Quote:
Originally Posted by SchagFactorToWin
I've been away from handicapping since 2014 but decided to take it up again. I used to play Yonkers and Meadowlands.
Any changes to the tracks in the last 5 years?
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Yonkers moved the finish line since 2014. Years ago they wanted a longer stretch so they moved the finish line down, but that made it almost impossible to leave. So a few years ago they moved it back to the old spot so the stretch is back to 440 feet, but at least if a top driver has a sharp horse he may be able to get the lead from the outside posts. Although posts 7 and 8 are still terrible, much worse than the old wood bike days when you could actually bet those posts. I don't bet 7 and 8 at Yonkers but if I did, the only driver I would bet from those posts would be Jason Bartlett, who is the leading driver and one of the best "gate" drivers in the sport. Favorites are winning at 42%.
Yonkers also has a new GM, Alex Danoyan, and since he's been there the handle is up. He's made several changes in the wagering format, with more planned.
The Meadowlands, as you probably know, opened a new grandstand on the other side so most of the windy nights are now headwind nights instead of tailwind. That's one of the reasons why you don't see the third and fourth over closers win as often as they used to. They only race Friday and Saturday but the racing is a good product compared to most harness tracks because it's not as speed favoring and you can still get some good payoffs. Shippers from New York, including Saratoga, can win. Driver Dexter Dunn came in from down under last year and made a splash. He's as good as any driver there and a forced to be reckoned with. Pat Berry and Marcus Miller have been the reliable under the radar longshot drivers.
and 
posts to race from the 2nd tier. The Canadian "B" tracks like Flamboro and Western Fair are doing it and it does make for more interesting racing.
