Five New Grade I Races in 2007; Two Others Drop to Grade II

[smartyalex]

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=36600


Will the commitee ever see past the Cella's and upgrade the friggin' ARKANSAS DERBY?????

[jpops757]

Originally Posted by smartyalex

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=36600


Will the commitee ever see past the Cella's and upgrade the friggin' ARKANSAS DERBY?????

OAKLAWN= THE BEST RUN RACETRACK IN THE US

Originally Posted by jpops757

OAKLAWN= THE BEST RUN RACETRACK IN THE US

Well it should be. They have no competition and they are only open a few months of the year. In addition, they are located in the preferred spring getaway for people in that part of the United States. The Cella's do a fine job and I also think that the Arkansas Derby should be a Grade I. I have several problems with the grading of races.

Anyone who doesn't think that the Ark Derby should be a grade one needs serious counseling.
They've established the race as a true serious derby prep with quality fields and offer a big purse.
Compare the last 5 years of the Ark Derby with the Bluegrass, which is grade one, and tell me what race is churning out horses who go on and hit the board or win future grade ones.
The grading of these races in the US is very comical.

Originally Posted by oracle80

Anyone who doesn't think that the Ark Derby should be a grade one needs serious counseling.
They've established the race as a true serious derby prep with quality fields and offer a big purse.
Compare the last 5 years of the Ark Derby with the Bluegrass, which is grade one, and tell me what race is churning out horses who go on and hit the board or win future grade ones.
The grading of these races in the US is very comical.

No doubt about it Oracle. The Arkansas Derby is almost the preferred "final" prep for trainers. The three race series they have (Southwest, Rebel and Arkansas Derby) is absolutely perfect for a three year old. Out of all the "final" Derby preps, the Bluegrass is the one that is least appealing. However, The Bluegrass has history on its side.

Originally Posted by eurobounce

No doubt about it Oracle. The Arkansas Derby is almost the preferred "final" prep for trainers. The three race series they have (Southwest, Rebel and Arkansas Derby) is absolutely perfect for a three year old. Out of all the "final" Derby preps, the Bluegrass is the one that is least appealing. However, The Bluegrass has history on its side.

I truly don't see how the way horses ran in the BG in the 70's and 80's should have any bearing on how it is rated now. Who exactly has gone on to win future grade ones out of the last 5 runnings?