My thoughts on the Hoppers

[Flatterer]

Not jumping the final fence has been adopted by NYRA and Parx for 2016. The races at Suffolk have been cancelled and moved to Parx but were rained out last Tuesday. No word if the Parx races will be rescheduled.

Fatal injuries occurred in the NY Turf Writers race at the final fence in both 2014 (Makari - Elizabeth Voss) and 2015 (Divine Fortune - Sheppard). As a result, the final fence will not be jumped.

Mabou - 2011 winner of the NY Turf Writers for David Jacobson is alive and well in retirement.

I'll provide additional updates and selections for future races. However, flat race speed is a premium with this new configuration. Hunt meets typically have 12 - 16 jumps and there are only 2 truly flat courses (Camden, Shawan) besides the race tracks. Now there are 8 jumps for 2 1/16 mile races and 9 jumps with the extra turn in 2 3/8 mile races.