That stuff, in injectable form, has been around for over 20 years. It's basically synthetic joint fluid, and is a much better long term approach to dealing with joint problems than tapping and injecting cortisone, which over time eats away at bone. Having said that, while it certainly can make horses with problems more comfortable, it is tough to believe it can make horses run faster.

SoCal's earlier points are well taken. When the news came out that the rules were different for the Preakness than the Derby, I went ranting to Bill Finley, among others, trying to get him to write something for ESPN.com, and saying I would be willing to supply all the incendiary quotes he needed. One thing I was going to mention was exactly the point SoCal made-- the NFL, which is rabidly anti-gambling, publishes injury reports with player status so there isn't even the hint of impropriety. 100 million was bet on the Derby and almost as much on the Preakness, and they can't even make clear what rules the game is being played under?

There needs to be much more transparency, and it won't happen until the tracks stop seeing us as fans, and start realizing we are PLAYERS. Right now they think we are a bunch of dummies who are supposed to lose, and like it.

SoCal-- the proposal I made in the letter I wrote to the DRF dealt in spirit with the questions you raise, but the feed additives etc. are certainly some additional points to deal with.

On a more positive note, I have heard that some interesting things might be coming in California over the next few months. We'll see.



TGJB