but i don't think their idea of firm going is what we classify as firm. they all water their tracks when there isn't rain. i know some don't like the softer footing, but their tracks are still rather deep-and far from the firm footing in places such as santa anita.

i don't know that you can say they don't send their best-ouija board was certainly one of the best. i think the best who don't run in the arc end up coming-it's a tricky time of year for their horses. i know at least one juvie that was supposed to show ended up not coming since her winter coat came in. too warm for them in cali, and they said that generally you see a bit of a drop in a horses efforts once they get that coat going.

i'm not disputing that on average the euros have better turfers, i just don't think it's this huge dominating thing they've got going as some seem to think. since it's pretty much an exclusive type of racing for them, and turf is secondary here, i'd think it would stand to reason that they would have an edge since it's all they concentrate on. also, it's not as tho we can't breed a good turf horse, they get bred quite often in ky-and invariably end up overseas after being purchased at auction. we export our best and brightest turfers, everyone here focuses on dirt. with good reason i'd say, look at how much emphasis is placed on the classic here, not the turf. it's where the money's at.

Which would you prefer?
 

A BC run in mud/slop on dirt or the BC run on a synthetic surface?

And this isn't a biased question....interested in which people would rather handicap, which is a better money making opportunity, and which surface is fairer.

And a dry, dirt track is not an option here.

This is probably dodging the question but I'll take this years BC over last years, because the turf races should be more form full.

Understood..and I guess I should have narrowed it to the main track only.

Personally, I would take the mud over the fake turf.
Thanks to Mike Helms' sire ratings I have been doing unusally well on the slop this year.

Neither.

I cut way back on my wagering last year because of the slop, more so because of the bog masquerading as a grass course and I'm cutting all the way back this year.

CD in '10.

I think both scenarios make the baby races even harder to play with horses catching synthetic or slop for the first time.

As for handicapping, I would pefer the slop. You would think that most of these horses have some sort of off track lines/form in their pp's. Not to mention their bloodlines too.

That's a tough question - but I think I prefer a microbrew.

Shouldn't you be packing?

I'll say the poly this year........last year most of the horses had never run on muddy tracks or bad turf. This year many of the horse have been exposed to some sort of synthetic track in training or races.

Stay on topic Schlitz-boy

I laughed :tro:

Breeder's Cup PP's
 

Hey Guys

Does anyone know when PP's will be available???

Please......dirt.

They're FINALLY out. . . Sans post positions and morning line of course. . .

This is not entirely true. I was over there in Britain for a year (just returned in August) and there were some spells when the rain was scarce and the ground was pretty firm. As I recall, the entire Ascot meet was conducted on firm ground; horses were scratched because they didn't like 'to hear their feet rattle.'

The most interesting race on the BC card(s)...
 

The Damascus, after the Classic.

As much as I can't stand this group of three year olds, it should be interesting seeing the return of Into Mischief, Gayego and Georgie Boy all in the same race.

Why she keep trying that Dancing in Silks going 7f? What am I missing ? Guess she is counting on speed bias stretching him out. This lady that trains Georgie Boy has probably moved into a house with him by now. I mean that horse is her life. Be surprised if he doesn't win at low odds. THAT IS HIS DISTANCE.

I prefer a cozy , dry spot to do my handicapping .