Quote:
Originally Posted by parsixfarms
I understand your point, and that's why the decision to raise the bottom from $12,500 to $16,000 for maiden claimers was a distinction without a difference.
As for "open" claimers, I think raising the bottom would have a significant effect. A few years ago, when the first rash of inner track fatalities occurred, the bottom claiming level for the winter meet was $7500, and there were many Finger Lakes horses wintering here. NYRA raised the bottom to $12,500 last winter, and few of those horses were here last winter. If NYRA were to raise the bottom to $20,000, will there be some horsemen running their horses over their heads? Sure. But the difference in New York between $20,000 and $10,000 is far greater than the difference between, for example, $5,000 and $8,000 at a track like Tampa.
|
I see your point Brian, but it is a scarcity of these types that is at issue.
I'm not willing to concede that it's cheap horses that are the main cause/source of breakdowns and by eliminating the venue for them you eliminate the breakdowns happening. And really don't want to rehash the argument of what is the cause.
I've definitely noticed an increase in Finger Lakes horses this meet (@ Tampa) - and just like their Fort Eire compatriots, they aren't winning here either.
The fact is, it's a horse shortage situation and the quality of product here has fallen as a result of having to write races for what you have available to run.
If NYRA is to continue down this path, they HAVE to cut race days. They aren't going to open anytime mid week to run a 6 race card. Players are not going to invest full price for handicapping material for 6 six horse field races (pre-scratch). Furthermore, chasing 60% of the barn off the property by removing their races would devastate and already exacerbated situation