How good is Lava Man?

[Independent George]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

If you " don't get " it then you would need it explained. If you want it backed up then you get it but just don't agree.

Which is it?

Explain it, please.

[blackthroatedwind]

For a number of reasons I do not believe the performances of many horses at Delaware Park are a fair representation of their actual ability. One reason I believe this is I have seen MANY horses over MANY years run high speed figures at Delaware Park that they simply do not reproduce at other tracks. Another reason is that their barn area has been populated, since the implementation of slots, with a number of trainers who win with a surprisingly high percentage of their starters. These trainers also belonged to the list of trainers who always seemed very adept at improving horses very rapidly once said horses came under their care. Yet another reason is that the State of Delaware was hardly helpful in the attempts by racing to have uniform medication rules.

[Gander]

with a number of trainers who win with a surprisingly high percentage of their starters. These trainers also belonged to the list of trainers who always seemed very adept at improving horses very rapidly once said horses came under their care

How is Delaware any different than NY Andy?

[blackthroatedwind]

It seems like Delaware form does not get reproduced with anywhere close to the regularity of other tracks. I used to think it was the surface but now I believe it's the relaxed " atmosphere ".

[Gander]

Does Delaware have cases of trainers sawing off horse limbs and eye winking before races?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Gander

Does Delaware have cases of trainers sawing off horse limbs and eye winking before races?

That's not my department. I just try to analyze the data.

[Rupert Pupkin]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

That's not my department. I just try to analyze the data.

One of my trainers ran a horse at Delaware last year. He told me he was appalled at some of the stuff going on there. He said it's like the "old west" there, meaning that there's not much law or order and guys do whatver they want.

[Gander]

Retribution wins the feature yesterday. Oops, did somebody forget to go with him early? They should have just given that horse an 1/8th of a mile head start, would have looked just as straight.

Originally Posted by Gander

Does Delaware have cases of trainers sawing off horse limbs and eye winking before races?

Tim I've been told that the testing there is questionable, at best.

[Independent George]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

For a number of reasons I do not believe the performances of many horses at Delaware Park are a fair representation of their actual ability. One reason I believe this is I have seen MANY horses over MANY years run high speed figures at Delaware Park that they simply do not reproduce at other tracks. Another reason is that their barn area has been populated, since the implementation of slots, with a number of trainers who win with a surprisingly high percentage of their starters. These trainers also belonged to the list of trainers who always seemed very adept at improving horses very rapidly once said horses came under their care. Yet another reason is that the State of Delaware was hardly helpful in the attempts by racing to have uniform medication rules.

I've "followed" Delaware for years, but I know I'm not privy to the backstretch goings-on as you are. I'm not sure what trainers you're referring to. Scott Lake is winning at 23% there (he's a guy who's improved horses he's claimed) and he races elsewhere with even better results. Other than Klesaris and Pletcher, the leading trainers are in the 20% realm of winners. One guy I've seen improve dramatically horses he's claimed there is Howard Wolfendale, who is almost a sure thing to win off the claim; but other than that I haven't seen any more dubious outcomes than other tracks.
Delaware was the only track that wouldn't give stall space to Michael Gill after the "year" he had at Gulfstream and the questionable goings-on involving his vet. Now whether you consider that decision right or wrong, it seems to say that Delaware was somewhat concerned with "image" and reputation.