tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post3312239485238750846..comments2024-03-05T05:38:22.024-05:00Comments on Left at the Gate: Question for TerryAlan Mannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12570505944559196118noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-43194512192801606202007-07-12T22:25:00.000-04:002007-07-12T22:25:00.000-04:00My latest bold but probably accurate predictions o...My latest bold but probably accurate predictions on the Franchise front<BR/><BR/>1. Do not be surprised to see artificial surface mandated in NY a la CAL. <BR/><BR/>Simple to make it mandatory to any new franchise holder.<BR/><BR/>2. WHEN the Big A is closed, you will see one of Belmonts turf course converted to an all weather surface, even if not mandated.<BR/><BR/>Mr. EdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-86186832802568429452007-07-12T17:43:00.000-04:002007-07-12T17:43:00.000-04:00Alan, I saw Charlie Hayward's comment about polytr...Alan, I saw Charlie Hayward's comment about polytrack at Saratoga in 5 years and nearly fell off my chair. Let's not rush into polytrack as I think the jury is still out on it. I don't think Saratoga is especially rough on horses in training and races, would be interesting to know what the statistics say although I don't think they keep accurate records of occurrences such as breakdowns and injuries sustained while in training and in races. What do the horsemen say about the Spa main track and Oklahoma? I just think polytrack at the Spa is an unecessary change, it's change for change's sake, and the Spa is the last track in America where loyal, traditional racing fans want to see an artifical surface! Spend the money to have the absolute best and safest dirt track in America and preserve the irreplaceable Spa tradition. Polytrack to me would seriously taint the historic authenticity of the Spa. What saith LATG readers? /S/ Green Mtn PunterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-60167650527425510942007-07-12T15:46:00.000-04:002007-07-12T15:46:00.000-04:00your question was somehow left out, travesty.your question was somehow left out, travesty.Patrick J Pattenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10365169347148710377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8711985.post-64443487991537280472007-07-12T12:29:00.000-04:002007-07-12T12:29:00.000-04:00When I worked for a East Coast-based trainer (no r...When I worked for a East Coast-based trainer (no runners at Mountaineer, though), we were looking at claiming a horse that was in a race that we were ALSO IN. I recall him commenting on what a distinct advantage it was to be in the paddock with the horse. "We can do everything but feel the horses legs," he exclaimed. We certainly couldn't get that close when we went to Delaware three weeks later to halter one (without a runner of our own). We watched the horse make her way from the barn to the paddock from a distance, stood outside the paddock while she was in there, and had to make the claim with at least 10 minutes to post. Thus, from my experience, you can't just "be" in the paddock, especially if you are going to claim a horse. Alan, it is true, however, that you can almost get into the paddock at will in NY, where I was taught the "racetrack wave" that has provided me access to so many paddocks, backstretches and press boxes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com