So now the polytrack experiment is officially over

[bdw0617]

well that was fun while it lasted

keenland going back to dirt. I actually like to wager on polytrack. I hate speed bias when handicapping and polytrack all but eliminates it. Del mar gone, keeleland gone. I'm glad that keeneland will be relevant again in the 3YO races but i'm disappointed that it's going back to dirt from my own personal standpoint

[TJ]

well that was fun while it lasted

keenland going back to dirt. I actually like to wager on polytrack. I hate speed bias when handicapping and polytrack all but eliminates it. Del mar gone, keeleland gone. I'm glad that keeneland will be relevant again in the 3YO races but i'm disappointed that it's going back to dirt from my own personal standpoint

Hi bdw,
Meydan and Turfway will be the next two to switch back to dirt. TJ

[bdw0617]

you really think medayn will go back to dirt?

that will be the most profound change in the horse racing landscape. basically a 10 million dollar allowance race is what it would turn the dubai world cup into. it would make all the pre dubai world cup handicap races moot

[TJ]

you really think medayn will go back to dirt?

that will be the most profound change in the horse racing landscape. basically a 10 million dollar allowance race is what it would turn the dubai world cup into. it would make all the pre dubai world cup handicap races moot

Hi bdw,
Originally the World Cup was run on dirt and American horses, including champs Cigar and Curlin, won 8 of the 14 World Cups when it was run on the dirt at Nad Al Sheba. There are rumors they are leaning toward a dirt track again because they aren't getting the America participation in their races due to the Tapeta surface. Sheikh Mohammed will weigh his options and have the final say. TJ

[Des]

The Blue Grass has lost its Lusture because of the Polytrack..One of the main reasons I think.. Welcome back dirt and slop

[BenB]

If that,s done, than they will loose all the euro competitors and as the euro competitors counts for 85% of the runners, they will shoot themselves in the foot.


What do you think from the breakdown rates, they will explode.

[TJ]

If that,s done, than they will loose all the euro competitors and as the euro competitors counts for 85% of the runners, they will shoot themselves in the foot.


What do you think from the breakdown rates, they will explode.

Hi Ben,
This isn't really about making money, it's about bringing the best horses in the World together in the Sheikh's playground. It's an ego trip and if the Americans can't be persuaded to bring their horses to Meydan to race in this "World" event....it's no longer a World stage. Sheikh Mo doesn't care how many show up....he'd run a two horse race in the World Cup IF they were the two best in the World.
It's obvious the racing surface is preventing American participation in this event. It is also obvious that Mo isn't pleased with the situation. He was thrown a curve ball when it looked like America was going synthetic...but now, since many have returned to dirt....he's left with this decision to make. Even his brother was knocking the surface because he was worried about his entry's ability to handle Tapeta in the World Cup. His horse ran 2nd to the Tapeta specialist African Story.
Others in Dubai say if the Americans want to participate they should prepare their horse throughout the year to be able to handle Tapeta. That's easier said then done, more so now, since the synthetic surfaces are being replaced by dirt. International racing will never come to terms with this....Euro racing is basically Turf and Synthetic. American racing now seems to be returning to Turf and Dirt. The only common ground is Turf racing and neither country will strictly run turf races only. Euro racing is rich in their turf racing history as American racing is to their dirt racing. This will never change.
It's possible Sheikh Mo's decision regarding what if any change he makes at Meydan, could impact the future of racing surfaces throughout the World. TJ

[BenB]

Overhere there are no dirt courses, either turf, synth or sand.

Racing at sand in the winter, is for the low key horses, that are not good enough for the turf.

[TJ]

Overhere there are no dirt courses, either turf, synth or sand.

Racing at sand in the winter, is for the low key horses, that are not good enough for the turf.

Hi Ben,
Yes, that is what I said, Turf and Synthetic overseas and Turf and Dirt here. Although Nad Al Sheba, in Dubai had a dirt and turf course, which closed when Sheikh Mo built Meydan....which created this reluctance for Americans to run in the World Cup. TJ

[bdw0617]

and let's be real. shiek mo probably has more dirt bred horse stock than anyone in the world including owning berdarnini. he should BENEFIT for going to dirt.

[TJ]

and let's be real. shiek mo probably has more dirt bred horse stock than anyone in the world including owning berdarnini. he should BENEFIT for going to dirt.

Hi bdw,
Good point....looking forward to his decision, whatever it may be? Though as I mentioned, his decision will impact racing across the pond. If in no other category, it will make the UAE Derby much more effective as a Kentucky Derby prep. It will also open the door for American dirt horses to run in the World Cup. We don't have many Animal Kingdoms on this side of the pond:>) TJ

[BenB]

This might also having an enormeous impact at the newmarket horses in training sales, as about 300 horses are bought to race at the carnival. It will also impact the sheikh,s breeding operations in Ire and Great Brittain.

Where more than 600 broodmares are stabled to fullfill the dreams of the sheikh.

[bdw0617]

speaking of keeneland what in the world happened to their HD track feed.