Quote:
|
Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind
For a number of reasons I do not believe the performances of many horses at Delaware Park are a fair representation of their actual ability. One reason I believe this is I have seen MANY horses over MANY years run high speed figures at Delaware Park that they simply do not reproduce at other tracks. Another reason is that their barn area has been populated, since the implementation of slots, with a number of trainers who win with a surprisingly high percentage of their starters. These trainers also belonged to the list of trainers who always seemed very adept at improving horses very rapidly once said horses came under their care. Yet another reason is that the State of Delaware was hardly helpful in the attempts by racing to have uniform medication rules.
|
I've "followed" Delaware for years, but I know I'm not privy to the backstretch goings-on as you are. I'm not sure what trainers you're referring to. Scott Lake is winning at 23% there (he's a guy who's improved horses he's claimed) and he races elsewhere with even better results. Other than Klesaris and Pletcher, the leading trainers are in the 20% realm of winners. One guy I've seen improve dramatically horses he's claimed there is Howard Wolfendale, who is almost a sure thing to win off the claim; but other than that I haven't seen any more dubious outcomes than other tracks.
Delaware was the only track that wouldn't give stall space to Michael Gill after the "year" he had at Gulfstream and the questionable goings-on involving his vet. Now whether you consider that decision right or wrong, it seems to say that Delaware was somewhat concerned with "image" and reputation.