One week of the 2012 Saratoga meet in the books, it was a little different for me than in past years. The "quietist" surrounding the beginning of the meet, with the state take over (behind the scenes) has made this year's Saratoga , somewhat average without the usual "big" opening. Opening day had the usual glitches, problems with the sound on the PA system, water in the bathrooms with low pressure and the new "Wi-Fi" wireless system not working in all areas. Little problems that weren't major problems, like the tote betting system going down like a few years back. The weather was the best in quite a few years and a good solid, comfortable crowd came out for opening day. These things are just part of opening day and with 39 more after that, all things considered it went well. But, the lack of NYRA being out in full force on opening day was noticeable to me.
The early morning of opening day, I usually watch the local television news stations to see there coverage of one of the bigger events in the Capital District each summer. This year, there were "spoke people" for what was going on about the leading up to Saratoga , but they were new faces and not the usual suspects. After all, with state government getting involve with thoroughbred racing in this state and all the "evil" things that NYRA has done, we saw a new spin on the 40 thoroughbred meet.
The driving force I noticed was played up by the VLT's that are finally running at Aqueduct and how much more the purse will bring horsemen from all across the country to Saratoga. This has been really going on since the beginning of the year. Higher purses during the Aqueduct Inner-track meet had full fields and big payouts to the horsemen who stayed in New York during the winter months. In reality, we saw the same old horses, race three or four times a month and soon making several starts which meant runners taking turns, beating each other during the dead of winter. There were times where wagering in New York became very dull and monotonous. Since Saratoga has expanded to 40 days from the original 24 and the race cards from nine a day to ten and sometimes 11, the racing product will be affected in quality because of quantity.
More isn't better when the cash is out there, the cards fill up and the top horses have many places to go during the summer months to race. Two years ago, Monmouth Park had incredible purses that were partially funded by the state. A lot of that money, went into the stake racing program. Here at Saratoga , we had the usual amount of stake races and ALL top quality. But, it seems because of the many avenues for top horses to go, the extra money in New York benefits the "cheaper" horses. Maybe it's me, but 40 days and cheaper races have taken away the "aura"of Saratoga .
Saratoga is noted for it's stake races almost everyday, two year old racing and turf racing on it's two grass surfaces. But, many races are carded with large fields of horses who would have NOT raced at Saratoga , 15 years ago. This is mainly a product of the 40 day meet. If the weather cooperatives, there will be many grass races carded with full fields and horses not under 3-1 odds. It's the non-winners of one lifetime racing for 20k that I think, should just race downstate. Saratoga is about tradition, the best horses from top connections with championships to be won in the Fall. But, now that we've going "40" and ten plus races a day.....the "cheaper" races will reign. This is a trend that will continue, especially when it's about the almighty dollar when it comes to the state. Let's hope that is the ONLY thing that will change at Saratoga . When they start tinkering with picnic area and other Saratoga traditions, then it will show for ALL the public to see!
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