3/29 (SUN): Sunland Derby/Oaks

[slotdirt]

Not that it's a world-beating field, but isn't it about time that Sunland Derby gets some sort of graded status?

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Not that it's a world-beating field, but isn't it about time that Sunland Derby gets some sort of graded status?

No

[jballscalls]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Not that it's a world-beating field, but isn't it about time that Sunland Derby gets some sort of graded status?

they aren't in Ny, KY, Fla, or Ca so it's doubtful. That Thors echo sure never proved to be much of a runner after racing in that race. I think if they put forth 2 or 3 straight derby contenders it might finally get its grade.

I'd agree to making it graded if they dropped the purse to $15,000

[Travis Stone]

The timing of this race puts them in a tough spot. If it were in January, for example, horses could win here and then compete in the remaining graded races on the trail.

In this case, their putting stock in the producing a graded stakes horse for down the road, which is tough, as the number of graded races for 3-year-olds is not as readily available, and softer spots as findable. And any fairly legitimate 3-year-old at this point is thinking graded earnings for the Derby.

I would move the race to January for a few years, grab a horse who two who starts hitting the board at Oaklawn or the Fair Grounds, and maybe even California, and then move it back to now once it has a grade.

[Oaklawnfan]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

The timing of this race puts them in a tough spot. If it were in January, for example, horses could win here and then compete in the remaining graded races on the trail.

In this case, their putting stock in the producing a graded stakes horse for down the road, which is tough, as the number of graded races for 3-year-olds is not as readily available, and softer spots as findable. And any fairly legitimate 3-year-old at this point is thinking graded earnings for the Derby.

I would move the race to January for a few years, grab a horse who two who starts hitting the board at Oaklawn or the Fair Grounds, and maybe even California, and then move it back to now once it has a grade.

It obvisouly worked for Delta Downs

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by Oaklawnfan

It obvisouly worked for Delta Downs

Apples/oranges. At the end of the 2-year-old season you can get away with it because of a light schedule after Thanksgiving weekend. At the end of March in 3-year-old season it's a whole different animal.