Where do you get the crazy idea the interest would increase?? THP stated his points for handicaps in his first post. Do you really think the "public" would have noticed a 20 length win in track record time? Horse racing fans with any sense of history would discount a track record if the horse carried less weight than he should have. Casual sports fans with a slight interest in racing would not have noticed or cared about a 20 length victory in anything but the Derby.

You think the racing public wants to see GR1 races turn into 10 length romps?? I see your point. Watching Dallas annihilate Buffalo 52-14 is much more enjoyable than a 32-29 yawner like this yrs SB. Cmon Michael, Secretariat didn't romp because of level weights, he was a superior horse regardless of the weight. He proved it over and over again with superior performances just like the greats of the past. You say you were in a crib in '72. I suggest reading about great champions of the past, perhaps you will see THPs point. THP's story about the Prince captures the essence of his argument. Silver Charm reminding us of great races past with weight being a factor does also. I don't think seeing the best of the sport is a 10 length romp against overmatched opponents. There are too many other races to choose from for a trainer. When they don't run we are left with a bunch of overmatched horses. Is this really what we want with our "best' races?? Handicaps level the playing field, hopefully increase field size, and stimulate wagering. If a horse is as great as he is supposed to be, he should win regardless.



Post Edited (02-10-04 00:39)

P-Dub