Keeneland Moves the Bluegrass Back to 4 Weeks Out

[Soaring Softly]

Keeneland has re-scheduled the Bluegrass on the calendar to be run the same day as the Wood Memorial and the Santa Anita Derby.

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/edito...e.cgi?id=47778

I remember when, back before the Wood was moved back to its current position, the NTRA used to run a National Pick 3 with the Wood, the Bluegrass, and the Arky. As I recall, that was a pretty popular bet, nation-wide.

I'm wonder if, with this move by Keeneland, they might consider staging the same thing again using the Wood, Bluegraass, and Santa Anita Derby.

I for one would love that. I hope they at least think about it.

I agree. The national Pick 3 and Pick 4 and even the Mana Pick 5 were great bets and often times would pay very well. I would love if they bring that back.

[booner]

Originally Posted by helicopter11

I agree. The national Pick 3 and Pick 4 and even the Magna Pick 5 were great bets and often times would pay very well. I would love if they bring that back.

I miss this one. Had a blast playing it each week during the cold months.....

[tanner12oz]

Stress test for BC cup? Expect very large crowds if the weather holds

[South Beach Luv]

Originally Posted by tanner12oz

Stress test for BC cup? Expect very large crowds if the weather holds

With them capping ticket sales to the BC this day will be far more crowded

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by South Beach Luv

With them capping ticket sales to the BC this day will be far more crowded

Moving it up a week will also make no difference at all crowd-wise. Blue Grass day is packed no matter what, and it'd be hard to imagine the weather being better and the crowd being larger than it was this year.

[saratogadew]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Moving it up a week will also make no difference at all crowd-wise. Blue Grass day is packed no matter what, and it'd be hard to imagine the weather being better and the crowd being larger than it was this year.

I was there for Bluegrass 2012. I don't mind crowds at all but that day was over the top. I'm used to the big lines at the windows, concessions, and bathrooms. I just go with the flow and expect it on big days. Keeneland's problem is they allow all of the aisles to be jammed up with people. I had grandstand seats and just to get through all of the people camped out in the aisles was quite frustrating. It would take 15 minutes to work your way through all of the people just to get to the normal 15 minute betting window or bathroom lines. I love Keeneland and will go back on a non Bluegrass weekend.

[saratogadew]

Originally Posted by saratogadew

I was there for Bluegrass 2012. I don't mind crowds at all but that day was over the top. I'm used to the big lines at the windows, concessions, and bathrooms. I just go with the flow and expect it on big days. Keeneland's problem is they allow all of the aisles to be jammed up with people. I had grandstand seats and just to get through all of the people camped out in the aisles was quite frustrating. It would take 15 minutes to work your way through all of the people just to get to the normal 15 minute betting window or bathroom lines. I love Keeneland and will go back on a non Bluegrass weekend.

To anyone who complained about NYRA and the Belmont Stakes day exit. Get yourself a grandstand ticket on Bluegrass day. You"ll be longing for that shining star in Elmont, NY all day!

[South Beach Luv]

Originally Posted by saratogadew

I was there for Bluegrass 2012. I don't mind crowds at all but that day was over the top. I'm used to the big lines at the windows, concessions, and bathrooms. I just go with the flow and expect it on big days. Keeneland's problem is they allow all of the aisles to be jammed up with people. I had grandstand seats and just to get through all of the people camped out in the aisles was quite frustrating. It would take 15 minutes to work your way through all of the people just to get to the normal 15 minute betting window or bathroom lines. I love Keeneland and will go back on a non Bluegrass weekend.

That's why I get a seat, eat before I sit down, and bet from my phone and only get up if I need to use the bathroom or really want to see a horse in the paddock.

We have went to the last three Bluegrass Days, not sure now about this year. If Judy the Beauty is going in the Madison that will probably be a game changer.

[tanner12oz]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Moving it up a week will also make no difference at all crowd-wise. Blue Grass day is packed no matter what, and it'd be hard to imagine the weather being better and the crowd being larger than it was this year.

umm its opening weekend which is also a huge weekend..your saying attendance won't change packing 2 monster attendance days into 1 ?

[tanner12oz]

Originally Posted by saratogadew

To anyone who complained about NYRA and the Belmont Stakes day exit. Get yourself a grandstand ticket on Bluegrass day. You"ll be longing for that shining star in Elmont, NY all day!

I've done both and didn't gave ANY issues at keeneland vs. The Belmont which was a total disaster

[Kasept]

Opening Day is typically 20k with opening weekend luring 60k.

Blue Grass Day attendance has been 33k, 33k, 37k, 39k, 40k the last 5 years.

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by tanner12oz

umm its opening weekend which is also a huge weekend..your saying attendance won't change packing 2 monster attendance days into 1 ?

No. It will be packed on the new date, a la a normal Blue Grass day and will still be crowded the following week.

Your comparison to Breeders' Cup has little to no bearing as attendance is clearly going to be managed (limited ticket sales) by the BC for those days.

[saratogadew]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

No. It will be packed on the new date, a la a normal Blue Grass day and will still be crowded the following week.

Your comparison to Breeders' Cup has little to no bearing as attendance is clearly going to be managed (limited ticket sales) by the BC for those days.

I agree with you that ticket sales will be "managed". We should not confuse the verbiage "limited ticket sales" to mean a low or controllable amount.

[ghartman02]

Only Fly in the ointment is if UK plays in Indy that day. That may diminish the crowd a bit. Bad weather may as well. Used to attend that day and had some nice days, ok days, and awful days. In 2007, I think it was 38 degrees and snowing. As a fan of The Ashland, I wish they would have moved that up to Friday. Having said all that, I hope the BlueGrass regains it's once prominent Derby Prep Position.

[tanner12oz]

I noticed its Easter weekend which might affect numbers. I'll probably be going again this year but might be disowned by my family in the process

[ghartman02]

Easter has been a part of BlueGrass Day many times, so I don't think that helps or hinders. The BlueGrass has gained a lot in attendance though. I remember when it was on Thursday, 9 days before the Derby and you'd get 15,000 or so. Now it's 40+k. It should be interesting.