This term describes a horse’s racing position and style during a race, where the horse stays near the front-runner but doesn’t actively try to take over the lead. This racing behavior is related to what’s known as a stalking running style. Horses that “chase” the leader are sometimes called “stalkers” or “pace pressers” because they follow directly behind the pacesetters or front-runners. These horses often position themselves strategically to save energy while staying close enough to make a move when the opportunity arises.
This positioning can be advantageous because stalking horses often have a higher probability of winning than horses that run from far behind, as they’re in better position to strike while also conserving more energy than the front-runner who sets the pace.