Early 1 1/8 races

[abe]

I've been "out of the loop" for a year or so, but I've noticed several 1 1/8mile races "On The Derby Trail" this year before the usual ones in April. Tropical Park, Robert B. Lewis, El Camino Real, Palm Beach, Vinery, and Sunland Derby. Is this new? If not, how could this impact the Derby? :cool:

[PhantomOnTour]

The Sham is also 9f and they run that in Feb at SA I think.

[abe]

I find the Sham at 1 1/16 this year. I got these races from About.com Triple Crown Trail.

[My Friend]

i think the date of some of the races you mentioned has also changed.
they may have moved some later back in time and increased the distance as well to accomodate the new place on the calendar later in the year.

it is always good to have more 9f races before the derby. the derby distance is an important element to the race. (10f) Those who have a propensity to accelerate to the 9f wire will carry or maintain that another 22o yards at CD.
if a horse can run a mile or 8.5f, thats great, but often those who win in the winter in florida are funneled out by thier inability to proceed to 9f and beyond in the spring