Today, I had three calls from very good players. The odds that three called on one day is high, but the ask on their mind was not over the fence. But, I could not help anyone on this day.

The Breeders’ Cup is a powerhouse. They charge a GREAT PERCENTAGE of takeout and the tracks do no real business. It would seem that on the biggest days of the year, the powers that be would want to include all of the little tracks that follow the sport daily.

For all major events, there are tickets that are held. Do you think the Super Bowl or World Series do not have any tickets earmarked for other teams? Maybe they do not give away the house, but they should be included in all events.

How about holding 100 decent tickets for each track? How many would they be giving away? Keep it for the tracks that hold a three month or better meet. Now, you are talking 30 track? That sounds like sending 3000 of the best players from around the country to the event. Also, add in the ability to BUY upscale tickets. Don’t give away the posh seats, but allow tracks to cater to players. This allows for over 8 – 10,000 to be sold to the general public: celebs who don’t care about racing, and the connections of the racing stars.

I am a big fan of getting the best players to the event. There is still plenty of expense, and the free ticket ensures the players will be there. Funny, give away a ticket and the perceived value is huge….I love to bring in the biggies. This will help handle, and keep the stands full.. Hell, the B/C kills the tracks with the takeout, so they might as well pony up and get some big players there..

This is an event where the senators and local mayors can stay home. The action carries itself, and you can’t beat that. The players come to roost, and you might as well make hay while the sun shines. This idea can be used for the Oaks, Derby, Preakness, Belmont, and some other marquee events with a smaller allotment. Go ahead, and send the tickets to the management of tracks. It is not a perk for them, but to be used for their best players. What a way to repay our best customers…. The marketing and publicity departments would be hopping. I was there last year, and the stands were half empty on a beautiful weekend. The tickets were overpriced, and as travelers, we were killed before making bet number one. Needless to say, I will be on my couch betting early, and enjoying the action…..Too bad, I would have loved to have sent players like me to the big dance.