Santa Anita selected as host for 2013 Breeders Cup

[Merlinsky]

Originally Posted by handicapperernie

monmouth, saratoga, keeneland (if they go back to dirt) to name a few

Monmouth was told to reapply for 2014. Dunno the particulars as to why they couldn't do it in 2013. They've had to make the adjustments to host it before. Surely it isn't something that takes two years to get together when Santa Anita can go back to dirt from synthetic sooner than that. What could they possibly have to build or provide that would take that long? Sounds like the decision was already made.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think they're trying to gradually wean us off of different sites til it's almost entirely at Santa Anita, say 2/3 to 3/4 of the time, with maybe an occasional off year as a bone thrown to someone else, generally Churchill. Didn't Satish want us at one track? Wasn't it there partially because of things like the weather? I had a feeling something like this was gonna happen when Monmouth got turned down. If the horsemen want more rotation, I hope this isn't anybody playing games as a backdoor to a primary/permanent host track. This isn't saying SA is anything other than a great host, but it's rather frustrating to see them get it yet again, not long after the discussion about a permanent vs. rotating track system.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Merlinsky

This isn't saying SA is anything other than a great host, but it's rather frustrating to see them get it yet again, not long after the discussion about a permanent vs. rotating track system.

Once again I'm lucky cause I live here but once again I'm pretty disgusted at the joke this has become.

I was hoping for Belmont and yeah I know that wasn't really gonna happen for 2013 (can't blame me for wishing though!) but Woodbine, Arlington, Gulfstream, etc..... this is so unfair.

This is un


be


liev


a


ble.

[dellinger63]

sorry all

[dellinger63]

Arlington's weather is so iffy, even though it's close and convenient for me personally I say know, especially until the Governor either becomes race friendly, is voted out or dies (in no particular order).

NY deserves one soon. But the Spa is far far too small. (don't think the BC crowd is the lay in the park on dirt kind of crowd)

And Monmouth was too small coupled with the lack of parking and neighborhood surroundings (no hotels) to host again IMO.

GP would be interesting but the grandstand is small. They do have a bunch of space to host VIP parties for people happy to watch the TV's and only get a glimpse of the actual track.

Though far from Chicago Santa Anita is my pick.

[skippy3481]

The downs did a nice job last year but the weather can be brutal there..... I would still like to see a 5 year model

anita
downs
anita
downs
wildcard(gulfstream, belmont etc.)

[ranger5830]

I've never been to Saratoga, (gasp!) but on Travers day over the last several years the average attendance has been 40-45,000, I don't think a BC would draw many more than that there, is it that crowded on Travers day?

I kind of agree with MMSC, being a Californian I like it being out here for our convenience but it should go back to New York (I would say Belmont before Saratoga) soon.

[Danzig]

one of the things that the bc originally mentioned, was that the bc was meant to showcase breeders all over the country...and yet, lately, they've shunned any areas other than churchill and ca. what happened? where did that idea go?

[skippy3481]

Andy or steve can better post the logistical challenges to having a bc at saratoga. Belmont is just much better equipped to handle large crowds. Also, a good deal of toga patrons sit in the backyard picnic area...

[PatCummings]

Originally Posted by skippy3481

Andy or steve can better post the logistical challenges to having a bc at saratoga. Belmont is just much better equipped to handle large crowds. Also, a good deal of toga patrons sit in the backyard picnic area...

Skippy is right - the mass of the crowd isn't in the grandstand, or on the apron, but rather in the backyard.

Everyone should just forget the Spa BC idea - it's NEVER going to happen, and really, it never should.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by skippy3481

Andy or steve can better post the logistical challenges to having a bc at saratoga. Belmont is just much better equipped to handle large crowds. Also, a good deal of toga patrons sit in the backyard picnic area...

The fact that the Spa is an outdoor facility and that NYRA would have to move a tremendous amount of equipment up there from downstate for two days of racing and could not guarantee that the weather would even allow the races to go on, pretty much precludes the Spa from ever being a BC site.