Funny Cide:
The racing at Keeneland in Spring is quite superior to that currently being run
at Gulfstream, Santa Anita, Oaklawn and Aqueduct. Keeneland has a great turf
program, utilizing a lot of different distances and usually drawing full fields;
the Spring meet usually does not have much of a problem with off the turf weather.
Quality racing in New York at this time of year exists in memory only. They have
lost me 100% and my wagering dollars go elsewhere. Keeneland I believe will always
be supported by horseplayers, no matter what surface, because Kee draws top
horseflesh, trainers, owners, jocks etc.
So at this time of year its Keeneland for me. Monmouth should be spectacular this
summer. Woodbine, with big purses and big fields, might get a long look this
spring once turf racing returns.
As for New York racing (and nobody asked me), with their leaky roof, depressing
facilities and 16K maiden claimers on the turf, let me selfishly say that what
needs to happen, and now is the time, is that NY racing needs to be shut down
(leave backside facilities/training facilities open at Belmont and Saratoga) on
June 15th.
NYRA, and the whole notion of a quasi-governmental authority allowed to run
racing and racing facilities, should be scrapped. Bankrupt NYS OTB is living week
to week; today was supposed to be the last day of OTB, but they got a one week
reprieve. VLTs were approved 9 years ago but docked at Yonkers before they were
even seen from the shore at NYRA.
Reopen New York Racing next March with a new QUALIFIED private operator, who will
have the benefit of VLTs and control of a pared down OTB.
Apologists for NYRA need to be reminded that the leading owner in terms of
runners started was arrested for animal cruelty. NYRA was not awarded their
current long term contract on the basis of competence but rather capitalized on
their ability to bluff the state into believing NYRA\'s title to the real property
the tracks sit on would have stood up to legal challenges.
I seem to have wandered off-- back to Keeneland:
1)Good call by Silver Charm on Wasted Tears. Great call by Michael in the BG.
Michael retains his status as the \"Mad Bomber\" of the TG board.
2)Yesterday did nothing to change my view of the Derby, except maybe to add
another pace factor. Wonder who will get pushed off the bubble by yesterday\'s
results?
3)Signs of life: record BG live gate at Kee, 45 thousand at OP Friday to see
Zenyatta.
