Crist's latest column

[Port Conway Lane]

He acknowledges only a gelding would adversely affect the derby and I agree with him that at most two potential horses who otherwise may have skipped the Preakness would run in the second leg. The big loser could be Belmont if it lost the Preakness winner.

It's not like it has any impact on a potential TC winner like it did when Spend A Buck was lured away from the Preakness.

The initial preps to remain eligible for the bonus are the races that benefit the most. He makes it sound as if Magna should be held accountable for not pursuing some sort of deal with the other tracks. They're no more the culprit than the others in that regard.

[Cannon Shell]

I believe his point is that it accomplishes very little and that there are much better ways to increase participation in the Preakness

[justindew]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I believe his point is that it accomplishes very little and that there are much better ways to increase participation in the Preakness

Yeah, I mean they could have just increased the purse of the Preakness to $3 Million. But this may have increased participation in numerous races, while leaving open the possibility that they won't have to pay out a dime.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by justindew

Yeah, I mean they could have just increased the purse of the Preakness to $3 Million. But this may have increased participation in numerous races, while leaving open the possibility that they won't have to pay out a dime.

I don't know how to measure it but I doubt that the bonus has led anyone to alter their plans and choose magna races because of this bonus