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Originally Posted by Betsy
I really loathe a decision to postpone. By then, the colts will be closer to being older horses than 3 year olds - the race itself is more than a test of talent, it's a test of which horses can be precocious enough to be ready for that demanding distance so early in the year and yet sturdy enough to be able to run well at that distance.
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With a quick scan of the past 30-odd Derby winners the phrase "sturdy enough" does not come to mind.
At this point it is strictly a test for precocity. Stamina or sturdiness hardly factor into it at all despite the 10 furlong distance.
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There is no reason why the Derby shouldn't be run in front of a crowdless grandstand. I would also add that the Derby would get extra coverage as pretty much the only sporting event at the time - in September, with pennant race baseball going on as well as the start of the NFL season...and maybe the Masters...it’s going to get lost.
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Run it after the BC Classic on Thanksgiving weekend the same day as the Kentucky Jockey Club to double up on promotion for the 2021 Derby. Would be a better barometer of champion 3yo that way. Might draw a South American or two...
Keeneland can run the Blue Grass as a prep race on the BC undercard.
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Additionally, if the Derby is postponed, and there's no Preakness, where do these horses run? There aren't any big races within that span because of the TC.... I like Steve Haskins’ idea (from his Derby Dozen):
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New York Triple Crown. Withers, Peter Pan, Belmont Stakes. Keep it rolling with the Dwyer. Add a points system with some bonus money.