SPRINT TO ROUTE

Fires when the last-race distance was 7 furlongs or less and today's distance is 8 furlongs or more. The sprint-to-route switch is one of the most common and most treacherous distance changes in racing. Sprinters and routers are often bred and trained differently, with different pace management, energy systems, and physical conditioning requirements. A sprinter that has never or rarely tried a route may lack the conditioning or stamina genetics to sustain speed for the longer distance.