So many of the contenders are up in the air about where they are going and who is coming from Europe, I've given up thinking about any of the races until the pre-entries come out.
No discussion? It's been more like a ghost town. I'm sure everyone has their reasons for not discussing the BC, but I think Eric hit the nail on the head. With so many variables, what's there really to discuss right now? I'm with Eric - lets wait until pre-entries next week. Then, let the games begin.
Not sure why, but not feeling the BC rush I normally do. Not sure if it's the "it's being held, again at Santa Anita" or the lack of star power or what. Aside from the F&M Sprint and the Sprint, not much I am looking forward to seeing at this point.
So how many 'turf' races are there since there are no dirt ones ...... and sorry but this 'plastic' crap isn't dirt, which is the reason for my lack of interest. I like being able to look at PP's, and the Euro contingent always threw that question mark with the way they record their races. I usually toss most going to dirt, but no dirt so too many ?????? there. In the past I had a better handle on the Euro's too with races like the DC international getting glimpses of how their form will translate either by their performance in the US, or that of their rivals overseas to compare them too. After the Million I'm not sure there are many races they point to for a pre BC tune up anymore.
Ozzy Wrote...
"Not sure why, but not feeling the BC rush I normally do. Not sure if it's the "it's being held, again at Santa Anita" or the lack of star power or what. Aside from the F&M Sprint and the Sprint, not much I am looking forward to seeing at this point."
I'm right there with you & for me I think it's a combination of the lack of star power and the two day format. I'll be working while Friday's card is run. I won't play if I can't watch. Europe's big horse and America's big horse are both in absentia. The Classic is still classic in distance.
Golden Gate Fields is just as likely to get this player's handle as Oak Tree at Santa Anita is.
I put up a long,detailed post on this yesterday, however it didn't show up--grrrr
Jason-here is how I will prep for the BC:
Tough because MANY runners will have NO west coast or artificial experience. I want to study results by post position particularly in races with large fields(also looking at these #s from graded races). A look at the best jocks familiar with the Santa Anita circumference and surface(returning to ride entrants AND +/- rider changes). Also watching the weather during the week prior to notice any warmer than usual pattern which could affect Euro shippers and easterners.
I will mainly play runners who look out-classed but have positive experience on the surface. I will pay special attention to Euro shippers who seem to be in the wrong spot or a hopeless situation. I will toss anyone from the east/midwest without artificial surface success regardless of their class, connections or previous success.
I will play win place and 3-4-5 runner exacta boxes only using big odds runners. No tris and definitely no pik 3s or pik 4s(too tough to string together wins and too expensive spreading to try).
And I will closely monitor this site and the exceptionally strong group ofd players here who still keep up and do the work. I simply have given up trying to be a handicapper due to not being able commit to the effort necessary. I still play CD,Toga,Belmont and Gulfstream but avoid artificial surfaces.
And best of luck to Nick and Ozzy with their Keeneland runners this weekend. And to Paris Bob in the contest.
This message has been edited by spiderjohn on Oct 22, 2009 7:52 PM
