Drivers giving holes a smart tactic

I have heard from several knowledgeable horsepeople… the reason the holes are given early in a race is smart drivers know if they give a hole it sometimes betters their own position to not have to come first over. Also, horse(s) parked on the outside from the start make it almost impossible for a horse locked on the inside to get out in the flow when desired and have a chance to win. I don’t have any objection to the holes. They are not usually courtesy holes, just smart decisions and racing tactics.

— Dean Richardson