Aqueduct Card

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

In no way am I against purse levels going up. However when the purses get out of whack it leads to less competitive racing as owners are encouraged not to try to find the best level for their horses but can be rewarded by simply plunging them to the bottom. It wasn't that long ago that the bottom in NY was $12000. The goal in NY should be to get rid of the $7500 claimers and get a better class of horse not encourage owners to get more of them. I also understand that a lot of owners/trainers in NY have been discouraged by trying to compete with the corporate outfits and simply opt for cheaper claimers/NY breds. Towards end of the GP meet and through Keeneland there will be claiming frenzy as guys load up on claimers to bring to NY. Sure being an attractive destination to owners is a plus but as long as a few guys control all the good horses the overall quality of racing in NY will not do much more than inch up if at all.

I've been saying that as well. Higher purses are great, but keeping the claiming levels too low is turning the sport into an equine version of "Flip Men". The difference here is usually the living, breathing horses pay the price.