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Crist Blog | October 24, 2008
BC Friday Live
1:53 pm: I still haven't handicapped the first two and last two at OSA today, but otherwise I'm set for BC Friday. Just got back from a quick run over to Belmont to a)fund my account for tomorrow's Ultra Pick-6 and b)get in the mood for a BC-from-home with a quick look at an actual racetrack and one (1) Furlong Frank.
The only scratches in the five BC races so far are Indyanne (#2) in the F&M Sprint and the two also-eligibles, Internallyflawless (#13) and Atka (#14) in the JF Turf. You can also take out Surfer Girl (#2) in the 2nd, America's Friend (#14) in the 8th and Hewitts (#12) in the 9th.
The ESPN2 coverage begins at 3:30 p.m ET and the first BC race, the F&M Sprint, goes as the third five minutes later at 3:35 pm ET. Seems like a short lead-in but apparently the very important "UEFA Champions League Highlights" program from 2:30 to 3:30 couldn't be moved or truncated. As a result, there's a wait of nearly an hour between scheduled post times for the 2nd and 3rd races.
I'll update the results charts above and the handle-tracker below as the day goes on. It's going to be very difficult to gauge the success of this year's new BC format. Obviously today's and tomorrow's handle should exceed last year's dismal Monmouth figures on both days, given sunshine vs. slop and 5 vs. 3 Friday BC races and 9 vs. 8 Saturday BC races. The question is whether Saturday's business will return to the 2006 level established at Churchill Downs -- there's one more BC race, but four of the traditional real championship races have now been moved to Friday, replaced by new and less appealing events.
The comparison below for the filly races is as close to an apples-to-apples one as I can think of. I'll be tracking only the intrarace bets -- straight, exacta, trifecta and superfecta -- because the pick-4's and pick-6's start and end in different places and involve non-BC races on the card. The question is whether the Juvenile Fillies, F&M Turf and Distaff/Ladies' classic will do as well as the featured events on a Friday as they did when woven into the traditional Saturday program.
2:27 pm: Favored Guns on The Table ($8.00) won the 14-horse N1x opener at OSA for Baffert/Velazquez in a blistering 1:14.26 for 6.5f. on the Pro-Ride main track off a 43.75 opening half. What's the over/under for track records the next couple of days?
3:00 pm: Another chalky outcome as She's Cheeky ($7.20) took the distaff version of the N1x in 1:14.88. On the opening board for the F&M Sprint, it's Indian Blessing and Ventura co-favored at 2-1, followed by Zaftig at 5-1 and Intangaroo at 6-1. It's a long way back to Dearest Trickski, fifth choice at 14-1. I know Miraculous Miss hasn't won a race in over two years but 42-1 seems a little fat on a filly who was beaten half a length (at 43-1) in this race last year.
3:50 pm: One BC race, almost one track record, one synthetic specialist. Ventura ran to her recent OSA works and her big performance on Polytrack at Keeneland last spring to run down Indian Blessing, winning by four lengths in 1:19.90 for seven furlongs. The time just missed eclipsing Indian Blessing's 1:19.89 record set on Cushion Track last winter.
Ventura broke slowly and awkwardly and favored Indian Blessing appeared relaxed as she sat just off Dearest Trickski's early pace. The favorite might have done better had a more contested pace developed but only Dearest Trickski was intent on the lead, and Indian Blessing went after her around the turn. She won that battle, forging clear as Zaftig continued evenly behind her, but Indian Blessing had no resistance once Ventura came flying at her in midstretch.
So who's the champion filly sprinter? Ventura, off only one Grade 1 victory on a synthetic track but a victory over Indian Blessing and Intangaroo today? Indian Blessing, who won the G1 Test and G1 Prioress for 3-year-olds and the G2 Gallant Bloom against older? Intangaroo, who won the year's other three G1 races for older fillies at seven furlongs? Not an easy call.
4:23 pm: Arggh. Needed either Laragh, who looked home free at the eighth pole, or Heart Shaped, closing fastest of all, but the excruciating photo in the Juvenile Fillies Turf went to 11-1 Maram by a nose over Heart Shaped, giving the first two BC races to Frankel and then his former assistant,Chad Brown.
Maram won her Saratoga debut with a $75k maiden-claiming tag. She then won her second start, the G3 Miss Grillo, by a neck over the maiden Freedom Rings,and now is 3 for 3. The daughter of the Mr. Prospector stallion Sahm is the only horse owned by Karen Woods.
It's hard to know how good Maram is. Heart Shaped, a Magnier/O'Brien production from England, came into the race 1 for 5 and finished 4th,5th and 14th in three group-stakes tries in England. Last time out she was 5th, beaten 4 1/2 lengths, in the G1 Chevely Park, a race in which Pursuit of Glory, who's in the upcoming Juvenile Fillies, was third.
Ventura's no cinch for an Eclipse Award and Maram won't be considered for one, but an ESPN analyst just proclaimed that we "already have two world champions in the books."
Intrarace handle on the F&M Sprint was almost dead-even with last year's Monmouth slopfest, which has to be considered a major disappointment. The combined straight, exacta, tri and super pools totalled $5.69 million compared to $5.65 million a year ago. Straight and exacta betting were both down slightly, while tri and super handle was up by a little bit more.
