Horse Racing Questions From A Dummy

[BigBlue]

I've been at the game for a few years now, but still consider myself a beginner. I've been a faithful listener to ATR via podcast which has helped quiet a bit - but every so often I have questions which seem like they're pretty basic - but I really don't know. My sense is that some are -and some that seem simple on the surface, really may not be. I don't live near a track (although I wish I did) where I could ask one of the regulars. This website is the closest I have to a community of players. I know there are a lot of knowedgeable folks that hang out here so hopefully you won't mind weighing in on a few of my questions. So to borrow a little from Rich Eng's book, here's my first.

Horse Racing Questions From A Dummy

Freshening

Why does a horse need 4 - 6 weeks between starts? And even when there's not a race - there may be two weeks between a workout - and sometime no workout at all? What is happening physiologically with a horse that requires this amount of time? Kobe Bryant plays every night. Eli Manning every seven days. Is a race that taxing that it requires this amount of down time or are we just waiting for the next best spot to run. Are there other factors between trainer/owner/horse that dictate these times? Is stuff happening all week long that isn't reflected in the form? Is there other exercise/conditioning that goes on? Have always wondered but never really knew.