synthetic surfaces at Aqueduct/Belmont being looked into

[Al Gobbi]

Glen Kozak, NYRA’s director of racing surfaces, said he is doing “fact-finding” on the issue that includes meetings with officials who market the Tapeta surface as well as those who produce Polytrack. Kozak said he should have information to present to the NYRA board in four to six weeks.

Kozak said a synthetic surface would not be something employed only for winter racing, but it could help preserve the turf courses at Belmont in the event inclement weather forced races off the turf.

http://www.drf.com/news/equine-safet...on-house-rules

[Tom]

The riders already tend to ride like they were on poly.
Kiss quality racing at Belmont good bye, though.

[DeltaLover]

I am not sure about Belmont, but as far as Aqueduct inner track goes, I believe that installing a synthetic surface is going to be proved a correct more. As a bettor, I would have no objection about replacing all NYRA tracks with synthetics also, although I can not quite convinced about the need to do something like this.

[SandyW]

Run The Belmont Stakes on synthetic ?

I don't think so.

[FantasticDan]

Originally Posted by SandyW

Run The Belmont Stakes on synthetic? I don't think so.

Sure, why not? And run the Preakness on turf.. and then re-name it the Triple Threat!

[BlueShoe]

With tracks such as Santa Anita ditching plastic and returning to dirt, and with rumors of others doing the same, has the NYRA lost their minds? With artificial surfaces unpopular with fans and many horsemen, and with as not yet determined long term adverse effects on horses and riders, this hardly seems to be a wise move.

[Robert Fischer]

The only realistic consideration is whether or not to install synthetic on the inner track at Aqueduct.

The idea of moving rained-off-the-turf races to the synthetic inner, during Aqueduct's regular (main/outer) meet is one I had not heard before.

[DeltaLover]

Originally Posted by Robert Fischer

The only realistic consideration is whether or not to install synthetic on the inner track at Aqueduct.

The idea of moving rained-off-the-turf races to the synthetic inner, during Aqueduct's regular (main/outer) meet is one I had not heard before.

In my opinion the artificial versus dirt surface debate exaggerates its importance. For betting purposes, although some differences in handicapping directions might be justified, the surface can be seen as an additional factor that can be attacked as anyone else.

[duncan04]

Originally Posted by BlueShoe

With tracks such as Santa Anita ditching plastic and returning to dirt, and with rumors of others doing the same, has the NYRA lost their minds? With artificial surfaces unpopular with fans and many horsemen, and with as not yet determined long term adverse effects on horses and riders, this hardly seems to be a wise move.

It would be better than the current inter track crap.

[Robert Fischer]

Originally Posted by DeltaLover

In my opinion the artificial versus dirt surface debate exaggerates its importance. For betting purposes, although some differences in handicapping directions might be justified, the surface can be seen as an additional factor that can be attacked as anyone else.

They are looking into it to see if it will be more profitable.

They would like to basically extend the turf racing season through the winter.

[classhandicapper]

I don't think it would be wise to intall synthetic at Aqueduct for the simple reason that the casino operator wants to expand, and if it did, it would generate more money for the state than racing.

The politics are the politics. In other words, it's hard to predict the outcome in the short term because of the incompetence and corruption.

But at some point someone is going to do the math and figure out that on a net basis, for everyone concerned, it would be best if Aqueduct was closed and the land used for more profitable businesses. Since that could happen at any time, why make the investment in synthetic now only to rip it up in "x" years (unless there's corruption involved in that decision also lol)

Ultimately, IMO, either winter racing in NY is going away or something is going to be done at Belmont to accomodate it.

[DeltaLover]

Originally Posted by classhandicapper

I don't think it would be wise to intall synthetic at Aqueduct for the simple reason that the casino operator wants to expand, and if it did, it would generate more money for the state than racing.

The politics are the politics. In other words, it's hard to predict the outcome in the short term because of the incompetence and corruption.

But at some point someone is going to do the math and figure out that on a net basis, for everyone concerned, it would be best if Aqueduct was closed and the land used for more profitable businesses. Since that could happen at any time, why make the investment in synthetic now only to rip it up in "x" years (unless there's corruption involved in that decision also lol)

Ultimately, IMO, either winter racing in NY is going away or something is going to be done at Belmont to accomodate it.

Unfortunately what you say here makes perfect sense from a strict business scope of view and it is not impossible Aqueduct to join the long list of eliminated tracks.

Despite the fact that the winter meet on Aqueduct is a joke and I am a firm believer that is should either stop or find the way to improve it, I still hate the idea of closing down such a historic place of racing limiting New York racing to Belmont and the SPA.

It is really that hard to redirect a small portion of the hordes that are frequenting the Casino to the race track?

[Vinman]

IMHO the Inner at Aqu is the only synth candidate. Betting Saratoga off synth races at Belmont would be far worse than a bad joke. I'd rather bet Northfield Harness, which I happen to like.

Vinman

[classhandicapper]

Originally Posted by DeltaLover

It is really that hard to redirect a small portion of the hordes that are frequenting the Casino to the race track?

Apparently so.

I'm a pretty opinionated guy. Despite that, if you ask me, I can't for the life of me understand and form an opinion on why people prefer slot machines, lottery tickets, and other games over horse racing.

If you enjoy an intellectual challenge, it's no contest.

If you enjoy beauty, there are few things more beautiful than the horses and some of the better tracks in America.

If you enjoy action, most tracks have plenty of simulcasting available to keep you in almost constant action.

If you want to make a big score, you can try to do that too.

About the only thing we are missing is beautiful scantily clad waitresses serving drinks and other attractive women at the bars etc...

If horse racing was getting buried by sports betting (which it is via all the illegal sources) that would make some sense because the take is lower, most people already understand the games, the win% is higher, the take is lower etc..

But how do you lose to a slot machine?

I am not wired to understand that.

Maybe we just need semi naked and easy women!

[DeltaLover]

Originally Posted by classhandicapper

Maybe we just need semi naked and easy women!

This sounds like a good idea to me!