Lone Star Timer ?

[cj]

Can any locals (or anyone else) tell me why Lone Star has so many timer malfunctions each and every year? I don't have exact numbers, but I would guess they report more races with no fractions and a hand timed final time than all the other larger tracks put together.

CJ

[smf]

cjm,

You've seen a few locals here rail on LS for any number of reasons. You've read our complaints and how they've been handled in the past. After awhile you just recognize a pig for what it is, then move on to better racing or accept the status-quo.

That said, on Roger Stein's show last weekend, he was all over Santa Anita for their timer problems also. If SA has timer problems, then anyone can I suppose.

The all time blunder here (imo) was Von Hemmel lining up the starting gate a half furlong short of where it s/h been for a 5f turf sprint that had a nice purse. A cheap runner ("local" roy lothringer was the trainer) beat a quality horse to take the winner's loot.

It's a casual meet when it comes to racing. That's about all you can say, really.

[cj]

I wasn't aware SA was having problems. Care to expound, or let me know where I can read about it?

CJ

[smf]

Check either sat or sun's archive. Can't recall which day it was mentioned but it was this past week.

http://www.tracksidenet.com/radio/archive.asp

The guy is a trainer in soCal. Kinda controversial but is a fun listen. Also can learn a ton about Cal racing info there.

[LurkingBettor]

smf,

Do you know who is setting the MLO out at LSP now? What happened to Chuck Bodine?

Thanks,
LB

[smf]

LB,

Good question. I haven't seen Badone this season. He hasn't been on the jumbotron before races so I guess he's moved elsewhere.

Not certain who makes the m/l's nowdays. Perhaps GR1, Ranchwest knows??

[ranchwest]

No, I don't know. I tried to call LS, but I couldn't figure out how to get a live person on the phone.

[LurkingBettor]

I was talking to trainer Sam David, Jr. the other day and he surmised that Dave Appleton (the paddock guy) may be setting the MLO.

Gary West is doing the pre-race commentary. He's a possibility too, I guess.

LB

[ranchwest]

I see that the web site lists Larry Barnes as Racing Information Specialist and he has commentary on horses running, but it doesn't say whether he sets the line.

[GR1@HTR]

I just emailed Gary West about the subject. If he responds, I will relay the info. BTW RW, I can't reply to to your PM cause your box is full...

[ranchwest]

GR1,

Sorry, I didn't even know there was a limit. lol

I've cleared out a bunch of messages. Please try again.

[GR1@HTR]

Looks like Larry Barnes and Rick Lee are doing the MLO. Badone has retired and is in Az.