Site to Behold - By Evan Hammonds

re: Site to Behold - By Evan Hammonds

AngelaInAbilene — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:42:20 GMT

The original intent was a traveling showcase of the best of the best. While Santa Anita is a beautiful facility, it should not be a permanent home to the BC. I want to see it at a different track, in a different state and under different weather and track conditions each and every year. Otherwise, it's just a chaep knock-off of what it once was.

re: Site to Behold - By Evan Hammonds

Fred and Joan — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 16:56:58 GMT

We feel that the original concept of the B.C. moving around is a more equitable idea for the fans and the horsemen. Rain and inclement weather is part and parcel of racing horses year round and imagine some of you racing here in the Northwest where it rains often. Some horses prefer to race with a little moisture in the air and do feel better. We feel that ALL regions of the country should benefit from the B.C. races and all fans need to have the experience of seeing horses racing against each other from countries outside of our own.

re: Site to Behold - By Evan Hammonds

PomDeTerre — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 01:51:35 GMT

Having just returned to cold upstate NY after spending last weekend on 80 degree sunshine at Santa Anita, NO I do not want to go back there again next year, and NO they did not do an excellent job, particularly Trevor Denman on Saturday. The BC has been run too many times there in the past 8 years. Baffert (local trainer) publically states that he is entering New Years Eve (home track) ONLY because it was the horse's "home" track (5 or 6 prior wins on downhill turf there)- and wins??? Denman NEVER even bothers to call that J.V. went down on his mount in the BC Juvie Filly??? JV's replacements (not that we spectators knew he was gone), were not announced - including Wise Dan- until before the start of each race??? Really nice twist for the people who were playing Pick 6, Pick4, Pick 3...

The BC, at its inception, was designed to be held at different tracks every year. While it never rains in southern California, the same might apply to Gulfstream & Fairgrounds- even Lone Star. Monmouth was not to blame for the weather. That facility is gorgeous. Belmont, Woodbine, Arlington, Churchhill, Keeneland.... there are many other venues- as was the intent of the meet- where this race can and should be held.

Fans from all over the country should be allowed to see this meet in their own back yards. Seems to me that the laid back SoCal attitude has invaded the way these races are being scheduled. I fully expect Denman to exclaim at the BC Classic next year "And it' (fill in the blank) by a neck. AWESOME!"

Time to move on dudes.

re: Site to Behold - By Evan Hammonds

Pedigree Ann — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:47:27 GMT

“You know what kind of horse to bring—you know what the weather will be like; you know what the track will be like,” he said. “When the Breeders’ Cup was at Monmouth, it was ruined by the rain. And you never know what you’ll get at Belmont Park.”

That is why we don't get to see the CHAMPIONS from GB/Ire/FR, only second or third rankers. Only a particular type of horse is suitable for Santa Anita. Class is not important - suitability for the course is. That is an indictment of racing at Santa Anita, not praise.

re: Site to Behold - By Evan Hammonds

CatJ — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 04:42:42 GMT

Speaking strictly as a fan, I would be in favor of keeping Santa Anita as the host site of the Breeders' Cup. Even though I live in Wisconsin and am able to drive to Louisville, after attending the Cup in 2010 and 2011 at Churchill, the weather is definitely a factor. It's too darn cold in November to sit outside comfortably for two days. I went to Santa Anita for the Cup in 2008, and it was a pleasure to enjoy the two day event. Factor in that beautiful view and it doesn't get any better!

re: Site to Behold - By Evan Hammonds

Terry M. — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 03:26:52 GMT

The one thing being overlooked is the ordinary fans across North America who want to attend in person, but can't, because it is never close enough to where they live. Not everyone can afford to fly to California. I know I will never see a Breeders' Cup unless it comes to Toronto. Instead I am stuck with TSN2 skipping half of Saturday's races to show NASCAR!

re: Site to Behold - By Evan Hammonds

greengirl — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 00:38:47 GMT

Seems to me like the track had some serious issues, starting with the fact that 2 horses sustained LIFE ENDING injuries in the span of what, 3 days? Apparently the turf course was hard as a rock too. I'm for moving it away from Santa Anita.