an interesting commentary in TRC on its economic importance to racing. We will have to wait and see, but along with that big purse, it could be a breath of fresh air.
$100 just to walk in Gulfstream?? REALLY… a sure way NOT to bring new folks into the ailing sport of Horse Racing!!!
I dunno, think the Super Bowl or even Ky Derby prices for grandstand seats don’t get casual fans thru the gate either. Looks like they are trying to create a marquee kind of event. Fancy, big time, big money showcase. Not a basic introduction to the grass roots of the sport.
IMO it’s nice to see something trying to entice owners to continue racing into their 4 yo year instead of head to the shed after the BC if their 3yo year, if they last that long.
Assuming it will be available for simulcast betting? Depending on the handle, might be a big boost during a traditionally slowish month and get more bettors in front of those machines at nationwide locations. If it works, it’s a win win.
I didn’t look at seat prices (or grandstand admission) but I guess they will see if they fill the place up. Young people love a good party, but I don’t know very many of them who would pay $100 for admission. Likefindeight said, not much grassroots appeal.
I have not attended the derby strictly based on prices. But I would pay 100.00 to go see CC and Arrogate beat each other to a pulp. I think of it like paying for seats at a concert only you wont ever see this concert again
While there is a lot of chatter about the race - largely position holders scrambling to find a suitable runner (and that’s proving difficult) - I’m not convinced this will do much long term.
2017 unfortunately (in my view) isn’t stocked with a wide and deep assortment of 4yr & up powerhouse dirt runners at the classic distance. Repeating the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Classic but with a vastly higher purse and actually a couple less stars is unfortunate timing. Maybe in other years there will be multiple very competitive horses who are held back from the breeding shed for one last big paycheck attempt.
I see it largely as what would be a Dubai World Cup alternative made better with it closer to home, higher pursed and without an international field. For that trainers (if they have an entry) they’re happy they don’t have to ship halfway across the world and worry the temps will have a negative impact for the rest of the year.
Unless its eventually part of a four-plus graded stakes type card then will it really hold fan interest for a day’s worth of racing? Sure we’ll all tune into NBC to watch the race for 5-minutes but what does that do long term?
I’m not trying to bash this trial and certainly smarter people than I have looked this over, up and down with the conclusion it makes economic sense. Unlike NFL games, F1 races or even a Breeders Cup day which last for hours, paying $100 and up to go to a track to see one marquee race (even if the purse is huge) is just like any Kentucky Derby points race card. 7 claiming/allowance races and then then 1 big graded stakes race.
If they can make this a day long party for those lucky few, pretty attendees and it just happens to have a premiere race during it (like the infield of the Preakness or steelechase races) then maybe it will succeed with being sold out each year.
While there is a lot of chatter about the race - largely position holders scrambling to find a suitable runner (and that’s proving difficult) - I’m not convinced this will do much long term.
2017 unfortunately (in my view) isn’t stocked with a wide and deep assortment of 4yr & up powerhouse dirt runners at the classic distance. Repeating the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Classic but with a vastly higher purse and actually a couple less stars is unfortunate timing. Maybe in other years there will be multiple very competitive horses who are held back from the breeding shed for one last big paycheck attempt.
I see it largely as what would be a Dubai World Cup alternative made better with it closer to home, higher pursed and without an international field. For that trainers (if they have an entry) they’re happy they don’t have to ship halfway across the world and worry the temps will have a negative impact for the rest of the year.
Unless its eventually part of a four-plus graded stakes type card then will it really hold fan interest for a day’s worth of racing? Sure we’ll all tune into NBC to watch the race for 5-minutes but what does that do long term?
I’m not trying to bash this trial and certainly smarter people than I have looked this over, up and down with the conclusion it makes economic sense. Unlike NFL games, F1 races or even a Breeders Cup day which last for hours, paying $100 and up to go to a track to see one marquee race (even if the purse is huge) is just like any Kentucky Derby points race card. 7 claiming/allowance races and then then 1 big graded stakes race.
If they can make this a day long party for those lucky few, pretty attendees and it just happens to have a premiere race during it (like the infield of the Preakness or steelechase races) then maybe it will succeed with being sold out each year.
Likely contender Gun Runner is currently stuck under the general quarantine at Fairgrounds.
Welcome back, Glimmerglass.
I really love Gun Runner. What a gritty, hard trying horse. Hope he makes it
Me too, snaffle1987!
HI Glimmerglass!!! always a voice of reason and insight!!!
Interesting marathon perspective on the Pegasus World Cup. Of the PWC stakes owners, only a handful have race ready competitive horse of interest.
https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/great-pegasus-world-cup-game-cat-and-mouse/
IIRC the Breeders Cup got a slow start back the first few years. Not saying this race will go like that concept has but its worth a try to get something for older horses going.
[QUOTE=findeight;9000305]
IIRC the Breeders Cup got a slow start back the first few years. Not saying this race will go like that concept has but its worth a try to get something for older horses going.[/QUOTE]
I went to all of the BC in the 80s. Didn’t strike me that it had a “slow start”. But memories get tricky with the passage of time. We tend to remember things the way we want to remember them.
It will be interesting to see how much the starters end up earning wrt royalties etc.
with the rumbling about B. Baffert not working Arrogate, there’s some possibility that this could be all Chrome all the way. I’d like, however, to see them against each other this one last time.
I’m no horse trainer, but I’m in awe of the way CC has been handled this past year and how sharp he seems to have stayed.
2tempe,
While I can’t claim first hand knowledge, so it could be much about nothing…
Backside rumor mill noise is that Arrogate does NOT like a wet track & that’s the main reason for BB not sending him out.
Arrogate is scheduled to work tomorrow if the track is good. I have to wonder if he misses that work, if he’ll even make it the Pegasus.
While I do like CC & will be rooting for him, I’m really hoping Arrogate shows up. I’d love to see them race(each other) again.
[QUOTE=gumtree;9000317]
I went to all of the BC in the 80s. Didn’t strike me that it had a “slow start”. But memories get tricky with the passage of time. We tend to remember things the way we want to remember them.[/QUOTE]
I wouldn’t say the Breeders’ Cup was slow at all. Huge interest due to efforts of the late John Gaines (Gainesway Farm) from corporate sponsors (Mobile, Budweiser, deBeers, Chrysler) and also tv (NBC). What was also unique and absolutely unprecedented about the BC was that from the first running (1984) the races were all granted Grade 1 status.
[January 17, 1984: The graded stakes panel of the TOBA announces their unprecedented decision to assign grade I status to all seven Breeders’ Cup races.]
The second running (1985 at the Big A) broke all wagering record for a single day’s card on-site & simulcast at $28M.
An aside, I was incorrect in my prior posting of the race being ungraded. The PWC will be a Grade 1 due to it being the conveyed replacement for the [discontinued] Donn Handicap. Otherwise it would take 2-years after 1st running for consideration by the American Graded Stakes Committee to be graded.
Arrogate worked 6F this morning. I don’t think he could of been more impressive. Hey I am a huge fan of C.C. But he better have his running shoes tied on tight.
