Why doesn't 0 mean 0 anymore?
 

I have been wondering and I thought since Tuesday is a slow day I would post this. Most tracks, with Gulfstream probably being the biggest offender list probable post times and their websites show minutes to post. The clock clicks down to zero and we wait 5, 10, 15 minutes or more before the horses load. Is there a reason for this? If it's to increase the handle fine, but why not just list the post time as 15 minutes later?

According to Jason Blewit, who I really like.... Gulfstream is on beach time.

It's kind of like weed smoker time. 5 minutes =20
and 20 minutes =one hour.

thats gold jerry :D

Great question. I was wondering the same thing. I don't have the time to follow it as closely as most, but Gulfstream is very obvious. Seems to me that NY is pretty good about going off at PT.

It's pretty simple. Human Nature.

Most people wait until 0 minutes to post to bet. The longer there is 0 minutes, the more bets can be taken. Gulfstream has significantly increased their handle since implementing this strategy, that's why Santa Anita is following suit. Thank Tim Ritvo for this.

The good part is, I rarely, if ever get shutout

If you want an accurate time on when Gulfstream is gonna run, watch the Oaklawn MTP. Cause as soon as they head to the gate in Arkansas, Gulfstream is ready to load.

:tro:

I hate it, but this is accurate and the reason why.

I agree. I used to think it was amazing how you would agonize on what to bet in a confusing race and then in the final minutes and seconds you would have a revelation just before the race went off and desperately try to get your bet in and about that time, the signal from Twin Spires would go down.:zz::wf

Gulfstream in house surveillance cameras notify the starter if any patrons are spotted still holding onto money and they adjust post times accordingly.

OR, they use the same equipment they use to time the races! :zz:

GP is not good with time.

Thanks for the info guys. I knew it had to do with the handle. The cameras were a surprise to me. I really think there is a small chance that is true. If not I'm sure someone is now working on implementing something similar.

In the old days I can remember the lines being long at the betting windows and they would have the hosses linger around on the backstretch before the race so that the bettors wouldn't get shut out and lower the handle. The amount of people that got shut out at Saratoga was amazing. It still happens. One call to the outriders to delay a little means thousands of increased handle dollars. Surprised it doesn't happen more at Saratoga where there are so many more tellers