Oaklawn not considering synthetic surface.....
 

I was pleased to hear a Track state that they're not considering a change.

http://drf.com/news/article/82406.html

A voice of reason in the lunacy of Keeneland and Marty Collins.

I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I'm glad that they aren't joining the rush to do this. On the other, I'm kind of bothered that the main reason they aren't is for the 3yo and how they can prepare for the TC. There is so much more to this game than the TC and if that's their main purpose for not going to a synthetic track, I think it's the wrong one. Good result but bad reason in my opinion.

i think their main reason for not changing is their track is just fine.

KG, I agree w/ you. However, I feel as though this is not the underlying viewpoint on Oaklawns reasoning. Unfortunately, from this short article, this is what we got.

Oaklawn isnt dumb... Its obvious by the disasters at TWP and Woodbine this track has some major problems.

Oaklawn cant put chemicals on its tracks because of the EPA. They came close to shutting the track down a few years ago because of run off from the backside. Oaklawn had to do a lot of work to get where the EPA would sign off and I believe that they have special wash racks with contained plumbing. Therefore putting chemicals on the track would bring down the hammer of the EPA.