The fence removal stems from Mabou's fatal fall in the Turf Writers Cup 2 years ago. The configuration is for Saratoga & Belmont especially. Will ask Bill Gallo if it's being adopted for the races at MTH, SUF, and PRX. The hunt meet courses are unaffected by this.
You are absolutely spot-on here, Steve. The fatal fall in front of the grandstand is exactly why they will now run 3f on the flat to the finish.