Great commentary as always. You make some strong arguments at leaving the T.C. alone
You are basically offering a schedule for 3yr old dirt horses to the Breeder's Cup, which is much needed. With 3 major entities dominating ownership of the industry, they would be well served to listen.
My only worry with the current schedule is the 'gap' between Belmont Day and the next featured race, the Haskell, which is about 6 or 7 weeks. That period is when kids are getting out of school and parents are taking vacation - would love to fill that void.
Q - Why is the Sir Barton on the under-card? Don't give owners that option, move it to another w/end!
Chuck, I agree with everything that you said. The hand wringing over the spacing of the TC races is a complete and total waste of time. Among all of the problems that racing faces, the declining foal crops is one of the most significant. In that regard, the AGSC, and it’s ridiculous “grade inflation” policies are the major cause of the lack of competitive stakes races. Why does the AGSC have a monopoly on the grading of stakes races? Why should it be the sole purview of an organisation, TOBA, that is dominated by Breeders, to be able to create a system that only benefits them?
Nevertheless, my only disagreement with your proposal is that I think that there should be only 4 Grade 1s for 3YOs-the 3 TC races and the Travers. The Haskell and PA Derby are only 9F, and would incentivise connections to avoid the Belmont and Travers( as they do now). However, that’s a small detail, when the greater issue is that the AGSC, or a successor group, must significantly reduce the number of grade 1s and all graded stakes in general.
Great commentary as always. You make some strong arguments at leaving the T.C. alone
You are basically offering a schedule for 3yr old dirt horses to the Breeder's Cup, which is much needed. With 3 major entities dominating ownership of the industry, they would be well served to listen.
My only worry with the current schedule is the 'gap' between Belmont Day and the next featured race, the Haskell, which is about 6 or 7 weeks. That period is when kids are getting out of school and parents are taking vacation - would love to fill that void.
Q - Why is the Sir Barton on the under-card? Don't give owners that option, move it to another w/end!
Chuck, I agree with everything that you said. The hand wringing over the spacing of the TC races is a complete and total waste of time. Among all of the problems that racing faces, the declining foal crops is one of the most significant. In that regard, the AGSC, and it’s ridiculous “grade inflation” policies are the major cause of the lack of competitive stakes races. Why does the AGSC have a monopoly on the grading of stakes races? Why should it be the sole purview of an organisation, TOBA, that is dominated by Breeders, to be able to create a system that only benefits them?
Nevertheless, my only disagreement with your proposal is that I think that there should be only 4 Grade 1s for 3YOs-the 3 TC races and the Travers. The Haskell and PA Derby are only 9F, and would incentivise connections to avoid the Belmont and Travers( as they do now). However, that’s a small detail, when the greater issue is that the AGSC, or a successor group, must significantly reduce the number of grade 1s and all graded stakes in general.
Chuck…spectacular writing….the decision makers should take note !!
Excellent, excellent point on the grade 1 races !
“Prop Joe territory”
CLASSIC!!