Silver Charm Wrote:
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> The time has finally arrived.
>
> We need split divisions. Another words Two
> Kentucky Derbies on the First Saturday in May.
> Twice as good, Twice as fun. You know the theme.
>
> There are just too many horses/owners who deserve
> a shot, deserve the thrill. This year there may be
> as many as 30 horses who could give it a go, but
> will not because of an arcane broken graded
> earnings rule.
>
> Tell me who should get first run a horse with $50K
> in domestic graded earnings or a horse with none.
> Please see the top of the list before you answer.
> How about a horse with primarily two year old
> graded earnings vs ones earned at three. How about
> an improving horse with none at all.
>
> The field size could be limited to 15 horses in
> each division and run back-to-back. There could be
> a seeding process done by a group of select
> handicappers (potential gamblers....need to
> rethink that one). But you would have Brother
> Derek in one field, Lawyer Ron in another. Bob and
> John gets a two seed so does Barbaro. More debate
> on who got screwed in their seed. Which field is
> tougher.
>
> Instead of a race with 15 speed horses like this
> year, we could have 7 or so in each. The debate of
> who is better would continue right on thru to the
> Preakness. The chances of a horse gunning for the
> Triple Crown Belmont Day would be greatly
> increased.
>
> Think of the wagering possibilites. Twin
> Trifectas, Twin Supers. Derby/Derby Double. The
> handle would be off the charts.
>
> People who think outside the box are open minded
> to new ideas. Those who don't get bogged down in
> something called Tradition

Until the last paragraph you were beginning to piss me off.

There is only 1 Kentucky Derby. Anyone arguing for decreasing the size of the field is arguing for minimization of what already is a small and elite group of horses. They are arguing for depriving deserving horses of a chance at what the laurels of the Kentucky Derby bring. Theres breeding considerations, awards, recognition, reknown, monetary opportunity, just to name a few.

The graded stakes requirement put a premium upon horses being entered which can repeat efforts and earn enough to qualify. These earnings requirements require a certain amount of soundness of the horse, which hopefully a Kentucky Derby winner passes onto his progeny. It may even force the breeders to try and breed a better animal. Theres no shortcuts to the Kentucky Derby even with a 20 horse field. Theres several decent horses on the outside looking in because their connections wanted to play "Save the horse for the big day." Of course the problem with that is if you dodge, duck, hide and recuperate for too long you may find yourself without sufficient earnings to make the big day. Strong Contenders folks have no one but themselves to blame. Either that or they have a horse that was behind the curve or gimpy when he needed to be glued together well. Next time they'll run at 2 and aim for bigger races sooner, breed a better horse or both.

Enough of this lightly raced horse b.s. You're only fooling yourself with it anyway. You can't dodge the competition forever.

Bring it on baby, its time for the 20 horse calvary charge.