Guest Blog: The State of Racing

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

it ain't easy being as wrong as draynay always is — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:26:06 GMT

draynay so far this year RA is last years news. She's beaten nobody and the ones who whipped her have not won another race. Not much of a resume in 2010. We shouldn't even be talking about her until she accomplishes something this year worth noting.

Nice picks by the way last weekend. Phola and Fly Down. You really went out on a limb this time and neither could do any better than fifth. What happened to your "next superstar" First Dude? You jinxed the heck out of him since his big run at 20+/1 odds where you said he had no chance in hates to show up. You jumped on his bandwagon and the jinx was on. Stick to touting your less than even money favorites like QR and RA against Allowance/Claimers, at least you can be right some of the time then.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

GunBow — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:14:04 GMT

Pam S + 4certain:

One of my big motivations to go to the track is to see that next top horse. Breeder's Cup, Derby, and Belmont days are great because so many good horses are running on the same day. When I lived in Michigan, I had to drive at least 4 hours for even the chance of seeing a horse of national significance. Now back in Southern California, it's easy to get spoiled. I've been able to see Zenyatta, Lookin at Lucky, and Blind Luck each run at least 3 times.

Zookeeper:

Don't get me wrong, I love tv coverage of racing and all the internet sites for racing. Like you, it was tv coverage of a race that got me hooked on racing, that being the 89' Derby with Easy Goer and Sunday Silence. The Preakness sold me. However, me love for the sport wasn't taken to that other level until I started going to the track. And like most true fans, I HAD to go to the track; it was like some force was compelling me to get to the track to see in person these horses I had been watching and reading about.

As a fan, I really do appreciate all the sources of information that now exist, particularly on-line. However, we are the converted; we are already fans. I think that a fan's interest can be kick-started through the tv or internet, and think it can be partially sustained through them as well, but for most people to become true fans they are going to need the personal experience at the track.

Zookeeper, helsbelles, Mike SB:

As with you, the saefty of horses is a prime concern for me. I would be lying if I denied that when at the track the possibility of a serious spill doesn't run through my mind. To a certain extent, it is the fear and anxiety about a spill that makes the running and then the finish of a race so emotionally powerful. Once the horses cross the line, combined with the excitement over the outcome there is an almost euphoric wave of relief(when all horses finish safely), something made stronger when the race involves horses I'm particularly fond of.

Whenever there is talk from some in the industry about how racing needs a "superhorse" to save it, part of me worries that if there was actually this superhorse, what would be the consequence if such a horse were injured, or worse(that's how strong my fear can get)? Imagine the most famous horse of our time, with a massive on-track crowd and huge tv audience, suffering any injury? Because in our sport injury sometimes equates with death, the consequences of a high profile injury would probably be worse for the sport than any good that a superstar could do. In the end, I would take having such a superstar for our sport in a second, but that horse would be carrying alot of proverbial weight on its fragile legs.

And you bet my heart will be in my throat this Saturday at Del Mar for Zenyatta. Zenyatta might not be the transcendent superstar I was alluding to, but she's the biggest star the sport has right now(definitely in Cali), and any injury to her would be devastating and would cloud most everyone's day. As much, as an amateur historian, I critique Team Zenyatta for not pursuing a bolder campaign, I frankly don't know how the can stand to watch her run in person even once. If I owned Zenyatta I'm not sure if I wouldn't have retired her about 8 races ago. Owning Zenyatta carries great responsibility, and even bringer her back after her championship season of 08' took some stones.

Kit J:

My hope is that for tracks like Lone Star which are experiencing increases in attendance but decreases in wagering, the decrease in wagering is simply a result of the recession. The key part is that these tracks are bringing more people to the races. Once the economy improves some, and people have more disposable income, the wagering totals will rise to match the corresponding increase in attendance. Given the recession, a decrease in wagering is almost to be expected, even when attendance is increasing. But the mere fact that attendance hasn't decreased is a significant accomplishment. The wagering will come back, in time.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

jayjay — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:32:40 GMT

ITA Zookeeper, a loss by Zenyatta is nothing, she already has given her fans thrills to last life times. I can't say the same for QR or Blame or Rachel because they've already lost, their fans are used to it. I'm not, although I would be sad, it wouldn't be the end of the world. I'm sure the haters would bask in it though lol.

