Venue: 6/20 = Belmont Park

[JolyB]

You are asking for logic. Remember that Churchill Downs Inc in involved in this equation. They unilaterally stated that their Derby would be moved to September. That left it up to all other players to find a way to coexist with the 800 pound gorilla. Pimlico then picked a date in early October [not the usual 2 weeks after the Derby]. Once again, no industry coordination. Breeders Cup Ltd was not going to reschedule their money maker from its date.

As a representative of NYRA, what choices were left to you? Let's see - run in conflict with the BC? Nope. Run at Belmont in late November, when it gets very cold, the stands are mostly out in the open and darkness comes early? Nope. Run before all of them in June at 1 1/2 miles with horses none of which had run beyond 1 1/8 before? No.

They were left with an unplayable hand and had to make a decision that leaves you and me very unhappy, but realistically they had no good choice to make. If you want to put an * nest to the Belmont, feel free. Obviously, the fans were not consulted - but when are they ever?