curly,

there is no doubt that the game has suffered because top horses run less often than they used to. part of the problem is that most of today's top trainers now subscribe to the four to five week rest theory (i do as well, can't blame them). part of the problem is that today's horses are likely more fragile than they used to be. finally, part of the problem is that middle east money has bought a large percentage of top young colts over the past few years, and they just aren't running them very often here in the US (although many seem to be stabled here).


Richie,

i can't blame nyra for the top horses not running, but i have never seen so many low quality fields at the spa. saratoga is about top quality thoroughbreds, not fields of twelve 56 beyer horses that give people good action. you are right though, it's still a good product. i expect a decent card on saturday, and every top horseman will want his top runners going here over the following two weekends, so i do expect much better things.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/17/2006 11:55AM by Michael D..