Delta Jackpot takes on importance this year

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

I really hope this leads to a reform of the Derby selection system. It is ridiculous that 2nd in this race is worth more than 2nd in the Wood Memorial.

That was the point my posting of this thread.
Can you imagine a late bloomer running a good 2nd in the Wood and missing out on the Derby to one of these horses who runs 2nd at Delta?

For that matter whats to prevent the Sheikhs from boosting the purse in the UAE Derby up to 4 mill so that even the 4th horse would make 200 grand and be eligible? I mean most of the horses in that race belong to them anyway, they get most of their own purse money back as it is.
You'd have the UAE derby 4th place finisher getting a spot over the runnerup in the Wood. And don't laugh, it could happen.
This system needs an overhaul very badly.

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by oracle80

For that matter whats to prevent the Sheikhs from boosting the purse in the UAE Derby up to 4 mill so that even the 4th horse would make 200 grand and be eligible? I mean most of the horses in that race belong to them anyway, they get most of their own purse money back as it is.
You'd have the UAE derby 4th place finisher getting a spot over the runnerup in the Wood. And don't laugh, it could happen.
This system needs an overhaul very badly.

I actually suggested almost the exact same thing a couple weeks ago, the Sheikhs upping it to $10 million and structuring it such that they guarantee the top five enough earnings to get in the Derby. If their own horses are winning the money back the majority of the time then it really doesn't matter what they raise the purse to. After that discussion here was the rough draft solution I came up with:

http://www.derbytrail.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6688

[jpops757]

If we as fans can see this why cant the owners and trainers of promising 2yr olds use this race to tip=toe to the derby. Its not like they arent offering a just reward. Its only my opinion but the high profile NY,Socal and Ky owners and trainers cant lower thereselve to run at a lowly So La track.

[Linny]

Derby or no Derby, grade or no grade I can think of a million reasons to run in this race. Alot of people with a decent 2yo in late fall get "Derby Fever" but honestly, what are the odds of getting there? I say, make a bit of money now if you can with a healthy colt. What iis the average winning BSF for this race? Nice 2yo allowance races in NY or KY require upper 80's to lower 90's to win. Will the Jackpot winner break this barrier?

[blackthroatedwind]

I've got no sympathy for any " late bloomer " that doesn't get in due to earnings. I'll take my chances that the truly deserving will make it and only ridiculous trainers that never run their horses will risk missing the big dance with a legit contendor.

The ones that belong will dance the dances and get the earnings.

[jpops757]

I havnt seen the entries or nomomees but I bet Assmusen has something in here. Suprising that Going Balistic didnt run here other the the previous week-end.

[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I've got no sympathy for any " late bloomer " that doesn't get in due to earnings. I'll take my chances that the truly deserving will make it and only ridiculous trainers that never run their horses will risk missing the big dance with a legit contendor.

The ones that belong will dance the dances and get the earnings.

Amen.

My idea has always been that the 1-2 finishers in the Arkansas, Santa Anita, and Florida Derbies, as well as the 1-2 finishers in the Wood and Blue Grass get automatic berths. That gives u 10 horses. The next four would be based on earnings as a 3yo after u get the automatic qualifiers. If any of those 14 drop out, the next one on the list makes it.