BC Ltd. announcemetn on DRF

Starting next year there will be automatic berths into the BC from 24 races for seven BC races, with the Juvy Fillies being the exception. What say you, good idea or not?

[zippyneedsawin]

I like the idea. I think it should help boost the number of horses that run in each one of these races(during the year). I'm sure they'll hit some snags though. I'm wondering if horses nominated to the BC will get first preference to enter these races over the horses not nominated?

[SniperSB23]

I love this idea and hope more like this is done to help promote the sport. Interesting to note the Vanderbilt has been moved to opening weekend at Saratoga to accomodate this.

One thing that might happen that could have some people grumbling is if an 80-1 shot who didn't run a lick before or after a given race wins one of these and pushes out a possibly more consistent, deserving horse. But over all I'm looking forward to how it plays out.

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by sirbarton

One thing that might happen that could have some people grumbling is if an 80-1 shot who didn't run a lick before or after a given race wins one of these and pushes out a possibly more consistent, deserving horse. But over all I'm looking forward to how it plays out.

In that extremely rare occassion a horse like Super Frolic or Flower Alley will be pushed out but who really cares. You could make the argument that a horse that won one of the races in the series deserves their spot over SF and FA regardless of how terrible they were the rest of the year. The actual impact on the fields will be minimal but it is an excellent marketing tool. Plus actually getting tracks to cooperate with their race scheduling to help make it possible is a big step in the right direction for the sport.

The "excellent marketing tool" is right on, and this sport needs all of them it can get. As for field sizes, I kind of agree with Zippy. It seems to me that it might increase fields for the qualifying races some. I don't really care to see another JCGC with a four-horse field and only one real G1 competitor running. The only way that race could excite you is if you are a member of the Bernie fan club.

[cloud_break]

The only glaring problem with the 24 races is the Secretariat. That race is restricted to 3 year-olds, but it will provide an automatic berth to a 3+up race in the BC Turf?? That race isn't going to produce a Kitten's Joy every year.

[zippyneedsawin]

Originally Posted by cloud_break

The only glaring problem with the 24 races is the Secretariat. That race is restricted to 3 year-olds, but it will provide an automatic berth to a 3+up race in the BC Turf?? That race isn't going to produce a Kitten's Joy every year.

good point. why not the sword dancer run on the same day?

Why are the Juvenile Fillies left out of it?

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by Bold Reasoning

Why are the Juvenile Fillies left out of it?

Not enough races for Juvy fillies?

[Cannon Shell]

It is completely meaningless. Most, if not all, of the winners of these races can run if they so desire anyway.

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by cloud_break

The only glaring problem with the 24 races is the Secretariat. That race is restricted to 3 year-olds, but it will provide an automatic berth to a 3+up race in the BC Turf?? That race isn't going to produce a Kitten's Joy every year.

Actually, I think that is a positive. It turns the Secretariat into a championship race for the 3yo turf horses. The winner earns a spot in the BC Turf even if the 3yos are much weaker than the older horses so it is very enticing for everyone to run and be at their best. Regardless, I am pretty sure with the currect selection mehtod that there would never be a scenario where the G1 Secretariat winner would be excluded from the BC Turf field.