Graded Stakes and Polytrack

Originally Posted by repent

you can believe that if you want.
but the reality is that it has replaced the main track at several major racetracks.
its not like they replaced the turf course or they added a 3rd course to KEE.
they took away the dirt and its always going to be aligned with dirt.

Im not saying that you change the grading of the stakes b/c they are run on polytrack.
Im saying you do have to reavaluate the status of each race on an individual basis.
when you do that, several KEE races have lost some of their importance.
when and if this diminishes the quality of the fields, then I hope they are downgraded.
I would hate to see the Blue Grass remain a Grade 1 year after year when it loses its place as a key KY Derby prep.
and it will happen.
how many top 3YOs will prep in the Blue Grass by 2008?
Im guessing none. the purse will make it an attractive spot, but Im guessing you will see mostly a field of turf horses and failed dirt horses.


Repent

I see what you are saying but you cannot Grade races as preps to other Graded races. That doesn't make sense. You have to seperate the thought pattern that the Blue Grass is a Grade I only because it is considered a prep to the Derby. A race is Graded based on the field it gets. If you get the top 3 year old turf runners in the country to run in the Blue Grass should be graded less because these horses arent going to the Derby? That doesnt make sense.