The Tin Man

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by pgardn

True Z. But how much of the Million field do they make up? Today there where a good number of Euros. I guess because they sent the 2nd and third teams. I do not have the numbers. I would be interested to know sense the inception of the Million what % of the runners have been Euro. Also, it is only a million dollars. That used to be a big deal, but not as much anymore. They can stay at home or concentrate a bigger Asian or Dubai purses.

like i've said before here and elsewhere (and was gratified to hear it from one of the announcers today) that many of the euros who come over are looking for a firm turf course(they may not be bad or lesser, just can't find their ground), one that isn't often found in their own backyard. or maybe some are looking to beat up on the 'lesser' u.s. horses. take sulamani for instance a few years ago. it's not his best distance, but the connections felt he was so superior to our horses that he'd win anyway. whoops! yeah, the million has slipped in recent years regarding purse money, but it's still a good stepping stone for euros looking to make a mark here, or prep for the bc race (why not ship now and get them a couple u.s. races under their belt, and get used to the lasix they grab as soon as they clear customs, so much for euro snobbery about our drugged horses). also, by this time of year, they must be pretty clear what horses over there suit the racing there, and which don't. some come here and find glory, some don't. but i don't think the gap between our turfers and theirs is so great as what was once felt...seems there is a greater appreciation here these days for turf horses, and maybe not as many are being snapped up at auction to go overseas, they're staying here now.