Quote:
Originally Posted by randallscott35
By David Grening
OZONE PARK, N.Y. - The racing office could be scrambling up until entry time Wednesday to fill Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct.
As of Monday, the only confirmed starters for the Withers were Swale Stakes one-two finishers D' Funnybone and Ibboyee. The racing office was hoping to get trainer Gary Contessa to run the speedy New York-bred Castaneda, who has won three straight races at six furlongs including the Fred "Cappy" Capossela Stakes. The Withers is a one-turn mile.
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NYRA needs to make the right decision albeit the hard one. Lobby to have racing dates reduced and close down Aqueduct and go dark for 3 months. Take the money and use 50% to get their house in order and the other 50% to increase purses at Toga and Belmont. Toga needs to be 3 months as it is your top producer. Just like in football you need to get the ball into the hands of your top producer as much as possible. All this is easier said than done but you would have to be non compos mentis to think the current state of affairs is working. I believe Aqueduct has lost its relevance on the National scene. Full disclosure for those that are about to bash me and accuse me of having an agenda, I don't work in the business or have any affiliation with the Horse Racing industry except as a small pct owner and a donater to the Pick 4 Pools.