Belmont Park is getting a makeover worth more than 400 million. The 3rd leg is moving to Saratoga and the purse was increased from 1.5 million to 2 million. Also, they shortened the distance to 1 1/4 from 1 1/2 miles.
A 12 Furlong race at both Saratoga & Aqueduct would have horse breaking from 1/2 mile pole which is a few yards from the start of far turn. They do not want to start the Belmont there. Moving down to 10 furlongs makes sense.
The Belmont will be run at Saratoga for the next 2 to 4 years at a mile & a quarter. When Belmont Park reconstruction is complete the race moves back down here & will be a mile and a half. End of story.
The Belmont at the Spa will be an historic event. I booked a hotel & have something to look forward to this winter.
I think this is fantastic, regardless of the distance being shortened. It'll be very cool to go to the Spa earlier in the year, and for a boutique meet. Might make a longer weekend out of it and get my Spa-fix early next year.
