7/16: Del Mar Turf Club (Opening Day; 7th-10th)

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by ranger5830

I second a lot of this (other than the meeting my wife on the train to Del Mar part...). Steve, I wish you would ask Hammer why Santa Anita got rid of the place pick all, it was always my favorite exotic wager, and there isn't anything similar on the menu to replace it, and the payoffs are always huge relative to the parlay. I understand it will never attract handle like the pick 4 or pick 5, but it still has its niche and many loyal followers.

As far as the thin play-along following is concerned, this board has always been pre-disposed to favor east coast (esp. NYRA) tracks, as I suspect the vast majority of the members live east of the Mississippi. Not a criticism, just an observation. Total handle was over $15 million though, so someone was watching (and betting.)

Originally Posted by UncleBenelli

Thanks for the analysis Steve. I thought it was interesting, there weren't many interested in Del Mar's opening day. The daily play along was very thin. This track really offers great value with large fields and healthy odds. I know I have my opinions of what some owners/trainers do in planning for this meet, But would appreciate hearing your thoughts on the show. Some of the big prices can be tough to come up with almost like folks are sitting on grenades.

Also, why did Santa Anita get rid of the place pick all? Del Mar still has it and if there is any evidence that points to my rather vague thoughts above, it paid nearly 10,000. for only 8 out of 10. I have always thought it was a rather fun bet.

If it weren't for the train to Del Mar I would never have met my wife. I was introduced to her through Joanne Jones on the way down to watch Cigar. (lose)
Anyway thanks for all you do!

U/B.. ranger..

We got quite a bit of trainer notebook conversation in this week with Rick Hammerle, DRF Formulator's Mike Hogan, Rich Eng & Jay Privman and there will be more next week. In addition to the more obvious focals like Peter Miller that came up regularly, I thought Hammer's point about the smaller, more obscure outfits (incl. Arizonans like Molly Pearson, new Northern Cal visitors brought in by David Jerkens, etc.) was very well taken. I pushed betting barn guys guys like Gary Sherlock too..

Will find out about the Place Pick All. Wasn't a bet I ever tried but like the Grand Slam in NY, these wagers have their fans.

That's great about Joanne introducing you to your wife.. Just heard from her this week and may have her on Fridays to do some DMR featured capping.

BOL this summer!