Re: Some thoughts in support of Grade One Handicap Races (591 Views)
Posted by:
Silver Charm (IP Logged)
Date: February 09, 2004 07:17PM
The dilemma is if you put a four horse field out there for $1,000,000, with a walkover winner, in todays age of simulcasting and the track will lose too much money on the race. No one can bet on it.
Horses don't have to only run in certain races at NY or Calif for a big purse. They can go to Lone Star, Remington, Calder, Delaware on their big days and in some cases the shipping will be paid for.
Also if the track cards a race that is unbettable, the gambling public will bet another race at another track--(ie-simulcasting).
Also what races are more legendary? When Forego carried 137 pounds and lost by a nose, when Dr Fager set a mile World Record carrying 132 pounds or when Cigar beat Star Standard in the Jockey Club at level weights.