The inaugural Juvenile Fillies Turf proved less popular at the windows, attracting only $5.01 million in those pools.
5:30 pm: There's going to be at least one unanimous Eclipse winner this year: Stardom Bound sewed up the title as the nation's champion 2-year-old filly, with a wide, sweeping victory in the Juvenile Fillies, with the Alcibiades winner Dream Empress second and Frizette winner Sky Diva third. Not that she was en route to victory, but check out just how wide Persistently was on the stretch turn before lumbering up for fifth.
Stardom Bound, a gray daughter of Tapit who is scheduled to be sold at auction next month, was squeezed at the start, had only Persistently beaten early, but made a sustained wide run to mow down down the leaders just as she did winning the Del Mar Debutante and Oak Leaf. The 1-2-3 finish by the three G1 winners in the field was a formful result in the most formful BC race: Stardom Bound was the 12th favorite to win the JF in 25 runnings.
5:55 pm: Not much doubt about the Eclipse for champion turf filly either after Forever Together won her third Grade 1 of the year with her usual electrifying late run to give Jonathan Sheppard an overdue first BC victory.
Forever Together burst into prominence when she finished best of anyone to get third at 46-1 in the Just a Game on the Belmont Stakes undercard, running third to Ventura and Lady of Venice in her graded stakes debut. She then won the G1 Diana at Saratoga, ran third on a yielding course at Woodbine in the Canadian, then ran down Precious Kitten to win the G1 First Lady at Keeneland last month.
Moving the Juvenile Fillies to Friday resulted in a major falloff in intrarace handle on the race. It totalled just $6.2 million, compared to Saturday handles of $8.2 million at Monmouth last year, $9.0 million at Churchill in 2006 and $8.5 million at Belmont in 2005.
The comparisons were even uglier for the F&M Turf and Distaff. The F&M Turf handled just $6.08 million in those pools this year compared to $9.7 million at Monmouth, $12.0 million at Churchill and $10.8 million at Belmont. The Ladies' Classic totals were $6.5 million today vs. Saturday Distaff totals of $9.7 million at Monmouth, $12.9 million at Churchill and $11.7 million at Belmont.
Adding a Super High Five to the Ladies' Classic was little help. It was outhandled nearly 5-1 by the superfecta -- $652k to $132k -- and even if you add those pools together, they are well under the $992k wagered on last year's Distaff superfecta.
In total, intrarace betting on the three races moved from Saturday to Friday was $18.8 million, down 31 percent from Monmouth in 2007 ($27.6 million) and down 44 percent from Churchill Downs in 2006 ($34.0 million.)
Here was the official statement on the day:
"The horse racing fans of Southern California and sports fans around the world responded enthusiastically to the new format for Championship Friday," said Greg Avioli, president and CEO of the Breeders' Cup.
7:00 pm: What can you say except "Wow" when it comes to Zenyatta? Still loping along behind five G1 winners turning for home, she swallowed an excellent Distaff field through the stretch and probably ran straight into the Hall of Fame. And the plan is to bring her back next year. Wow indeed.
Having said that, I'm not sure I buy the emerging storyline being promoted on the television broadcast that now Curlin has to win the Classic tomorrow or else Zenyatta is the Horse of the Year. She was compared to Azeri, the last filly to win that honor, but there were no Curlins around in 2002. Volponi won the Classic but hadn't done enough to dislodge Left Bank as the champion older male. War Emblem was probably the most plausible alternative but a weak one. I voted for Azeri over War Emblem, just as I'd vote for Zenyatta over Big Brown, but Curlin is another story.
Even if Curlin runs 9th tomorrow, he's established himself as the best dirt horse in the world and will be unbeaten on that surface this year, with G1 victories in the Dubai World Cup, Stephen Foster, Woodward and Jockey Club Gold Cup. Wonderful as Zenyatta is, that's simply a stronger portfolio than Apple Blossom, Vanity, Lady's Secret and Ladies' Classic.
Zenyatta obviously will be the unanimous choice as champion older filly, but the result raised another Eclipse question: Was Music Note's decent third-place finish enough to edge her past Proud Spell in the tight race for the 3-year-old filly championship? That one could be a squeaker.
Speaking of squeakers, that Maram(11.10-1)-Heart Shaped(10.80-1) photo ended up costing me the BC Friday pick-6, which came back a fat $16,800.60 despite victories by singles Stardom Bound and Zenyatta. A couple of dimes of the F&M Turf super (thank you, 48-1 Sealy Hill on the all-button) made it a profitable day but nothing spectacular. I'll be diving into the Saturday pick-6 after agreeing again to construct a $5,000 ticket that Capital OTB will purchase for its Albany Teletheatre customers and that I'll buy for myself as well -- what I ended up doing last year after agonizing about how to proceed.
My plan is to run about 80 percent of the play through Curlin, partly because I don't have a clear alternative to him. Take him out of the race and you can make some sort of a case for most of the others. I'd never go bet Curlin at even-money, but if I can get alive to him for a $25k pick-6, I'm getting 4-1, more than a square price despite the doubts about how he'll handle the surface.
