In The Sulky Forum
General Category => General Harness Racing Discussion => Topic started by: Elgin on June 12, 2012, 10:02:28 AM
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Big M, PA tracks to alternate Open races
June 12, 2012
Meadowlands Racetrack, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and Harrah's Philadelphia have reached an agreement to alternate the dates of their free for all races in order to spur fuller fields and wagering on the upper echelon of horses.
Utilizing the existing stakes calendar for openings, the three facilities have come up with a schedule of dates for each track to host an open race for a purse of $50,000 for the best horses in the region.
"We are pleased to announce that as of a result of a suggestion that was emailed to me, and thanks to the cooperation of the Pennsylvania horsemen, Ron Battoni and Sam Beegle in particular, we have reached an agreement with the race offices at both Philadelphia and Pocono to alternate the dates of our free for all races,
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There obviously aren't enough good horses to go around. All too often these tracks--particularly the two in Pa--wind up offering a 50K purse to a field of Preferred 2, Preferred and JFA horses.
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This seems like a very good idea. thumbsup
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Yes it does gary, but only 1 week out of the 3 will the race have any money bet on it. Philly and Pocono no one bets there and they will be lucky to get 4k bet total. Awesome for the owners, only good for the bettor's once every 3 weeks
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expanding on Pezz's thought, I not only think it's a bad idea for the gamblers but will go on to think it's a bad idea for the industry and the Meadowlands.
1) Nothing against Pocono or Philly, but will people change their betting patterns ( betting certain tracks ) for just one race ? Personally I am never a big fan of Open paces since I see them as much as a tuneup for something else as much as racing for a big purse. When Philly race their open ? If am a Meds player, with the Meds training colony, Meds driving colony, Meds style of racing, I am not printing off another program to catch a race that would have been normally carded at the Meds.
2) As for the Meds, I see this more as a cost cutting strategy. My experience with business is that once you start making cost cutting decisions, you are entering the downward spiral of no return... ( Had two jobs, one laid off and office eventually closed / the other where company folded ) I think the one thing the Meds had going for them was on a Saturday night to have a marquee race that would probably produce a 48 mile..... Major Attraction of going to the track live is to see a fast race in person..... Fans of the Meds will get one open in the month of July.
I know they say the motive is to have a better quality field, but if that is what the bettors are clamoring for --- HOW DOES NORTHFIELD STAY IN BUSINESS MUCH LESS HAVE MILLION DOLLAR HANDLES ?
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To me Gural decided to pass the peace pipe with the two PA tracks, knowing he can't compete with their 50K Open.
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I don't think Northfield has million dollar handles anymore.
They do have a sign at a closed concession stand pointing you in the direction of another. The concession stand they point you to is closed as well.
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I don't think Northfield has million dollar handles anymore.
They do have a sign at a closed concession stand pointing you in the direction of another. The concession stand they point you to is closed as well.
and there is part of the reason for Northfields small purses vs large handles. All their money comes in from Off track or ADW.
Reading on these sites, service, securtiy etc is not in the forefront of Northfield management.
Turn a few people off --- make cuts --- few more get turned off --- more cuts and so on
I will give Gural credit --- he should be renamed Picasso !
Because every picture he paints, people want to buy it..... The only picture he really wants to paint is one of neon lights and spinning reels !
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Dink, this will help the Meds IMO. They right the Invite every week and for the most part it doesn't fill. This will be the 3rd week in a row they won't have one. Knowing they will have one every third week and it will be going for 50K instead of 35k, should get a full field.