Gulfstream Main Track

[BitPlayer]

I\'m interested in the concerns expressed in the DRF about the short run to the first turn in 9f races on Gulfstream\'s new main track.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/63415.html

Lots of good tracks are 9f in circumference (Saratoga, Aqueduct, Arlington).  Does anyone know if there is something odd about the shape of the Gulfstream oval that makes 9f a particular problem there?

As an aside, I could never understand why they opted to run the BC Juvenile races at Arlington around two turns at 9f (effectively eliminating those who drew outside), rather than one turn at 8f.

[Kasept]

Bit..

When the turf ALW winner, whose name escapes me at this moment, set a mile world record early in the meet, officials remeasured the oval and claimed the dimensions correct and exact to plan. That doesn\'t mean there isn\'t something \"odd\" about the config of course, just that it\'s measured correctly.

There\'s nothing wrong with a 9f main, but wasn\'t it a little ridiculous to set up a course unable to host 8.5 panels that is the traditional home of the East\'s top sophs during the winter? Yes Saratoga and Arlington are 9f tracks... But they don\'t run races Jan-April when three year olds are just begining to stretch out beyond sprint distances. And the Big A can go 1m,70yds on the winter course. In their usual manner, MEC \"threw the baby out with the bath water\" once again. Rampage first, ask questions later..

Depending on the performance of the FL-based 3 year olds in April and in the TC, don\'t be surprised if the Florida Derby series ceases to be the premier TC prep route next year and beyond. One 8f race (Aventura), followed by three 9f races (Bull, FOY, FL Derby).. BRILLIANT!!

[NoCarolinaTony]

As I recall, they were more concerened about drawing Euro\'s in for a future Breeders Cup on the new turf setup, and it now appears didn\'t think this through completely. Not sure they can extend the dirt chute to 8.5 or not.

Also DRF mentions via Shug M that track is not playing to closers due to the throwback of hard clumps and rocks etc which is contributing th the front running/pressers winning as much as they do.

NC Tony

[NoCarolinaTony]

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/todaysnews/newsview.asp?recno=53458&subsec=1

[gvido]

Doesn\'t Frank look a little bit like Steve Martin in that pic? LOL

\"If the investors don\'t like it, they can sell their shares\" says da Boss. But $40 mill does seem a tad much.