Raffetto jumps! (UPDATE: Leaving NSA; Returning to MJC?)

[scanman]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I went to Longchamp twice, Arc Day and the day before, and Saint Cloud once. I woke up too late to go to Chantilly unfortunately. Saint Cloud was great.

Sounded like an excellent trip. I've been to the other three that you mentioned. Too bad you missed Chantilly, it's probably the nicest of the four. I hope you get the chance to go back and visit the "home of French racing", as well as some of the excellent provincial racecourses.

[Bigsmc]

Not a NSA event, but a blow to Steeplechase racing nonetheless....

http://www.tampabay.com/news/humanin...r-2010/1035546

[scanman]

Disappointing to say the least. It's a fantastic day of racing and they have one of the best grass racing surfaces in the country. Too bad they can't work out a cooperative agreement with Tampa Bay Downs. I'm sure the logistics would be complex, but it's tragic that this surface isn't used on a more frequent basis.

[MaTH716]

Saw this the other day.
http://monmouthpark.com/event_detail.aspx?id=2311

[scanman]

Mr. Raffetto has done an excellent job of trying to increase the awareness of steeplechasing in the US. I understand it's never going to reach the popularity that it enjoys in Ireland, France or the UK, but the more exposure it gets will generate greater interest and hopefully an increased fan base.

Saratoga was/will continue to be a great platform for steeplechasing and while they can be a little tricky to bet, if you were able to catch a winner on a few of those races, you were well rewarded (3 out of 6 winners were double-digit odds).

Now, Mr. Raffetto is following up Saratoga's success by staging a mixed-meet at Monmouth Park. This used to be the old Monmouth County Hunt, but it makes perfect sense to run this meet at Monmouth Park in conjunction with 4 other flat races. Great exposure and should be a wonderful day of racing. I wish I could be there but will follow/bet it through my ADW.

MaTH, I hope you (and other DTers in the area) have the opportunity to attend and enjoy this exciting day of racing. Additionally, I hope it will generate a few more recruits/fans to the jump game.

Also to note - Belmont has a Grade 1 on Sunday's card, 1st race. Should be a fantastic race with most of the top steeplechasers in action.

[Linny]

Sunday's race (the Lonesome Glory) lost some luster when it was announced last month that Good Night Shirt was out for the year. Nonetheless, it should be a good race, I'm a fan of Dynaski.
Agree on Lou Rafetto, he's a good guy and a sharp marketer. I think he will do alot for the 'chasing game. Whether or not the 'chasing mainstays like it is another story.

[scanman]

Originally Posted by Linny

Sunday's race (the Lonesome Glory) lost some luster when it was announced last month that Good Night Shirt was out for the year. Nonetheless, it should be a good race, I'm a fan of Dynaski.
Agree on Lou Rafetto, he's a good guy and a sharp marketer. I think he will do alot for the 'chasing game. Whether or not the 'chasing mainstays like it is another story.

An excellent race won by an unlikely winner, Red Letter Day. His form was a bit short, but was able to set a moderate pace and his jumping was flawless. Another bomb over the jumps, 21-1. Great value in a very competitive race.

I agree. I believe there are some in the jumping game that would like to keep it as "their best kept secret". But hopefully that will change and 'chasing will continue to gain popularity and support from the rest of the racing community.

Now on to Monmouth next Saturday.