What difference do nose strips really make?

[Skywalker]

Anyone here use these? First, I think the New York Board is just stupid. How hard is it to regulate nose strips. Second, anyone that wants to use them can, so what is the point.

But, is there any scientific proof, via a treadmill study or anything that says these things really make a difference in horses?

I actually know a person that uses them and swears they make a HUGE difference in people. If that is the case in horses, this might actually be a real factor in the Belmont with IHA. I sure wouldn't want to be going 12f for the first time without them if they really help him.

[stuff]

Anyone here use these? First, I think the New York Board is just stupid. How hard is it to regulate nose strips. Second, anyone that wants to use them can, so what is the point.

But, is there any scientific proof, via a treadmill study or anything that says these things really make a difference in horses?

I actually know a person that uses them and swears they make a HUGE difference in people. If that is the case in horses, this might actually be a real factor in the Belmont with IHA. I sure wouldn't want to be going 12f for the first time without them if they really help him.

The people that sell them are going to tell you they make all the difference in the world. I've used them a few times and didn't really notice they moved a horse one way or another. An old school figure eight nose band can give you a similar effect. I would guess if they were really that critical to performance you would see more people (ie. Pletcher, Baffert, Lukas) using them. My opinion is it won't make a difference to IHA's race at all. He trains without them every day.

[Native Diver]

You know, IHA is the first horse in a while that I've noticed wearing them. Seems they were kind of trendy to use back when they first came out for horses, but then two years later you rarely saw them. I personally don't think they are the difference between winning and losing; a horse has a built-in ability to flare their nostrils when they need more air. Unless a particular horse has more soft tissue around the airways in their snouts to inhibit their breathing, in which case such a horse is probably not a TC contender.

[Skywalker]

You know, IHA is the first horse in a while that I've noticed wearing them. Seems they were kind of trendy to use back when they first came out for horses, but then two years later you rarely saw them. I personally don't think they are the difference between winning and losing; a horse has a built-in ability to flare their nostrils when they need more air. Unless a particular horse has more soft tissue around the airways in their snouts to inhibit their breathing, in which case such a horse is probably not a TC contender.

That makes sense. He doesn't go to the track wearing them every morning from what I can tell. Just races.

[Commentator]

They were all the rage back in the late '90s, weren't they? I think Lukas used them on everyone, seem to recall Cat Thief had one on when he won the Classic. Doubt they're all that great, if they fell out of favor so quickly. Still, I think there's some evidence suggesting that they help prevent bleeding. Maybe they'll become more popular if Lasix is eventually phased out?

IHA should be fine, although the explanation for the ban is flimsy at best.

[flute2]

He has worn it for every start, so I worry more about the "race day routine" being disrupted more than the actual physical effect it would have to not wear it (although I would want any breathing advantage I could get for my horse when running the farthest distance he had ever run, however insignificant it might seem!) -- call it superstition or call it messing with success on potentially the biggest day in IHA's race career, I just don't like it being changed on the day of the last race of the TC.

[Skywalker]

He has worn it for every start, so I worry more about the "race day routine" being disrupted more than the actual physical effect it would have to not wear it (although I would want any breathing advantage I could get for my horse when running the farthest distance he had ever run, however insignificant it might seem!) -- call it superstition or call it messing with success on potentially the biggest day in IHA's race career, I just don't like it being changed on the day of the last race of the TC.

Detention barn. No nose strips. Added pressure on the barn. 3 races in 5 weeks. A couple rested horses. He has his work cut out for him.

[The Tin Man]

You know, IHA is the first horse in a while that I've noticed wearing them.

Close to ALL, if not all of O'Neill's horses wear them. They've been a staple of his for quite some time.

[The Tin Man]

Detention barn. No nose strips. Added pressure on the barn. 3 races in 5 weeks. A couple rested horses. He has his work cut out for him.

I like his chances a lot!

You try to beat him Sky ... As for me? I'm going WITH him.

He's the best horse in the race ... Let's just hope he RUNS the best race too!

[Skywalker]

I like his chances a lot!

You try to beat him Sky ... As for me? I'm going WITH him.

He's the best horse in the race ... Let's just hope he RUNS the best race too!

I suspect he will win. I am playing him on top of Street Life, but I will also be playing Street Life across the board for quite a few dollars.

I don't like Union Rags or Paynter. Only other I would even consider is Dullahan. Dullahan is clearly the 2nd best horse in the race at this distance if you asked me.

[The Tin Man]

I suspect he will win. I am playing him on top of Street Life, but I will also be playing Street Life across the board for quite a few dollars.

I don't like Union Rags or Paynter. Only other I would even consider is Dullahan. Dullahan is clearly the 2nd best horse in the race at this distance if you asked me.

Sounds like a solid strategy, Sky ... Pretty much like mine on the bigger races.

I use my key horse on top of my main bets and then run my "covers" with potential upsetters in case something unexpected happens ... Been saved by those covers many times.

In this case, I'd rather make LESS money and see IHA win The Triple Crown. Kinda like the 2010 BC Classic ... I won my cover trifecta when Zenny lost ... But I'd have MUCH rather made less and had her win that one.

[Skywalker]

Sounds like a solid strategy, Sky ... Pretty much like mine on the bigger races.

I use my key horse on top of my main bets and then run my "covers" with potential upsetters in case something unexpected happens ... Been saved by those covers many times.

In this case, I'd rather make LESS money and see IHA win The Triple Crown. Kinda like the 2010 BC Classic ... I won my cover trifecta when Zenny lost ... But I'd have MUCH rather made less and had her win that one.

Most of my bets are going to be on the undercard. I am betting Street Life for some action, but when a TC is on the line I don't feel a huge need to bet the race. I sort of will root for him, but if Street Life is flying at the end and beats him, I won't be giving the money back. Have to figure in a field of 12, Street LIfe will be 20-1.

[daisy]

They briefly noted the use of nasal strips in the racing form (like blinkers & front bandages) after the Breeders' Cup the year that Cash Run won the Juv. Fillies over Chilukki. They stopped denoting it in the form after announcing that it had no marked effect on performance.