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#1
08-11-2009, 07:10 PM
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Smart move by Fair Grounds to return the Derby to nine furlongs, boost the purse, and move it five weeks out from the big day. I'm also pleased that the Risen Star purse was returned to $300,000 and moved to late February. Hopefully this will mean some of the good Derby prospects will race at FG instead of merely using the track for training (for past examples, see Curlin, Victory Gallop, Touch Gold).
Moving the Fair Grounds to late March is going to basically eliminate the Ashland as an Oaks prep. Not sure how it is going to affect the Fantasy, as with the exception of Rachel Alexandra, many of the FG Oaks winners have not run in the Fantasy on their way to the Oaks. According to Bob Fortus with the Times Picayune, the FG Oaks is going to be run on the Friday before the La Derby, along with three other stakes for the ladies.
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Still trying to outsmart me, aren't you, mule-skinner? You want me to think that you don't want me to go down there, but the subtle truth is you really don't want me to go down there! 
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#2
08-11-2009, 07:40 PM
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NT
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#3
08-11-2009, 08:00 PM
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#4
08-11-2009, 09:09 PM
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it was during jazzfest and i had the cover of a few thousand other music fans but still...shows it can be done.
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#5
08-11-2009, 10:10 PM
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Great strategic move...
As someone who annually attends Louisiana Derby, this is great strategic move in several ways.
1. Closer to Kentucky Derby date (plus) 2. Better prep distance at 9 furlongs (plus) 3. Builds series with Lecomte & Risen Star as La Derby preps (plus/plus) 4. Shifts date closer to rival race, Arkansas Derby (neutral/slightly negative) Overall, it is big win for Fair Grounds and its patrons. Preview Day that features Risen Star Stakes should get stronger support. Also, this should allow FG to reposition Lecomte race and build that day's card just as they have done with Preview and FG "days" in recent years. FG has turf racing and Oaklawn does not -- this is another competitive advantage for Fair Grounds. Also, New Orleans does not get freezing weather that cause horses to lose training days and races like Hot Springs. Making my March 27 arrangements very soon! DTers, you need to come "pass a good time" on Gentilly Boulevard during 2009-2010 season.
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@wire2wirewin Turf Economist since 1974
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#6
08-11-2009, 08:06 PM
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Maybe we were the experiment...  I like the move to the last weekend of March and raising the purses. I think whoever said it hopefully will stop us from just becoming a training spot is right on target. We also are opening on Nov. 6 which is 3 weeks early....  We shall see how it works out come the Louisiana derby trail, but can't wait until Nov. 6.
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