Scratch of Uncle Mo made official

[philcski]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Forget the specific horse that was excluded... Does anyone care to do the financials of what cutting the field to 19 cost the industry in lost handle?

An outrageously selfish act from someone professing to 'love the game'.

My good friend Ed DeRosa who follows these things closely just posted that from 2006-2010, the lowest handle was 2009 (the only year there was 19 instead of 20, because of the scratch of IWR). At least this time it was before the wagering pools opened which means no refunds- but I think the number is at LEAST 5%. Additionally, this will be the first year with no NYCOTB, which was worth $5MM in handle on the race itself and $10MM throughout the day- how much of that money is made up on track at Belmont or through ADW's? Definitely not 100% of it. Wouldn't be surprised if the number is somewhat disappointing this year.