changes to gulfstream stakes

[blackthroatedwind]

Personally, I love one turn mile races, however in this particular case ( for a number of reasons ) this feels like a questionable decision. I'm not sure where exactly to begin, but I'll start with the placement of the race now versus history. The Fountain of Youth used to be the third to last major prep for the KY Derby. Now, with the Florida Derby being moved forward, and becoming horses' final Derby prep, for the most part, the FOY became the second to last prep. Thus it is now a much more important stepping stone and I seriously doubt trainers will be happy to use a one turn mile race as their second to last prep for the KY Derby. NYRA moved the Gotham to the inner to make it two turns pretty much solely for this reason.....and trainers have responded favorably. I would be curious to know how much Gulfstream consulted with trainers before making this change.

By the way, I hear the mall is now at least partially built and it basically abuts the paddock area. I wonder if construction will be going on in that area during the race meet.