The linemaker is trying to not look like an idiot after the fact.

A high profile meet like Saratoga one thing you want to be is at your best and what the ml maker did here was be at his best.

The concern you have for the people handicapping unaware of the fact that the horse is going to be scratched is minimal compared to the overall accuracy and integrity of the ml.

Well, one thing is that Travis had to make that line days ago. He may have heard some talk about a scratch, but the horse is still entered and people can change their minds.

The race is at Del Mar, I just bumped this thread since it is sort of on topic and was hoping Travis would chime in. I get what you are saying, just would like to know how they came up with 20/1? If the horse is gonna SCR make him 99/1+
20/1 at Del Mar is a couple thousand dollars no? In reality the amount will be $0 so make his odds reflect that if you are going to change it.

If he doesn't scratch, and he hasn't yet, he's going to be a lot higher than you think. The last two (Preakness, ALW at SA) have been dreadful.

I would have made him 10-1.

10-1 against this group?!? Esp with races like The Kentucky Derby and The Preakness in his pp's, running poorly or not.

Well maybe the line is right.Travis is one savvy guy. I think NYRA brought some criticism on him by touting him as the linemaker. Eric Donovan did the line for years and nobody criticised him because they didn't know him.

I think he's doing good. It's a great job and an awful job. Might as well stand naked out on the track.

Over the last few years I've met Travis and Nick and think they are the nicest young men. I love younger guys who love the races like we do. I feel like racing isn't dying and young guys like what I have always liked. I like their enthusiasm, their interest. It reminds me of me years ago.

Travis tweeted it,not NYRA' . Transparency is good to me,i remember Blewitt subbed once for Donovan, isn't it better to knowwho makesth line than not ?

Saw this while searching for Firing Line on there

If I knew a horse was scratching, I would still make the line as if the horse were running. No doubt the first time that happens, they would decide to run.

Isn't there a REVISED ML after scratc hes ?

john white has mentioned doing this, also when races r taken off the turf. ;)

I believe he's the only one who does it.

They are kicking the **** out of you today all day on TVG, Trav

Who was? It happens. I missed a few horses today.

Classy

I think your doing fine man. Congrats on the gig

Reading comprehension another of your weaknesses. Curruthas and Catonboth agreeing on soft morning lines as were Simon and Joyce (?) earlier. I'm a supporter ya Mook ya.

Why is it not standard practice to revise ml after scratches and surface changes ?

Jon White does do it and I thinks he updates on twitter and the SA website. Saratoga is a different bird. Jon doesn't get rain and has generally shorter fields to begin with. Not to minimize what he does, he's great. Travis has 31 scratches today. Plus bring in some MTOs.

Scratches didn't come out today until 11. He's probably working on Monday. Today is what it is.