Posted by Steven Crist Oct 24, 2008 1:53:39 PM | Permalink
Keywords:
Comments
ernie says:
Sad that the 2008 BC Classic firmly shows/details/evinces that all the data is no longer useful to handicap a handicapable race. I for one will follow the wisdom of D. Wayne Lucas and stick to dirt only. And yes, the anecdotal information that Curlin would probably not take to synthetics and that the Euro grass horses would is not enough to wage one's personal money.
Posted by ernie Oct 27, 2008 9:04:11 AM
bill_m says:
Steve,
Well done on the pick six score, you are truly a talented player. Anyway, enough butt-kissing, didn't the win parlay of the last four BC races come up a bit light--pick four wise? The dollar P4 paid $2746, I calculated the $2 parlay at $2875, maybe my math is wrong. I was alive in the P4 for a buck to Curlin($598) and Go Between($1910) on my little caveman ticket. I didn't want to be too "smart-alecky" as you might say, and A-B-C/zig-zag my way out of a decent score on a day like this--usually I do play my P4's that way-- but I punched a main ticket, and three back-ups which I included one live horse at good odds which if they won, I wouldn't throw myself off a building, with my "A"'s in each leg.*I didn't use a back-up for the sprint, felt I had that one pegged.* My last question is, how can a handicapper evaluate the Euros with the DRF info? I'm not knocking it, I just want to know if there is some other source to acquire online from overseas, or wherever, to help out. I don't follow European racing, and I don't have the first clue what they use overseas as a program or 'racing form'(DRF), but in the form we have no workout lines, limited running lines, no trainer stats(given the top trainers come, they generally don't bring pigs)etc. Please help! Thanks.
Posted by Bill M Oct 26, 2008 9:56:46 AM
arcstats says:
It's 12:40 and the Texas Tech/Kansas game is still in the 1st Qtr. Don't be surprised if the start of BSPN's portion of the telecast is delayed. These teams could play forever, especially if it goes to overtime (currently 14-14). And ABC will leave the broadcast for football. You cannot have a longer potential game than this matchup (more wonderful work by BSPN).
So don't complain all you BSPN supporters when you don't get to see the Juvenile telecast live.
Posted by arcstats Oct 25, 2008 12:47:43 PM
jeff says:
Trevor Denman??? Please.
Tom Durkin is sooooooo much better it isn't funny.
Anyone out there like listening to Denman? I think he sucks.
Posted by jeff Oct 25, 2008 12:31:12 PM
bob_m says:
horses i like at 8-1 or better on the morning line..
after watching yesterday, i am looking at wide sweeping moves on the main track and closers also on the turf..
race 1.. delightful kiss 8-1
race 2.. rouse the cat 20-1
race 3 .. rebellion 15-1 and lord admiral 20-1
race 4 .. bold chiefton 15-1
race 5 .. terrain 20-1 and west side bernie 20-1
race 6.. relatively ready 12-1
race 7.. in summation 10-1
race 8.. out of control 10-1
race 9 student councill 20-1
if i can get 3-4 of these guys in the money i hope to hook them up in $1 tris and .10 supers and make some cash..
good luck to all..
Posted by bob m. Oct 25, 2008 11:59:20 AM
unitas says:
I like a gelding today in the Juvenile, and he will be at very inviting odds...Terrain, from the 3 hole with Jamie Theriot aboard...he has legitimate excuses in his last two races, finished well in both regardless, both were run on synthetic surfaces, both were graded stakes, and with his post today, should save all the ground to the turn for home when he will start to make his move...his breeding says this should be his best distance, and with his ultimate equipment change(gelded), he should be relaxed up to and during the running of this race, and can score at a price! Good Luck to all today, good luck Steve on your pick six ticket!
Posted by Unitas Oct 25, 2008 11:44:53 AM
bochalls says:
Stop all the whining about ESPN's coverage. At least we got Jessica Pacheco on there (she does insight for AP and FG). Yeah, Hammerin Hank is just plain hammered and I am tired of Jerry Bailey, but it's not THAT bad...I agree with those who want a one day BC instead of two. Put em all on one day...ALL KILLER AND NO FILLER!...Cocoa Beach gave it a good effort, but the champ is the champ, and she deserves it. As for today; methinks me likes Daytona to hit the board, Rouse The Cat to hit the board at a nice price, and Munnings to fall flat on his face as he seems WAY overhyped. Good luck to all-especially to you Flipper.
Posted by bochalls Oct 25, 2008 10:23:14 AM
ajv says:
Steve, Let's talk track bias now that the girls are done breaking in the first BC on Syn-track: I suggest we all take a quick look at the charts from yesterday and notice how its appears that it was a track favoring dead closers. I realize that's how Stardom Bound and Zenyatta race, but I was actually looking for a little bit of a speed bias. I'm going to review my Saturday numbers based on this. ps yes, ESPN's coverage was dismal. pps check chart for last race yesterday at Santa Anita. I had the winner, exacta, tri and a super tasty $3,000-for- $1 super (yup, hit the all button for 4th leg). These races before and after the cup races offer great value!
