I really wish I could see prep races on TV...

[Gate Dancer]

Originally Posted by Travis Stone

It's dominance, but it's also the underdog. People love a good underdog story.

I think herein lies one of racing's biggest problems, yet no one wants to talk about it because they obsess over issues like takeout: horse racing is too hard to learn, too scary to jump-in on and is perceived, by many, to be fake or dappled with cheaters (this reason being third on the list, and well below the other two).

Slot machines have historically done well because there is no barrier to entry. There is no "logic" needed, there is no special terminology needed... heck, you're trying to line-up cherries, and when you do, there's an easy to read chart that tells you how much you will (and can) win. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Pull the lever vs. key this horse in that bet and it'll cost you this much, but if you take him off then it's only this much. But I wouldn't do that because of the pace in the race, and the track bias and the furlongs and this is allowance, not claiming, and oh man, the track is sloppy not fast... etc.

Superb point..................This is the essence of constant battle with fan interest (and staying power), maybe this is a bad comparison but each year as many people quit golf that take up the sport. It is difficult to master as is horse-racing. I realize the big difference is that if you pay to play golf you get to do it no matter what your handicap. I like the challenge of the puzzle of racing, many people just don't have the determination to stick with it. I feel I have some control over my selection as opposed to the mindless pulling of a handle and truly letting 'luck' control my fate.