Graded Races

[Cannon Shell]

Why does anyone care about this?

[cal828]

Originally Posted by Danzig

so why is it, if some of the best the last few years ran there, that there is still resistence to the ark getting gr 1? why should scat daddy (for example) be proclaimed as this huge gr 1 winner, but curlin can trumpet one less gr 1 win?
what criteria is used to determine that the 1 million dollar fla derby is a 1, but the ark (and only other prep to offer that size purse) is a 2? they said after smarty jones that they wouldn't move after just one year. afleet alex, curlin, lawyer ron, and two years later...and no change. except to the southwest-whoopie.

I just guessing here because I certainly know nothing about how graded stakes committees operate, but I wonder if it might be that usually only a single quality contender emerges from the Arkansas Derby whereas other venues often have 2 and 3 or more to emerge from their preps . I think the Arkansas Derby is not viewed as a contentious race, but one that is often dominated by a single good horse. All that of course, doesn't take into account how good that single horse might be, but I guess nobody knows that until the triple crown races are actually run. I know there were plenty of doubters on this board this year about Curlin's abilities. I was a little skeptical about him myself.

[cal828]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Why does anyone care about this?

Probably nobody does, but me and Danzig. We both live in Arkansas.

[whodey17]

Graded races only matter when it comes to the horses stud value. Graded races for three years old prior to the Ky Derby is only for Graded earnings only. Who cares if those earnings come in a Grade I, II or III. However, I disagree with not having any Grade I races prior to the TC races. We should have Grade I races for horses who sprint or go on the turf. Why should Grade I races be only for horses who have plans on going in the Derby prior to the Derby.

I think we have way too many Graded races, but a different approach on when these graded races are contested could really enhance the racing year.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by whodey17

Graded races only matter when it comes to the horses stud value. Graded races for three years old prior to the Ky Derby is only for Graded earnings only. Who cares if those earnings come in a Grade I, II or III. However, I disagree with not having any Grade I races prior to the TC races. We should have Grade I races for horses who sprint or go on the turf. Why should Grade I races be only for horses who have plans on going in the Derby prior to the Derby.

I think we have way too many Graded races, but a different approach on when these graded races are contested could really enhance the racing year.

OMG!

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

OMG!

Instead of a childike reply like "OMG." Why don't you post why you think my idea is not good. Maybe I will agree with you, maybe you will come up with something that I haven't thought of. If this is a bad idea then tell me so I can be more educated on the process. Don't just post a senseless "OMG."

[blackthroatedwind]

Your post makes no sense Dude.

[whodey17]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Your post makes no sense Dude.

Ok, what about it doesnt make any sense?