Posted by AJV Oct 25, 2008 9:40:39 AM
kelso13 says:
Watched and wagered Friday at Belmont.Bad camera angles ,no colored saddle cloths,big fields.A total disaster.Had no clue who won ,who ran second.Watched the Distaff at home and at least with the audio I had some idea who was who.Also, no payoffs were shown.Does ESPN realize that some of us are actually betting on these races.I am not big on track bias, but looking at the charts of Fridays races it was obvious that the wide sweepers had an edge.I saw no inside trips that did anything, including in the non Breeders Cup races.If this continues on Saturday there might be a well needed bias to help out in the Pro-Ride races.Good Luck to all.
Posted by kelso13 Oct 25, 2008 9:32:58 AM
callmetony says:
I have to admit I had and loved Maram
She showed alot of heart winning her last race and Lezcano is a star of the future .The next Alan Garcia maybe ?
I have to comment during all of these races No one can ever tell which Number any of the horses are . Why do they choose to have all the horses numbers the same color in stakes races? It makes no sense at all and as a viewer we have no idea who's where in the race .... Can someone point this out to the powers that Be ! it's ridiculous
Posted by callmetony Oct 25, 2008 8:29:51 AM
schenectadt says:
you can go to calracing.com and watch races on computer
just takes signing up its free
Posted by schenectadt Oct 25, 2008 8:21:14 AM
rutgers says:
Looking at the Juvey Turf-This questioned popped into my mind-What does the Breeders Cup do if when the race gets Graded it's not a G1? Drop it or keep a G2 or G3 as part of the "World Championship" program? Because this years running equals about a G3 at best.(and the Juvey Turf is not the only race they have to worry about in regardings to Grading.)
Posted by Rutgers Oct 25, 2008 8:10:45 AM
neddy53 says:
The Euros running without Lasix
seem to be struggling in the heat of 85-90 degree temps
I think more will have Lasix on
Saturday.
Posted by neddy53 Oct 25, 2008 7:03:06 AM
buffalo_joe says:
Flipper and all
For those of us who maybe stuck going in to the Classic a little lagniappe in the form of a dime super to get us out.
24/23469/23469/all
24/23469/all/23469 total cost***$43.20***. I will be doubling up with Casino Drive on top. Good Luck all
Maybe we can get lucky Like Steve did yesterday
Posted by buffalo joe Oct 25, 2008 4:17:46 AM
ktalbany says:
Kenny Mayne was a hoot when he hosted the ESPN racing coverage. He was funny, knowledgable, and really enjoyed horse racing. Joe Lessismore is nothing more than a slicked-up used car salesman. He is your typical corporate "yes man" without a creative or interesting bone in his body.
Posted by ktalbany Oct 25, 2008 3:54:02 AM
skipper52 says:
I did not watch ESPN coverage so did not know their coverage was so bad as the posts here indicate. I'm in NJ so I am limited To the NJAW system. When I went to the video they said Roberts Communication had exclusive rights and to go to
www.breederscup.com. So I did and (this is for crazyhorse) what I got was the international broadcast of the breeders cup. This was, I felt, good coverage. Kurt Hoover, some TVG guys. No commercials, race replays.
This is also available Saturday.
So, I sat in a comfortable chair and had three tabs open. My account wagering page, Formulator-Web, and the races which I set to full screen during the race. A truly enjoyable day. A day in heaven compared to when I started to follow this game while in college, driving an hour and a half to Charles Town and back.
P.S. Trevor Denmon is incoparable as a race caller.
Posted by Skipper52 Oct 25, 2008 3:07:16 AM
rich says:
why cant the breeders cup simulcast feed show the split screen view of the race that is always shown at santa anita?? and why are they still using those absurd purple saddle cloths instead of the color coded ones used every other day??
Posted by rich Oct 25, 2008 2:30:18 AM
c says:
I have been rooting for a major drop in handle this year. It's simply the only thing that MIGHT get through the thick skulls at BC Ltd. There's no better way for traditional-minded fans to say "we're not gonna take it".
Keep in mind, though, that the numbers partially reflect the usual differences between Friday and Saturday handle. Betting for the F&M Sprint was about the same as last year... both were run on a Friday.
Still, even with an additional race and an additional bet (High5) in the Distaff, the 5-race total was about the same as the 4-race total from last year's monsoon, was $5 million short of the 3-race total from CD06, and $1 million short of the 3-race total from Bel05. Compared to CD06, the 3-race total was nearly 50% reduced! I think that goes way beyond the Friday/Saturday thing.
I can't wait to see tomorrow's numbers. That's the true test-- Saturday vs Saturday. I expect a drop, as the heavy hitters will continue to make their absence felt. No doubt, the spin will focus on the economy, but we all know better, don't we? I don't think it's ALL about the surface, but that IS a major reason. "Crowning champions", as Joe Tessitore likes to say, on a one-of-a-kind surface which was just laid down a few weeks ago is totally ridiculous and everybody knows it-- or should. The other reason is that the new format is producing races that simply do not have that Breeders Cup true G1, world-class championship feel. They've taken what WAS the BEST DAY of racing in the WORLD and turned it into a decent weekend, roughly on par with the Sunshine Millions or the best weekend at Saratoga.
