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Why Not 16-Horse Fields?
At Meydan - and formerly, Nad al Sheba - they use a 16-horse gate.
Why can't we import 16-horse gates from them - like we imported the 20-horse gate now used in the Kentucky Derby?
Since the 60-foot-wide Tapeta track at Gulfstream can accommodate 12-horse fields, it logically follows that any course (dirt or turf) that is at least 80 feet wide can accommodate 16-horse fields.
And then an also-eligible list of up to 20 horses can be maintained, essentially guaranteeing 16-horse fields in many races, unless there is an off track (or a less-than-firm turf course).
Don't larger fields mean more handle?
It might even be possible to pay back to 4th for show bets in fields of 15 or 16 - as is done in the UK.
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