Why... (Delaware Park)?

[phystech]

Originally Posted by -BT-

as i type this message their is going to be a match race at Delaware Park. A field of 6 got 4 scratches and now there are 2 horses left, instead of canceling the race I'm watching 2 horses circle in the paddock.



-bt-

Six years ago they would have cancelled that race and moved on to the next one. Or, at least that's what they did to me.

Shipped a horse from MD to run there. 8 entered, two scratched before the deadline leaving a field of 6. I arrived just before 1st post to get licensed and found out they'd scratched down to 3. I was happy because I knew I was getting a check!!

Got licensed, snuggled up to the bar for drink and sandwich only to see the scratch scroll on the tv say "6th race has been cancelled". They ran the 5th, they ran the 7th, but cancelled the 6th, my race. Never seen it before, never seen it since.

[docicu3]

The temp has certainly been higher but the humidity is beyond oppressive here the last couple days outside Delaware Park. Canceling the racing here today was smart and protective of the horses. I work a couple nights a week about 200 yards from the place and we are setting institutional records treating for heat stroke and the like the last 48 hours. It is true the place is so bad with scratches that it has lost significant respect in the racing community but the good days are still very good. The quality of the racing is uneven during the week but weekends are still very solid.

People make fun of the figures that are quoted from the place and many are quick to discount a number because the "Delaware bias" is present but like many tracks home cooking rules!!!

You can make money here you just have to be very very patient...

[pmayjr]

Originally Posted by docicu3

The temp has certainly been higher but the humidity is beyond oppressive here the last couple days outside Delaware Park. Canceling the racing here today was smart and protective of the horses. I work a couple nights a week about 200 yards from the place and we are setting institutional records treating for heat stroke and the like the last 48 hours. It is true the place is so bad with scratches that it has lost significant respect in the racing community but the good days are still very good. The quality of the racing is uneven during the week but weekends are still very solid.

People make fun of the figures that are quoted from the place and many are quick to discount a number because the "Delaware bias" is present but like many tracks home cooking rules!!!

You can make money here you just have to be very very patient...

Doc,

Good post, but is there a definitive reason why there are so many scratches?

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by pmayjr

Doc,

Good post, but is there a definitive reason why there are so many scratches?

I think because so many trainers in the mid atlantic region train at off track sites like Fair Hill that they can scratch without much recourse from the tracks. Meaning that if you are stabled at the track (ie. track gives you stalls) you are more obligated to run for fear of losing stall space at the next meet. If you are not on track that is not a consideration.