My suggestion would be a point system. Graded earnings are worth points but G1's worth more than G2's etc. Also route races would count for more than sprints and 3yo races would be worth more than 2yo races.
Honestly, I really don't think the system is flawed right now, as long as owners are fair and don't take advantage of it. The owner of a speedy sprinter with no route graded earning but plenty of 2yo form and $$$ in sprints could prevent a contender from getting in. This just doesn't happen that often.
For the most part, the horses in the Derby are the ones that belong there and the ones "kept out" by the rules (RHT for example) are usually out for a reason. Lets face it, every trainer knows the rules. If they skip races and cherry pick their spots or play games with the colt's schedule, they run the risk of being bumped.
Last edited by Linny : 11-30-2006 at 11:03 AM.
|