Note to BC Ltd: Go back to the original SEVEN race card. We don't need a pick-22 sprawled over the weekend (believe me, that wager is coming). The original SEVEN races were more than enough. QUALITY over QUANTITY.
Posted by C Oct 25, 2008 1:27:19 AM
chisox says:
ESPN's coverage was brutal. It was nearly impossible for even veteran racewatchers to follow. If there were any potential new fans watching their heads must have been spinning. I will watch the races on Saturday at calracing.com and get the track feed as I would actually like to see the races.
Posted by chisox Oct 25, 2008 1:14:38 AM
walt says:
Managed to finish up, but:
Not a very good day for me as I only had the early double (before the BC races) COLD on Friday (but that did supply me with my bankroll for the rest of the day). I did not like many of the camera angles, though the blimp shot is very helpful because you can see exactly where your horse is in a way you can't normally.
What really killed me today was Pure Clan throwing in a complete clunker in the F & M Turf. What happened to her, as she looked like she may have been injured?
As for the handle being down, with this economy, you have to expect that. Up until ESPN2's coverage started, I was watching CNBC, which is my normal viewing habits during the daytime (and also the Asia version of CNBC in the evenings via the web). I seriously doubt most people could have taken the day off from work with the current financial crisis, and I don't think the surface was that big an issue because it was 87% dirt and to me actually played fairly.
One thing the NTRA should have done was pay Disney enough to have moved the BC Friday evening as a 6:30-9:30 PM ET broadcast and shifted NASCAR qualifying in Atlanta to the afternoon from 4:00-6:00 PM ET (and to make matters worse, that qualifying was rained out, and I think in retrospect Disney would have rather had the BC races later in the day). BC Ltd. should take a serious look at next year working with Disney to move the Friday BC races on ESPN2 to 5:30-8:30 PM ET (as we will be on standard time next year since the BC will be two weeks later than this year) as part of a series of moves that would have the Saturday BC Races on ESPN from 2:30-6:00 PM ET and on ABC from 6:00-8:30 PM ET (with ABC going with a college football doubleheader ahead of the BC with games at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM ET and ESPN doing its normal noon ET game at 11:00 AM ET that Saturday). That could be done because next year, the NASCAR races on BC weekend are at Texas Motor Speedway, which can race at night, meaning it could be set up where the Nationwide Series race on Friday can follow the Friday BC Races on ESPN2 and the Sprint Cup Race can follow the Saturday BC races on ABC at 8:30 PM ET both nights.
I'll end this by re-posting my picks for Saturday's card at Santa Anita (my more detailed stuff is in the previous blog):
Race 1 (BC Marathon): 2-5/4-3/8-9
Race 2 (BC Turf Sprint): 3/14-10-7-8-2/5
Race 3 (BC Dirt Mile): 11-6-3-5-9/8-10
Race 4 (BC Mile): 4-7-3-8/10/2-11
Race 5 (BC Juvenile): 12/11/4-1-6-13/9
Race 6 (BC Juvenile Turf): 12-10-4-3-7/11
Race 7 (BC Sprint): 6-9/3/2-1-5-8
Race 8 (BC Turf): 5-11/4-3-9/10
Race 9 (BC Classic): 9-11/4-5-8/6-7
Race 10 (Damascus Stakes): 1/7-12/11/6-14
Race 11 (Oak Tree Derby): 6-2-3-11/10-1-13-14
Posted by Walt Oct 25, 2008 12:30:07 AM
dan_mackenzie says:
To all of you complaining about the Friday BC coverage:
What have you done to get a young person to watch our beloved sport ? Perhaps your time would be better spent by trying to cultivate new fans instead of carping about camera angles.
The performance of Ventura is another reason why I love Thoroughbred horse racing.
Posted by Dan MacKenzie Oct 25, 2008 12:09:16 AM
jd says:
I got a big bulletin for everyone....if on-air handicappers knew what they were doing, do you think they would have JOBS being analysts or do you think they would be on some island with a laptop, a babe and a brew?
Posted by jd Oct 24, 2008 11:50:40 PM
arcstats says:
OK, so this is the biggest racing weekend of the year, and unless you're either at the track or somewhere where they show the track video feed, you're forced to watch the event through the mind of some useless BSPN director. If you want to see how your horse(s) ran the race, you either have to bet on a frontrunner, or you enjoy the window seat on an airplane. Thanks to TVG for showing the replays this evening using the track feed (it was fairly easy to determine the results of the Juv. Fillies Turf with conventional coverage).
There is only one way it could get worse - sell the future broadcast rights to MTV. I challenge anyone to name a single positive aspect of this BSPN production.
Posted by Arcstats Oct 24, 2008 11:46:20 PM
don_reed says:
Oh. I forgot. If that was TVG we were watching at Belmont, I can't imagine ESPN being any worse.
Trevor blasted through the names of the finishers at the end of each race with one 500-letter word. Then the babbling commentators ignored restating the order of finish and the numbers of the horses involved. It wasn't unusual to have to wait up to three-four minutes to be told who won-placed-showed; and finding out what they paid took even longer.
