Inducement for stamina-building breeding?

[Cannon Shell]

Races that are restricted to certain sires are an interesting way to go but since they cant be graded they will never be really important. The best thing that could happen to horse 'racing' at the higher levels is the elimination of the grading system. It is too easy to gain "credentials" with the grading system by winning or placing in one graded race regardless of the strenght or weakness of the race. The way commercial breeders think all grade 3's are pretty much equal because they are the same grade. After a few years everybody forgets the relative strength or weakness of a race and it is remembered as a Grade 3 win period. Graded placings and wins gives far too much value to ordinary horses who happen to luck into a weak division or watered down race. I dont think there is one fan who won't attend the Travers because there is no grade attached to it. I dont think there is one fan who would attend a race because the races grade was added or moved up. I know the breeders will hate this it but it may help.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Races that are restricted to certain sires are an interesting way to go but since they cant be graded they will never be really important. The best thing that could happen to horse 'racing' at the higher levels is the elimination of the grading system. It is too easy to gain "credentials" with the grading system by winning or placing in one graded race regardless of the strenght or weakness of the race. The way commercial breeders think all grade 3's are pretty much equal because they are the same grade. After a few years everybody forgets the relative strength or weakness of a race and it is remembered as a Grade 3 win period. Graded placings and wins gives far too much value to ordinary horses who happen to luck into a weak division or watered down race. I dont think there is one fan who won't attend the Travers because there is no grade attached to it. I dont think there is one fan who would attend a race because the races grade was added or moved up. I know the breeders will hate this it but it may help.

I agree with this and have suggested it elsewhere. Maybe not necessarily across the board, but wouldn't the elimination of graded designations for at least juvenile races preclude certain "stallion producing" stables and farms from securing breeding rights to top 2yos with the intention of early retirement?

I think purse restrictions on the top 2yo races would also discourage those sorts of moves, though it might not be particularly fair in the short term for owners trying to make money by actually racing their horses.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

I agree with this and have suggested it elsewhere. Maybe not necessarily across the board, but wouldn't the elimination of graded designations for at least juvenile races preclude certain "stallion producing" stables and farms from securing breeding rights to top 2yos with the intention of early retirement?

I think purse restrictions on the top 2yo races would also discourage those sorts of moves, though it might not be particularly fair in the short term for owners trying to make money by actually racing their horses.

I guess I was thinking more of the fillies as most of the stallion making races dont need grades for anyone to know they are important. The grade just overinflates the value of so many fillies that may stick around another year to try to pad the resume if they dont have that grade to fall back on. Who knows how many would thrive with another year of racing? But you do have a point on the premature breeding rights deals.

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

I agree with this and have suggested it elsewhere. Maybe not necessarily across the board, but wouldn't the elimination of graded designations for at least juvenile races preclude certain "stallion producing" stables and farms from securing breeding rights to top 2yos with the intention of early retirement?

I think purse restrictions on the top 2yo races would also discourage those sorts of moves, though it might not be particularly fair in the short term for owners trying to make money by actually racing their horses.

When graded started, there were no G1 races raced at 6f or 7f except a couple for 2yos. The only G1 race at 8f was the Met Mile and the only G1 race at 1 1/16 was the Californian (again for 3 and up). Including turf races. The Monmouth H (Iselin), Gulfstream Park H, Widener H and Woodward H were all G1 10f tests for the East Coast handicap horses, with the championship race at the end of the season the Jockey Club Gold Cup at 2 miles. And the 10f Trenton H and Meadowlands Cup gave G2 prep races and prizes for second level stayers. Horses who could stay less than 10f had limited chances to garner a G1 win after their 3yo spring.

The grading system has been warped and distorted by the committee that has set up the absurd 'objective' criteria that end up making G1s of sprints that tracks throw a lot of money into.

[ateamstupid]

How about races limited to horses whose parents weren't made of glass.

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

How about races limited to horses whose parents weren't made of glass.

Are there any left?