Draynay : Your credibility for betting is non-existent. You could've been spewing negatives and thrashing Zen all you want in these blogs but when you make a bet, or a promise, you should follow through with it. It's what make you a man, keeping your word regardless of the consequence. I've said before, anyone who bets with you would be a fool and would look like a fool because all you'll do is avoid them and pretend you never made the bet. Seriously, you and your blogs are nonsense and unimportant (well, except for Billy, he adores you) LOL

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Kit J — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:44:15 GMT

Anyone else see how muddy it was at Saratoga?

Anyone else read Johnny V with his excuses at the ready?

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Pedigree Shelly — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:35:06 GMT

I think that the Whitney will be a one horse race - Quality Road !!! Blame is a nice horse but , he is NOT in the same league as QR :)

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Householder — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:19:17 GMT

I saw Lookin at Lucky break his maiden on "Zenyatta" day last year at Del Mar. And he certainly has been "exposed" as the poly horse that he is. Throw him in with the rest of the poly specialists like Blind Luck (Take another look at her run at Churchill) and bet your beloved "Dirt horses." Lookin at Lucky WILL outfinish Quality Road (When is the last QR saw a mile oval?) in the Breeders Cup Classic.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Pedigree Shelly — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:20:38 GMT

Diane J - Thanks for the comment ! I can't tell you how many times I tried to contact ESPN about the way they have neglected Horseracing on their network :(

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Zookeeper — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:12:17 GMT

The only "very sad ending to the Zenyatta story" would be (God forbid!)if she was injured. A loss is what her fans prepare for every time she races. A loss is what we think she's gonna suffer when time is running out and she still has too much to do. We anticipate it and we prepare for it. Somehow, so far, it hasn't materialized...

The odds are against her to keep winning, yet many times, she has pulled victory out of certain defeat and you think that a loss would devastate her fans? NO, my friend, if she loses but comes back safe and sound, her fans will still rejoice and celebrate her. They will still be grateful to have seen her dance, prance and run. She will still be simply amazing and will remain so for as long as horseracing history is written and studied.

A loss may be devastating for fair weather fans but for Zenyatta's admirers it isn't even close to being a "very sad ending", not even close...

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Draynay — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:56:57 GMT

Enjoy the last few months Mike because they can ONLY pretend for the next few months that Zenyatta is this great race horse. After November when she is exposed for the poly horse she is it will all be over. Believe me I will give the connections all the in the world if they are crazy enough to continue this fraud and place her in the gate for the Classic. I don't think they are crazy enough to actually believe she has any chance against Rachel and QR who have SUPERIOR speed figures. To be honest I have no idea what they are going to do but they are running out of time to come up with something before the Classic because if Zenyatta gets in that gate she is going to be embarrassed big time. Clip this post and hang it on your fridge. Zenyatta will not be in that gate in November if she is you will see a very sad ending to the Zenyatta story.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Mike Relva — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:18:32 GMT

DRAYNAY

No,I won't make a wager with you,cause can't be relied on to pay up. A couple months back you stated that if Zenyatta wins the Classic you would say she's the greatest since GhostZapper. Here's an interesting fact,GhostZapper never carried 129lbs like Zenyatta has TWICE.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Draynay — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:22:56 GMT

Can I please get in on the bet Jayjay and if anyone else out there really thinks Zenyatta has any chance at all of beating Quality Road please step up. Never mind the fact that I am laughing at you step up please and let me take your money.

You do realize she had to struggle to beat some horse called St. Trinians right? Quality Road would beat St. Trinians by 10 to 15 lengths but don't let that bother you step up.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

the_wiz — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:27:49 GMT

Welcome back Mike Relva!!

It's great to see you back, this blog can certainly use more like you that are sensible about the whole picture.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Draynay — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 15:25:08 GMT

For the record Mike I give the connections for Zenyatta full credit for not racing against Rachel in the Personal Ensign and Beldame. I give them full CHICKEN status.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Diane J — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:53:03 GMT

Pedigree Shelly - amen sister! I think the worst was the year a big race was delayed because of the little league world series. I mean, really, who cared about that other than the parents of the kids playing?

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Mike Relva — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:51:48 GMT

JAYJAY

Well stated!

