Sad times for the great race place.

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by BarchCapper

I would think the cost of housing in both the north and south makes this a much more difficult situation in CA now than in the 30's-60's.

The other circuits mentioned likely don't face that kind of pressure today.

Housing cost is going to be the same on 2 circuits as one. What do you think they pay to go to Del Mar each summer?

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by AndyC

That doesn't address what I wrote. Are you suggesting cheap races create more handle than the races run by non-cheap horses?

In 2022, I think field size is a lot more important.

[ReplayRandall]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

In 2022, I think field size is a lot more important.

It's always been THE most important aspect from a bettor's viewpoint.

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by ReplayRandall

It's always been THE most important aspect from a bettor's viewpoint.

So a 12 horse field of $10k claimers would draw a bigger handle than an 8 horse stakes race?

[ReplayRandall]

Originally Posted by AndyC

So a 12 horse field of $10k claimers would draw a bigger handle than an 8 horse stakes race?

C'mon Andy, that's apples and oranges with different dynamics involved.

[The_Turf_Monster]

Originally Posted by ReplayRandall

It's always been THE most important aspect from a bettor's viewpoint.

Not even close, the most important factors are horses running at the appropriate class combined with horses that will run true to form.

I’m sure there are tracks across the country that can lock in a dozen N2L’s for a $4k tag that wouldnt generate handle

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by The_Turf_Monster

Not even close, the most important factors are horses running at the appropriate class combined with horses that will run true to form.

I’m sure there are tracks across the country that can lock in a dozen N2L’s for a $4k tag that wouldnt generate handle

So you think predictable races won by short priced horses generates handle?

[The_Turf_Monster]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

So you think predictable races won by short priced horses generates handle?

I think that a reliable product generates handle where the betting offered is on an objectively competitive level……unlike the strawman you’re looking to build

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by The_Turf_Monster

I think that a reliable product generates handle where the betting offered is on an objectively competitive level……unlike the strawman you’re looking to build

It's not a strawman. Big fields and big payoffs attract bettors

[The_Turf_Monster]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

It's not a strawman. Big fields and big payoffs attract bettors

Let’s get back to how competitive horses running true to form is predictable, leads to short prices, etc. that you would like to include in this strawman

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by ReplayRandall

C'mon Andy, that's apples and oranges with different dynamics involved.

You are correct but the suggestion by dilanesp was that the caliber of the races was of little import and that large fields of cheap slow horses will cure all ills in CA.

[Thomas Roulston]

Who else remembers the lame policy that NYRA briefly observed in the early '80s: If a race had fewer than six betting interests, exacta wagering was canceled?

And why did they do this?

Because they thought that five-horse fields were more likely to be "fixed"!

After every racing writer in the NY/NJ area pointed out that the return from a "fixed" five-horse race would be too minimal to be worth the trouble for anyone to "fix" such a race, NYRA sheepishly repealed the rule.

[dilanesp]

Originally Posted by AndyC

You are correct but the suggestion by dilanesp was that the caliber of the races was of little import and that large fields of cheap slow horses will cure all ills in CA.

Nothing will cure all ills. But big fields of cheap horses would attract more betting than what we have now

[Redboard]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

Cheap races can be good product for bettors.

Could you give us a specific example? Dirt race.

I've always found those races had large fields but the starters had no published workouts because the track wanted them to run instead of work. Also , all of the trainers were 3 for 61.

In other words, virtually unhandicappable. But I haven't looked closely at those races in awhile. So, example please.

[AndyC]

Originally Posted by dilanesp

Nothing will cure all ills. But big fields of cheap horses would attract more betting than what we have now

It would attract the followers of Stanford Wong.