One key difference between Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing in the United States is the latter offers more diverse racing surfaces and racing distances.
Most American Thoroughbred tracks offer at least two different surfaces among all-weather, dirt, and turf options. And every track offers races at different distances--sprints, routes, and even marathons.
But Standardbred tracks in the U.S., are, well, pretty standard: Tracks vary in size, but every track generally offers one racing surface and the same 1-mile distance for all its races.
Even though harness races on the turf seem cool and would add another option for owners and trainers to explore for a pacer or a trotter, it's unrealistic for Maine's tracks to maintain both a main track and a turf course. But it doesn't seem unrealistic for Maine tracks to offer races at various distances.
Various distances besides the typical 1-mile pace or trot are pretty common at international harness tracks, but closer to home Plainridge Park in Massachusetts has been writing races for 1.25 miles this summer.
Extending that trend by writing, say, 1.5 mile marathon races or (maybe?) 0.5 mile sprints at Maine's half-mile tracks would be a good development in Maine harness racing.
It would give breeders, owners, and trainers more opportunities for their broodmares, pacers, stallions, and trotters to find their niche. And it would add additional pieces to the proverbial puzzle that horseplayers need to solve when handicapping and betting, which would make wagering a little more interesting and intriguing.
