The Right Idea

by Ed Meyer

posted on June 8, 2011 in General Discussion, Handicapping, Horse Racing | No Comments >>

Bright IdeaAs you read, I am watching Andy Serling, of the NYRA, as he interviews some of the big connections for the Belmont Stakes. The questions were to the point, and very informative. This takes me back to the old Derby draw, and giving fans what they wanted to know.

This makes me think: In the blog-posting and podcast eras, would we be doing the right thing by having tracks do an indepth interview session that would be posted on the track website? Would this allow the fans of that oval to peruse and learn as they wished? Talk about bringing the info right to your eyes and ears.

The program “Night School” has been a big hit. This gives us a little glimpse of where we could go with this tool. Back to Belmont, Andy is doing a very nice job making this a comfortable time where we can learn what is going on behind the scenes. There have been tracks doing this for awhile, and it is a fun way to disseminate information.

So, onward we go, and he has talked to the major connections as they are all in the same room waiting for the post draw. This is a way to get fans from all over involved in the picture. For years, there was a post draw, and it was closed to the public. Media only, and you had to read about it on the web. It was like a special club, and the velvet rope kept you in your place. But, today is another example of why we are seeing a bit of an upward swing in racing’s popularity. Lets pay attention to detail, and make hay while the sun shines.

Today, I have heard from all of the connections. As a fan, I am more informed now. This was a good morning, and it shows me that some are on the right path.  Here are the entries for the big race this Saturday. I caught this first on the Paulick Report, and they are usually up to the moment on  things:

PP   Horse                                Jockey                          ML Odds
1     Master of Hounds             Garrett Gomez              10-1
2     Stay Thirsty                     Javier Castellano          20-1
3     Ruler On Ice                    Jose Valdivia, Jr           20-1
4     Santiva                            Shaun Bridgmohan       15-1
5     Brilliant Speed                Joel Rosario                 15-1
6     Nehro                              Corey Nakatani            4-1
7     Monzon                           Jose Lezcano               30-1
8     Prime Cut                        Edgar Prado                15-1
9     Animal Kingdom             John Velazquez            2-1
10   Mucho Macho Man           Ramon Dominguez      10-1
11    Isn’t He Perfect            Rajiv Maragh                 30-1
12   Shackleford                   Jesus Castanon              9-2