5/21 (PIM): Preakness (G1), DuPont, Sprint, Gallorette, Schaefer (G3's)

[Linny]

Originally Posted by SCUDSBROTHER

I think the "high percentage" trainer factor hurts this area of the industry. Unless you can get in with one of those, you will struggle. If you increase the purse, it mainly helps those same high-percentage types. I mean, if I go out here and give Danny Velasquez (or Sean whatever from HRTV) money to claim horses, my chances of competing are just not good.

I agree completely and it applies to all circuits/venues. It also makes betting harder. Do you dare take a shot against a 38% trainer when he's also over 30% with all applicable categories or bet him in P3's or 4's hoping you are right in the other legs as well? Do you pass? I sometimes do and I imagine others do and tracks wonder why handle is down.

It must be hard to be an owner when you can't pay JC Guerrero (mid Atl) or the Englehart (Finger Lakes) or Jamie Ness others of their ilk. How often do you have to watch their horse's tails before to get out.