saratoga countdown...

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

I don't get the constant harping about gate scratches at Belmont. There was an issue with the gate crew a few summers ago at Saratoga, and NYRA addressed it. Now, the "gate scratches" that are referenced are typically vet scratches because a horse did not warm up well, or is showing signs of unsoundness. How can any bettor in his right mind complain when the track/vets are acting to protect the horse and the bettor?

Seriously? No connection whatsoever to the gate crew issue a few years ago, they were plain terrible and missed the break/loading of several horses and thier boss was held accountable and removed.

The point was the field size and although a gate scratch a few years ago left still a good sized field, today when it happens the fields are reduced to a small number of starters taking awat at times lucrative betting options. Pretty sad state NYRA is in and the industry for that matter.