Laurel takeout cut a flop

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by Scurlogue Champ

The majority of the players just don't care about Laurel.

If they lowered takeout at Saratoga, it would be a different situation.

also, and I am not picking on you but it would be hard for me to see saratoga handle increase because of takeout, as you say its saratoga and people play there as a destination meet. Isnt a better experiment to take a track that is not doing so well and see how a player reward such as lower take would improve handle?

[Scurlogue Champ]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

also, and I am not picking on you but it would be hard for me to see saratoga handle increase because of takeout, as you say its saratoga and people play there as a destination meet. Isnt a better experiment to take a track that is not doing so well and see how a player reward such as lower take would improve handle?

With the already significant handle that saratoga generates, the reduced takeout would generate more "churn" and I think gross handle would increase significantly.

Trying it at shitty tracks is just grasping for straws. Reduced takeout is for the major circuits.

[-BT-]

don't wanna rub it in, but i could see this come'n. MEC put a sh!t load of money into this place a couple years ago and nothing has really changed. IMO it was a last ditch effort, i think one of MD tracks is bound to close in the next 5-10 years with out the help of slots (and i don't think the Preakness will be moved, so do the math).

It was a good idea, and more tracks in the same situation as Laurel and Ellis need to follow suit and see if they can find a niche. Hate to say it, but sooner or later someone is going to suggest to Frank and the boys to cut the strings on this investment....... lose lose situation for all involved

-bt-

MD can't survive without slots. They can do anything they want but when there are going to be 40K maiden races in PA and Delaware has what it has, along with races like the PA Derby worth $1M, Laurel is as good as done.

[10 pnt move up]

Originally Posted by Scurlogue Champ

With the already significant handle that saratoga generates, the reduced takeout would generate more "churn" and I think gross handle would increase significantly.

Trying it at shitty tracks is just grasping for straws. Reduced takeout is for the major circuits.

what do you suggest the smaller circuits should do then, close?

[Scurlogue Champ]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

what do you suggest the smaller circuits should do then, close?

Yes.

[Dunbar]

Originally Posted by 10 pnt move up

also, and I am not picking on you but it would be hard for me to see saratoga handle increase because of takeout, as you say its saratoga and people play there as a destination meet. Isnt a better experiment to take a track that is not doing so well and see how a player reward such as lower take would improve handle?

Completely agree.

--Dunbar

[Thoroughbred Fan]

Laurel has many problems that a lower takeout can't solve.

For one, it is a depressing place to visit. There isn't much for people who aren't playing the horses, like kids. They need a museum of some, they need a nice playground, they need more comfortable seating, and they need to embrace the idea that today you must be able to entertain the whole family to get people back to the track.

For the players, they need more competitive fields. I go to Laurel about once a month, but rarley play Laurel unless I see someone I know who "knows". Almost all of the regulars there are the same way. To get the bigger, more competitive fields they do need the purse money. However, once they get slots, and they will this year, they need to bring back the lower takeout. People will play but not when its a five horse field with a less than even money favorite. They have a very nice turf course there and could attract some nice horses. I'd like to see them bring back the International.

Lastly, they need to get their head out of their asses when it comes to innovation. Yeah, the Horse Wizard, that was a spectacular idea Stronach. Keep it up.