nyra

[Travis Stone]

Having a major race day on a Saturday has no direct correlation to handle performance on Sunday.

Here are the Sunday handles for Sunday's in May on a national level...

5/2/10 - 45,330,842
5/9/10 - 42,532,055
5/16/10 - 44,348,464
5/23/10 - 44,039,399
5/30/10 - 48,772,526

Sunday's typically handle less than Friday's believe it or not. Handle on Sunday is less than the corresponding Thursday more than you might think as well.

The point is Sunday is a quiet day reserved for hardcore players, die hards and the regulars.

The only Sunday after a big race day where I've seen a busier than usual on-track crowd is the day after Derby. In that case, the Derby serves as a good marketing vehicle the day before and creates added interest.

Belmont closing is no where close to the wrong move. They're not passing-up any unusual chance for a big day. And when you factor in employee morale after a big day and long week, it makes more sense.

Besides, who has any money left after Champagne d'Oro, Winchester and Drosselmeyer all win?