Quote:
Originally Posted by Cannon Shell
Believe me owners/trainers are very aware of the graded earnings in those races. Because CD chose to make those races so worthless I can't help but feel that many will take a pass on any type of real campaign (which nowdays would be 4 races). I think that that the trend of starting horses later will grow especially with GP opening in December. IMO that is not a positive trend. Sure it isn't like the Champagne won't be run but the quality of fields in these types of fall races outside of the BC will surely be negatively impacted over time. Especially when you can follow the Hansen model of running twice against crows and winning the BC and being champion. More or less they are turning the BC juvy into the end all-be all for the 2 yo division (not that it wasnt heading that way anyway) but we will see a mad scamble in Jan-April as untested, under raced horses are tossed into the fire to grab some points. I realize that we have been trending this way but by making the big preps worth 10 times more than every qualifying stake run before Feb you are going to accelerate that trend. And i just cant think that this is a positive.
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As a race fan this is one of the two big red-flags I see with the plan. Love the 2 yo races at Saratoga and wonder if these races won't be as juicy, as trainers start later/aim later for the races with more points. And would have thought races like the Hopeful and Del Mar Futurity would have some points attached.
The other red flag is CDI being able to to decide what races are important to qualify for the most well-known race in our sport in the US. Lot of power there. Poor Hawthorne got crushed with this thing and as others as posted, probably on purpose.