Pillow there isn't any doubt he would go anyway.
Look, Gulf has had horrendous weekday cards that the trainers have marched in and complained about the last two years. I believe Frankel was the most vocal about it.
The slots will change that at some point, but as for now its awful. They hav a lack of allowance races for guys with horses sitting on conditions and MSW's as well.
Purses are higher there as well and in addition Pletcher is loaded with grass horses in the stakes division and would have to run them against each other at Gulf in the limited opportunities they offer.
It just makes sense.

Mike,

Could you share any info in the expense of a track like Kee changing their dirt surface to make it deeper, etc versus the install of poly? I am curious because I would, as a fan and I am sure the owners etc feel the same way (?) would prefer a NATURAL SURFACE versus a polytrack. Thanks if you know.

CP

Well I'm sure since keeneland owns half the company that makes Poly, that the expense is a lot less than it would be if you pay to have a poly surface installed wholesale. The numbers I hear tossed out are anywhere from 8-10 mill to have a poly type surface installed.
No way could Keeneland not use the surface, since they own half the company who makes it. What kind of advertising would that be if they didn't?

My take is that horse health only became a concern when someone could make money on selling a surface for this much cash.
Darrell Vienna wondered aloud after Cali said all tracks would go to Poly "why can't we just have a safer dirt track?". I think many others have wondered the same thing.
Trainers have been complaining for years about juiced up tracks on big race days that produce incredible fractions and sore horses.
Its not rocket science to install a deeper cushion and put some deeper soil or loam out there on top. Then you harrow it deeper and don't water the **** out of it all day long producing concrete.
The cost of doing this compared to Poly installation is minimal. But noone would make any cash, or get any gratuities for their help in choosing it.
I wonder how many Cali lawmakers who voted on this got contributions from these companies? I'd love to see that info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the insight.

I guess I won this Oracle - send the $20 to some people who need a warm meal on Thanksgiving. I will say that I was impressed with CQ's race.

I'll send it wherever you want. I owe Sniper as well, and Curt owes me 100. Basically we raised 150 bucks for charity. Lemme know if you want a receipt for the tax writeoff, pm me your address if you do. You too Sniper. I'll be sending it out tomorrow, so lemme know.