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

jayjay — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:31:17 GMT

Jason : I'd like to get in on the BC Classic bets : $100 on Zenyatta but only if both our picks run. If neither wins, whoever has the highest placing wins the bet and a 1 paragraph post giving due credit to the winner (it's better than wearing a pink dress and pink hat.) You up for it? Oh, and no draynay tricks, you have to post your pick BEFORE the race is run :)

Draynay : YOU are a prime example of the kind of fans this sport can do WITHOUT. If all you're contributing are spewing negative things about horses and tracks, and betting $2 on heavy favorites, keep that $2, the sport can survive without you.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Pedigree Shelly — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:37:35 GMT

Goldie , You brought up some excellent points ! I hate NASCAR , Golf and Baseball TOO ! I can remember countless times that ESPN was supposed to broadcast a big race and then it was delayed by something like the La Crosse finals !!!! Thank God for TVG and HRTV ! they at least guarantee you'll see your race ! When they left ESPN broadcast the Breeders Cup , I was scared ! What stupid sport is going to delay things this time ?? :( :(

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Paula Higgins — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:03:40 GMT

ITA 2;24 that if it rains, Quality Road won't like it and may not bring his A game. Then I expect Blame to win.

ITA about Zenyatta, I am with her for the BCC. I hope it rains:).

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Footlick — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:32:55 GMT

When Gun Bow is doing a blog on the state of racing, Dray and Afleetalexforever can only post negativity about Zenyatta. And every blog I go to they are posting the same negativity. It's sad.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Leon — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:28:54 GMT

You chose a great topic, Jordan; congrats!

I think racetracks should do something casinos do, and that is identify people who gamble regularly, or who gamble in large amounts, and provide rewards for them, whether it is a complementary meal, bottle of wine or PP's, a rebate or a photo op with your favorite jockey, trainer or horse. They should create a "frequent flyer" program (I guess it'd be a "frequent gambler" one) similar to what airlines have, but with bigger & better rewards for those people who actually go to the track and get to experience everything there is about horse racing.

Something must be done about an industry that does not match its best horses on the track. An idea would be an automatic bump in purse money everytime 2 or more MGSW winners are entered in a race, which should encourage more races like the Haskell and less like the Fleur de Lis or the Hirsch. I bet Saratoga will have some of its best days in terms of attendance for the Whitney & Personal Ensign because of the quality of horses that will be entered, that will make such races not only attractive as a fan of the sport, but also as an interesting betting proposition. What's the point of having 12,000 people at the track if they re not actually betting?

Lastly, great food and excellent service go a long way, and sadly, most racetracks do not know how to handle large crowds. If you are a would-be fan who is going to a racetrack for the first time, the food is only so-so after waiting a long time for it, and you have no clue about handicapping, you are probably in for a very long and boring day at the track...Complementary tip sheets, well-versed, horse-racing savvy customer service employees, or accessible horse personalities that could provide insight on key races during the day would also help.

Just throwing some ideas into the pot...

Cordially,

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Householder — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:21:31 GMT

2:24 How about Musket Man at 117 against a nice and "heavy" QR?

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Householder — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:18:54 GMT

I took my 12 year old nephew to the Santa Anita Derby this year because I wanted him to experience the same feeling I had when I saw Winning Colors take that race. I told him to watch Lookin at Lucky closely because he was going to be on T.V. soon in the Kentucky Derby. He now calls me to give me Lookin at Lucky updates but asked "When is he going to race live again...It's not the same."

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Householder — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:10:54 GMT

Good point Goodwin...I seem to recall another little filly Hysterical Lady who was pretty close to that Ginger Punch win in that BC goo fest. Zenyatta later handled her as well with Hysterical Lady going off at even money in the Lady's Secret. It was to be Zenyatta's first loss of her career according to the "experts." This was some 12-13 races ago.

It think I passed Zenyatta on the 405 today as she made her way to Del Mar.

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

Zookeeper — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:17:38 GMT

Goldie,

Your description of horseracing is pure poetry! It thrills me no end when someone else shares feelings and thoughts so close to mine. :)

re: Guest Blog: The State of Racing

2:24 — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:49:59 GMT

Gun Bow: great blog.

Jason: if Zenyatta runs in the Classic, I'll take her, you pick whatever one horse you want in the field, and whoever's horse finishes ahead wins 100 dollars.

Anyone else like Blame in the Whitney? Getting five pounds, likely rain.