How would YOU fix it?

[philcski]

Why is everyone clamoring for a smaller field???

Across the pond(s), they regularly have fields of 18-20 in ALL levels of competition. Yet for America's greatest race, nobody wants more than 14. WHY! I'd love to see 20 horse fields EVERY DAY!

[tector]

Originally Posted by philcski

Why is everyone clamoring for a smaller field???

Across the pond(s), they regularly have fields of 18-20 in ALL levels of competition. Yet for America's greatest race, nobody wants more than 14. WHY! I'd love to see 20 horse fields EVERY DAY!

Have you ever seen a European race course? Have you seen how the races are run?

If you routinely had 20 horse fields at most American tracks, on dirt, carnage would result. GP's turf course could handle it easily, and maybe some others--but not most places.

[tector]

Discount 2YO races (either sex) and 3YO filly races by 50% in purse amount for the calculation of graded earnings--they just aren't as relevant nowadays.

Discount races outside the US or Canada completely--if they want to run in the Derby, they can run in a prep or two here, too. It would probably be better for them to do so anyway, although some folks (e.g. Prince Megabucks of Dubai) are apparently too stubborn to realize it.

Add an also eligible list.

Done. If somebody wants to suggest that two or three spots are awarded outside of graded earnings, by committee, we can discuss it, but I don't think that is an essential reform. It would also allow a backdoor for talented foreign horses who don't prep here, so the Kentucky slaves would surely love this for their Arab masters.

[hockey2315]

Not A Smaller Field

[sdjcom]

Have you seen the courses they run on ? wide plenty of room no sharp turns.