Trying to figure out the numbers of the horses during the race, even at the finish line, was impossible. The camera crews didn't have sun filters on their cameras, so the numbers in the stretch run were completely washed out. Add to that, the quality of the feed looked like a Simpsons' spoof of 1930s newsreels.
What Fun: With about ten seconds left in the exciting finish of the Filly and Mare Turf, they went off the air! The restaurant air, perfumed with that grease stench, was then rent with the roar of curses.
Posted by Don Reed Oct 24, 2008 11:46:05 PM
tom_d says:
Some props for Maram!!!! I talked myself out of going heavy on her. Big win but Sixto Lezcano on her had me restrained. Much respect to Lezcano for his first breeders cup win!
Posted by TOM D. Oct 24, 2008 11:40:29 PM
don_reed says:
Steve, just got home after sitting in Belmont's gruesome main dining room on the 4th floor overlooking the track.
The service was excellent (and at $95.00 for two for lunch - ordering nothing out of the ordinary and no booze, I'm sure glad it was), but the restaurant (as well as the entire facility) was a ghost town.
There was no heat (we sat wearing our winter coats the entire afternoon), and the irascible odor of burnt grease emanating from the kitchen grill is STILL burned into our nostrils.
From past experience, it should be vacating the premises @ next Wednesday. The tellers were personable & upbeat - and unanimously delighted that Sunday would be their last shift in The Superfecta Hall of Stench.
I'm looking at your $$$ handle charts. If you mentioned it, I missed it, sorry - just wanted to remind your that a good chunk of the 2007 BC handle NEVER made it to the electronic windows.
When the NJ Account Wagering system crashed on both days, thousands of bets vanished. Obviously, there's no way of tabulating how munch handle was lost, but for comparison purposes, this event should be kept in mind.
There was no way I was going to bet at home, so I'd like to thank NJ Account Wagering for making it necessary to drive 30 miles over to Belmont to avoid a possible repetition of last year's wagering horror story.
Never mind the cold. You know the summer's over when Channing Hill emerged from the jockey's room, on his way to mounts at the Meadowlands, with his Saratoga shoulder-length hair long gone.
Posted by Don Reed Oct 24, 2008 11:16:55 PM
bombsawaybob_grant says:
Imagine if somehow Breeders Cup racing could combine Hi-Def broadcasts, Traditional camera angles,Colored Saddlecloths, & GPS for the complete correct race order on the bottom of the TV screen...
Oh, Wait..we already have that
It's called KEENELAND!
WHY won't the B.C. honchos buck up & get their video into the 21st century?
Posted by BombsAwayBob Grant Oct 24, 2008 11:03:20 PM
richhf says:
After seeing the comparison in numbers, the question is... why?
Why is half of the Breeders Cup being offered on a Friday? A Friday card might work in the middle of summer, when people can take worthwhile vacations, families can go since the kids don't have school, and daylight doesn't force the last race to be done by 6:00pm local time.
Here's a serious question for BC organizers... what's wrong with Sunday?
Is there a reason why you don't want to offer the Breeders Cup on a weekend day where you would see a better handle than you would on a Friday?
Where the casual player, the ones who turn out for these type of days, doesn't have to leave work early in order to play.
Tomorrow will be a test to see if Artificial tracks really are hurting handle. Today was an indication. Tomorrow will be the nail on the coffin. So far we know that polytrack has deterred some decent horses from coming.
If tomorrow's numbers are low... is it too late for the Breeders Cup to find a new location for next year?
Posted by Richhf Oct 24, 2008 11:01:50 PM
ny_kris says:
I actually like some of the new races i.e. turf sprint, F&M sprint. Understand the need for 2 days of racing. But so early on Friday ... having to decide between being at work and the Breeder's Cup is no fair... Probably part of the handle problem...
Posted by NY Kris Oct 24, 2008 10:55:43 PM
evan_gewirtz says:
Steve,
Stretch, Yawn. My wife woke me up from my BC slumber to check the BC results and pool totals on Equibase. Somewhat predictably, It looks like prior synthetifarce experience was a prerequisite for a winning run. That being the case, it appears BC 2008 results are not likely to have a major impact on future dirt races with the possible exception being to throw out the winners. Well, it is time to go back to my BC slumber.Looking forward to awaking for BC 2010 at Churchill. This is BC Rip Van Winkle signing off. Good night. zzzzzzzzz
Posted by Evan Gewirtz Oct 24, 2008 10:10:49 PM
wayne80 says:
Aesthetically the coverage is nice, but not if you actually wager and are trying to follow your horses.
PLEASE, retire those purple saddle cloths, and go to the chiclets. Only sport in the world that changes the standard viewing format in its championship event.
Fractions would be nice, and the results could be left up for more than three seconds.
Is there any more annoying segment on TV than Hank and is empty piggy bank?
Other than that great job ESPN and Breeders Cup.
Posted by Wayne80 Oct 24, 2008 10:06:14 PM
samg says:
Where can I get some of what Greg Avioli is smoking?Wake me up when it's over.
Posted by SamG Oct 24, 2008 10:03:21 PM
jeff says:
After the way that track played today I have one bet only for tomorrow...
