexion of 6f races changes dramatically inside the final quarter and closers who are played late have much better prospects, which can lead to in-running upsets.
Front runners at Kempton and Lingfield are invariably more vulnerable than those at Southwell and Wolverhampton: a point to consider when playing in-running or laying fancied horses with that running style.