NYRA Looking at Synthetic Track for Aqueduct

TouchOfGrey · #1 05-03-2016, 02:41 PM

NYRA Looking at Synthetic Track for Aqueduct

pointman · #2 05-03-2016, 04:26 PM

This makes very little sense. More likely the Aqueduct part is pure BS and they want to put a synthetic surface in at Belmont so that Cuomo the thief can close the deal on his grand heist of Aqueduct for the State.

Why put in a synthetic track when the trend of those who have had them is to go back to a dirt surface? The inner surface seems to work just fine, though I have heard from a few riders that it badly needs to have the base redone.

Danzig · #3 05-03-2016, 05:39 PM

Interesting. I could see a synthetic at aqueduct. One dirt, one synth?

RHT2004 · #4 05-03-2016, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig

Interesting. I could see a synthetic at aqueduct. One dirt, one synth?

Because all the other ones have done so well?? Keeneland, Del Mar, Etc.....
I don't want any synthetic surfaces in NY. I agree w/ Point. Maybe an upgrade of the winterized inner surface.

Pants II · #5 05-03-2016, 05:55 PM

If they drop the pick 4 and pick 5 minimums to $.20 and install tapeta it could possibly work.

It will hurt Tampa and FG.

The expansion of the ADW is the best part of the story.

pmayjr · #6 05-03-2016, 06:02 PM

Is it a slow day at the site?

When I've supported synth tracks in the past I've faced some pretty nasty venom from you guys.

At worst field sizes stay the same if they install synth in the inner. At best you get Presque Isle and Woodbine shippers and probably NY-bred turf specialists to stick around for the winter.

I'm keeping an open mind at least.

Danzig · #7 05-03-2016, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHT2004

Because all the other ones have done so well?? Keeneland, Del Mar, Etc.....
I don't want any synthetic surfaces in NY. I agree w/ Point. Maybe an upgrade of the winterized inner surface.

But it works at woodbine and turfway. And its why i said one each. We all know when aqu runs. It could be an alternative for rough weather. I would not be supportive of no dirt at all.

Hickory Hill Hoff · #8 05-03-2016, 08:41 PM

freddymo · #9 05-04-2016, 09:15 AM

Steve it maybe a good time to re post the Nerud Aqueduct plan?

Frankly I really don't care if they change the inner to Tapeta. The issue is horses, and the lack there of, not the surface. I suppose a bunch of cheaper turf horses might not head south but how many 10 to 25 claimers head to TB,GP or FG from NYRA? Some I guess? Are the WB guys going to ship to NY? Could be, a lot to do about a band aide.

Pants II · #10 05-04-2016, 09:19 AM

They're going to take a pay cut and head south with bottom claimers? Highly doubtful.

The biggest problem they face is the Gotham if they decide to switch the inner to Tapeta.

The solution is open the main track a month earlier. I want credit for this idea if they use it.

freddymo · #11 05-04-2016, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pants II

They're going to take a pay cut and head south with bottom claimers? Highly doubtful.

The biggest problem they face is the Gotham if they decide to switch the inner to Tapeta.

The solution is open the main track a month earlier. I want credit for this idea if they use it.

Good point on Gotham.
Main couldnt open month earlier with any degree of certainty

While they wouldnt run south to take a "Pay Cut", The questions are how many ship in and stay home? Hard to really know IMO

Flatterer · #12 05-04-2016, 09:32 AM

Installing a synthetic surface is the last gasp of winter racing at Aqueduct.

Bad horses with soft tissue injuries will not be able to run back when the dirt track opens. This will hit NY breds the hardest, decreasing entries long term.

NYRA won't have to worry about replacing the track in 10 years because winter racing will cease to exist.

Pants II · #13 05-04-2016, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freddymo

Good point on Gotham.
Main couldnt open month earlier with any degree of certainty

While they wouldnt run south to take a "Pay Cut", The questions are how many ship in and stay home? Hard to really know IMO

It's definitely a risky move but you would have to think that most of the bottom and mid-level turf horses will stay north with tapeta installed.

Especially if the purses remain.

Pants II · #14 05-04-2016, 09:38 AM

The more I think about the change the more I support it. Would have some exciting stretch runs on the inner and the field sizes (at first) would be a welcome change.

Plus the ability to train over the surface year round is huge. I like it and I'm not a fan of synthetic. Winter meet in NY is one of the instances where it can work.

freddymo · #15 05-04-2016, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pants II

The more I think about the change the more I support it. Would have some exciting stretch runs on the inner and the field sizes (at first) would be a welcome change.

Plus the ability to train over the surface year round is huge. I like it and I'm not a fan of synthetic. Winter meet in NY is one of the instances where it can work.

The Belmont Training track would/should be changed as well if or if they dont switch

Pants II · #16 05-04-2016, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freddymo

The Belmont Training track would/should be changed as well if or if they dont switch

Can't disagree.

Things may change but Woodbine's switch to Tapeta has been outstanding. With the .20 cent minimums it makes it a fun card to play on most days.