PYRO.....if he's anywhere near 20-1 I'm not walking to window....I'm sprinting.
Posted by Jeff Oct 24, 2008 9:54:49 PM
shoop says:
I will agree the payoffs are somewhat important to see in a decent timeframe. Excellent point.
Posted by shoop Oct 24, 2008 9:47:49 PM
brian says:
The races are availale online for free at www.calracing.com. just sign up for free and get the BC signal. Better than ESPN.
My day started well with Ventura but took a brutal beat with Visit in the FM Turf at 17-1. She cuts the corner and looks home at 17-1 and fades to 4th. Ouch. Anyone else suffer in that stretch run?
Posted by Brian Oct 24, 2008 9:44:27 PM
shoop says:
I think you guys are complaining about the cameras waaaaaay too much. It's a breath of fresh air to see a race from the non-online/otb perspective. Sure, its not perfect, but remember, people like us are hooked and will watch (even though you say it is unwatchable), its the other 280 million people they are trying to connect with. Even if you don't like some of the announcers, its refreshing no to see the track pink sheet guru spout off his picks. Moss, Bailey and Co. do a pretty good job.
Posted by shoop Oct 24, 2008 9:42:09 PM
alydarjk says:
The coverage by ESPN is unwatchable. The constant shifting from one camera angle to another is jarring to anyone who has a true interest in racing.
Posted by alydarjk Oct 24, 2008 8:45:40 PM
yuwipi says:
Well, Steve, if you were running an enterprise and was sold a marketing plan that yielded the busniess numbers in your above chart, how long would you give those responsible for it to clean out their desks? They should make a Guinness commercial about these people - Brilliant! If this is enthusiasm I'd hate to see lethargy.
Knowing that Johnny V was the victim of a large field and a deep closing mount really doesn't erase the sight of Persistently knocking off car mirrors in the parking lot last turn. I've seen bolters that didn't go that wide.
Don't really want to smash the ESPN people, but do they realize that people actually bet on these races? Signing off without the payoffs for the Zenyatta race shocked me. It's not like they didn't have time and rushed off the air. There must have been 5 minutes of prattle to conclude the broadcast. Does everyone agree that the 5 second switch to the blimp shot makes the race so much easier to follow?
Can't say how much I admire your dedication to your commitments going into tomorrow's battle with the Capital OTB albatross around your neck once again. Take it down for a ton.
Posted by yuwipi Oct 24, 2008 8:32:48 PM
stevec says:
Steve, any chance The Breeders Cup rethinks the Friday card when looking at the steep drop in handle?
Posted by SteveC. Oct 24, 2008 8:13:33 PM
silver_charm says:
"just as I'd vote for Zenyatta over Big Brown"
WOW would you have opened yourself up to a lot of hate mail.
Posted by Silver Charm Oct 24, 2008 8:11:51 PM
92lneck says:
Steve:
Right along with you buddy. I hit the 5 of 6 on the P6 and my only loss was the Maram photo. Ughhh...how painful. Conso made me money along with a P3 and P4 on the day...but wow...that was a painful photo....especially since I had 6 horses in that race. Three singles with Ventura, Stardom Bound and Zenyatta. Never see that again for a long time. Here's hoping I find something tomorrow...good luck all.
Posted by 92LNeck Oct 24, 2008 8:07:30 PM
crazyhorse says:
i was going 2 bet the breeders cup races but u cant watch them on the computer as usual us fans get screwed again
Posted by crazyhorse Oct 24, 2008 7:56:01 PM
horserun says:
if the Handles today, does not prove that EVERYONE who wagers , hates the racing on used tires, then nothing ever will.....Todays races, except perhaps the distaff (yes the distaff!), were all very good wagering races and yet the handles are getting blown away by races raced in a monsoon !!!!.....we have been lied to by the racing pinheads, but i guess we can always just blame it on George Bush
Posted by horserun Oct 24, 2008 7:49:18 PM
kyle says:
Turn of foot is what wins on this. That's not Curlin. It's Go Between, Henry, or Raven's Pass. And two races earlier it's Street Boss.
Posted by kyle Oct 24, 2008 7:41:31 PM
unitas says:
Knew I got beat in the Juvenile Filly Turf when Jerry Bailey not once, but twice proclaimed Heart Shaped the winner, even after watching a very poor angle replay of the race. I was in doubt about the finish from when they had first crossed the wire, then knew I was in Loser-ville when Mr. Bailey, rather excitedly, said that Heart Shaped had gotten to the line first. ESPN couldn't have done a poorer job covering the BC if they had tried, with ridiculous camera angles and hosts speaking as though they had never visited a racetrack before. Joe TessiBORE has got to go! Tommorow is the day the prices will be juicy, will check back later with a potential price play for Saturday's BC.
Posted by Unitas Oct 24, 2008 7:31:28 PM
jrzingg says:
I thought TVG had bad coverage, Espn is the worst I've ever seen, and I guess Moss and Bailey will do anything to cash a check. Has anyone noiced this stupid picture TVG is showing from Keeneland
Posted by jrzingg Oct 24, 2008 7:14:46 PM
dale_tillotson says:
If I fail to cash a ticket this year it will be alright as arguably the greatest horseman of our time, Jonathan Shepard made it to the winners circle for his first breeders cup.
