tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post115634600230867380..comments2024-03-05T05:38:22.024-05:00Comments on Left at the Gate: Run the Power Sweep!Alan Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-1156425631417350892006-08-24T09:20:00.000-04:002006-08-24T09:20:00.000-04:00Honestly, Alan...I am out of faith in the NTRA. Th...Honestly, Alan...I am out of faith in the NTRA. They have failed in their mission, with the sole exception of tv coverage and their legislative work. Well you know what, that's what a media agency and a lobbying agency are for. So let's strip them of all duties but for the two where they have demonstrably succeeded. <BR/><BR/>What someone needs to establish is an organization who has clear the priority list for fixing racing: <BR/><BR/>1. A better gambling environment (lower takeout, less racing, full fields, coordinated post times) for simulcast/home players. Go where your bread is buttered first.<BR/><BR/>2. A better entertainment experience at the track (free admission, free programs, friendlier staff, better food, and less REO Speedwagon reunion tour).<BR/><BR/>3. An embrace of the complexities of racing and why that makes racing great. They should license the first chapter Andy Beyer's Picking Winners, the great apologetic work for inveterate horseplayers. I study it as a daily devotional (along with other more eternal materials).<BR/><BR/>People (especially in the TBA) claim that following the national racing scene is too difficult. This is similar to the crusade about 10 years ago to create "simpler, user friendly" past perfrormances in alternative programs...this makes no sense to me. The things that appeal to the audience of the future are excruciatingly complex! I think of MMOG (massive multiplayer online gaming).<BR/><BR/>As this relates to racing on MNF, I simply hope those that produce racing programs take note of NFL commentators discussing intricate and complex defensive schemes, audibles, hot-routes, etc and attracting the largest overall audience in the world. So instead of Kenny Mayne making wisecracks and trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator, maybe they'll embrace handicapping as an intellectually worthy pursuit. (Maybe they could start reading your blog, Alan)<BR/><BR/>Sorry for the rant.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-1156422523206910302006-08-24T08:28:00.000-04:002006-08-24T08:28:00.000-04:00Almost forgot. Discreet Cat is entered going 7 fur...Almost forgot. Discreet Cat is entered going 7 furlongs on Friday.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-1156422303598806662006-08-24T08:25:00.000-04:002006-08-24T08:25:00.000-04:00Hard to see ESPN mixing coverage of horse racing a...Hard to see ESPN mixing coverage of horse racing and "real" sports. I remember a couple of years ago when i tuned in to catch Afleet Alex in the Hopeful. The hour-long horsey broadcast was cut down to 15 minutes because a LITTLE LEAGUE game ran long. So they missed live of the two races they were supposed to show, but at least they had them on tape, and there were still 15 minutes left, right? Well, apparently that was only enough time to show the STRETCH RUN of the two races. Unbelievable. Maybe now that ESPN is signed on cover the Breeders Cup, they'll show horse racing a little more respect. But if they decide to show a race during halftime of Monday Night Football, don't be surprised if they cut away in mid-race for a sideline interview with one of the coaches.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-1156369310665448852006-08-23T17:41:00.000-04:002006-08-23T17:41:00.000-04:00If this is a success, do you think it is likely th...If this is a success, do you think it is likely that they could later forget the "flip to ESPN2" and just run it on ESPN during halftime?<BR/><BR/>We're talking about 5-10 minutes of air time if you go over to the race during the call to post and hang out for the payouts.<BR/><BR/>Good call on the NTRA Pick Contest...Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06801414754458604594noreply@blogger.com