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Apr 24, 2006

Really, you think?

Daily Racing Form - Horse Racing - News Columnists

Is Steven Crist reading this column? It's ok you can admit it. There's nothing wrong joining the blog universe.

Steve you had me up until, "The one somewhat radical change that would address several of these issues would be to switch from earnings to a point system, similar to the one used in the Breeders' Cup" Which is about the worst points system ever created. Answer this one question with a straight face: Do you think a Grade II winner is of the same class as a Grade I second place finisher. Personally I'd rather have a Grade I place horse over a Gr II winner any day and that's why the BC points suck. You do say "similar" though, so maybe I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and believe that you too see the big problem w/ BC points.

Anyways, I read the article and you're right. There needs to be a change. Any chance the DRF wants to get the blog standings? You can call them just the standings if you want, no harm done. Then you could copy ESPN by having Watchmaker create the power rankings which would be in a better context.

Well, you know Steve drop me a comment will ya? Or maybe Watchmaker reads this crap, let me know.

at 2:49 PM

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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Personally I'd rather have a Grade I place horse over a Gr II winner any day and that's why the BC points suck."

The reason why your system will never have any sort of relevance is because you're the only person who believes this to be true. Every single institution in this game has decided that you're wrong. Even purse distribution confirms it.

4:22 PM
kentucky joe said...

Not sure about "anonymous posts" but here is one fan who thinks the idea of a standings system is attractive on several levels, especially when compared to NTRA rankings. Most importantly, it helps highlight horses in more categories than just a narrow focus on 3 y/o colts or all horses lumped together. While it may not be perfect, the current system is frought with some of the same problems that plague the NCAA Football Polls. I think what Patrick is really saying is validated somewhat by the Crist article in DRF. I think the NTRA could do a lot better to promote horse racing to not only a new generation but also as a family entertainment value, not that they will be the high rollers that come to the track to drop a grand wagering but after concessions and gift shop and the $2-$5 bets on every race, well that adds up and given a good experience (horses, excitement, fun) a day at the races will be a return visit and may even become a regular fixture and bam a whole new generation of fans. So while some may find it easy to criticize I find Patrick's optimism and vision a refreshing alternative being offered up freely and purely for the love of the sport which is a pretty rare commodity.

11:27 PM
Anonymous said...

I'm a horse racing fan who has absolutely no idea how to figure out any of the ratings, figures, grades, etc. I love the sport of it, the adventure, the excitement and bet from my gut. And yes, sometimes even just because I like a horse's name or don't particularly care for its trainer. This is a sport, not math, you know.

That being said, I support any changes to the system that makes it easier for the little guy to enjoy the game and make some money in the process. Horse racing has for too long been the playground of the idle (rich or otherwise) and it would be great if the rest of us could get a piece of it too. So keep complaining Crist, someone will hear you eventually. Even if it's just another potential DRF reader!

12:39 PM

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