Posted by dale tillotson Oct 24, 2008 6:52:44 PM
easygoer says:
The Breeders' Cup is a little watered down this year, no?
There's a horse running tomorrow, in an actual Breeders' Cup race, who is 3-for-34 lifetime, winless this year, and missed the board in his last n2x.
And he just might win!
Bomb of the weekend...Add Heat.
Posted by easygoer Oct 24, 2008 6:46:38 PM
gofor_broke says:
I saw 3 main track races and it looked like Belmont in the 70's. Stay off the pace and come wide. Not a good track for Indian Blessing.
Great day of racing. Saturday's card looks very bettable
Posted by gofor broke Oct 24, 2008 6:45:44 PM
elangelo says:
Small correction Steve: Jonathan Sheppard has won at least 3 BC races already, they're just all steeplechase races.
Posted by ElAngelo Oct 24, 2008 6:02:08 PM
aldo_cella says:
"Persistently was on the stretch turn before lumbering up for fifth."
With very few exceptions, don't all of the Phipps horses "lumber" along? When was the last time a Phipps horse was ahead at the first call of any race?
Posted by aldo_cella Oct 24, 2008 5:54:37 PM
stephen_l_taylor says:
Ouch-Heart Shaped just missed (at least I backed him up to place so made a little on the race) but if a European with that type of form can just miss like that, what does that say for Europeans in the rest of the grass races COME ON PURSUIT OF GLORY!
Posted by Stephen L. Taylor Oct 24, 2008 4:48:38 PM
big_d says:
Hey, did you guys hear on the ESPN broadcast that Zenyatta is going for an undefeated season!!! No kidding!! Why can't Kenny Mayne be the lead for the broadcast instead of Joe Tesststsoosfjso, he knows nothing of the races, where at least Kenny is a fan and has actually placed a wager.
Posted by Big D Oct 24, 2008 4:45:21 PM
billm says:
Uggh! ESPN's BC "coverage" is already killing me. No pace times, odd angles, and no different colored silks(guess I'll have to face it's never gonna happen). Tough to follow when your playing dime supers with big fields. Oh well, hope everybody cashes some big tickets. Later.
Posted by BillM Oct 24, 2008 4:13:40 PM
mlnj says:
How awful is the ESPN coverage! I guess they think no one who watches cares about odds or payoffs. The views they present of the race are nearly useless. The Breeders Cup folks apparently cannot stand having the little people watch via their NJ accounts as the NJ video with the comfortable track feed went blank just before 3:30 PM EDT.
Posted by ml/nj Oct 24, 2008 4:04:29 PM
raps07 says:
Steve,,, how does the crowd size compare ? Can't wait to see Sky Diva in a couple races
Posted by Raps07 Oct 24, 2008 4:02:47 PM
pru says:
Could ESPN provide a worse viewing experience for the filly & mare sprint? Please switch back to the traditional view.
Steve, nice interview with the guys on WFAN.
Posted by Pru Oct 24, 2008 3:42:56 PM
todd says:
LOL about the Champions League coverage. I just turned the TV on at 3:00PM expecting to see Randy Moss and Bailey breaking down the races, instead its Chelsea and Man U - ridiculous. I have a feeling it's going to be a chalky day.
Posted by Todd Oct 24, 2008 3:21:06 PM
alexander_morris says:
Watch for tiz elemential here in the F&M Sprint. Big shot at a price!
Posted by Alexander Morris Oct 24, 2008 2:59:55 PM
elangelo says:
What's the over/under for track records the next couple of days?
On a per race basis, it can't compete with the 2004 Breeders Cup at Lone Star, where I think every single race set a new track record.
Posted by ElAngelo Oct 24, 2008 2:46:37 PM
medi_in_ny says:
Steve,
Wishing you all the best on BC Friday! I'm happy that you are here to share in all the excitment. In addition to several pick 3 & pick 4 wagers, I have selected the jockey with the most mounts in this year's breeders cup- and will make win wagers, which will then go four charities in NYC which serve the homeless this holiday season. I'm wagering lightly today but will be all in tomorrow. ^_^
Posted by Medi in NY Oct 24, 2008 2:30:30 PM
sean says:
I think the Friday handle will be up dramatically, not just because of more races but because the races are better. Zenyatta and the Ladies Classic is a far bigger deal than the dirt mile, which I think headlined last year's Friday card.
The big question mark is how the new races do on Saturday. Is the Marathon going to attract that much action? The Juvenile Turf?
The Breeders Cup should give Jess Jackson a big thank$ because this thing would be an absolute dud without Curlin.
Posted by Sean Oct 24, 2008 2:21:26 PM
Comments to this entry are closed.
About
Steven Crist has been the Publisher and a columnist for Daily Racing Form since 1998. Previously, he covered racing for The New York Times from 1981-1990; was founding editor-in-chief of The Racing Times in 1991-92; and a vice-president of the New York Racing Association from 1994-97. He recently released an instructional DVD titled "Exotic Tickets," and is the
author of several books including "Betting on Myself" and "Exotic Betting."
