Trot Insider has spoken with Jamie Martin, Woodbine Entertainment Group's senior vice president, Racing, regarding the experimental seven-eighths mile dashes which are taking place Mondays during the month of December at Woodbine Racetrack.
"This is something that should have been made clear from the get-go, but Woodbine Entertainment has no intention of offering seven-eighths mile races as regularly-carded events going forward. We are not looking to change the distance of racing at Woodbine from anything but one mile," Martin explained.
"In 2005, Woodbine Racetrack conducted, I believe, three seven-eighths mile races to explore whether it would be beneficial to make a big change and move the poles and the finish line closer to the first turn to prompt more flow to the standardbred races at Woodbine."
Martin explained that nothing came from the '05 experiments, but with flow issues still a big issue to date with loyal WEG customers, the Canadian racing giant decided to accumulate more data. The data collected and scrutinized via the Monday cards in December could possibly lead to the movement of the poles and finish line closer to the first turn.
"With a good portion of seven-eighths mile races from December to analyze, Woodbine Entertainment will be able to assess whether we should go forward with making the changes to the poles and finish line."
Martin stressed that such a move is not a simple one, and that the move will not be taken unless the data indicates it would be worthwhile.
"If it were the type of change that would cost us a few thousand dollars to do, then it wouldn't be an issue, but what we're talking about here is much more than that," he explained.
"The last thing that we want to do is go ahead with substantial change such as this and then not have the racing change, accordingly. That is why we are conducting this trial period to gather enough info to give us a good sample here."
WEG first announced the initiative November 24. The topic has received much feedback, especially from a Trot Insider exclusive article which contained comments from WEG drivers.
The distance is not the
The distance is not the problem.Woodbine is simply populated with a high number of very,for a lack of a better term,conservative drivers.
If you really want to improve the flow stop rewarding drivers,trainers and owners for mediocre results.
Why in the world is a horse paid for a fifth place finish in a ten horse field.If it was up to me payouts would go to those horses finishing in the top three positions.
I know this idea would cause a lot of resistance so lets say that payouts would be to the top four positions in fields of 8-10 horses,top three positions in fields of 6-7 and top two in fields of 5 or less.
This would not only cause drivers to be more aggressive and thus create more flow but also force trainers to properly classify their horses and create more competitive racing.
Additionally owners will be forced to demand accountability from their trainers and drivers.
justlook at meadowlands. the
justlook at meadowlands. the start is near the first turn and nobody leaves.28 second first quarters are the norm.at least at woodbine and mohawk you get 26 and 27 speed into the first quarter where 5 or 6 horses are usually leaving.start fining or suspending drivers who go slower than 29 any other quarter
I sure hope that the drivers
I sure hope that the drivers and trainers are part of the study and their input is solicitated and evaluated. I get the impression from comments that are being made that many of the major stakeholders are not part of the decision making process. I hope my impression is incorrect.
I noticed the same type of
I noticed the same type of situation even coming off the turn at Rideau, where the outside horses or those who tip out in the final turn have to swing wide due to the banking and end up in worse condition at the end of the race.
as mr. martin says--the flow
as mr. martin says--the flow is the big problem to loyal customers--right on--but it really does not matter what distance they go, simply the orc judges are not enforcing the rules that are already in place--slow quarters--going 26.3 the 56.3--backing down the field and nothing is done--and giving holes to other drivers from the outside--how can a bettor make a proper selection--same old same old
It may work as long as the
It may work as long as the starting point does not change. You don't want to penalize the outside post positions! Remember, you still have owners to think about as well as the fans.
=I watched the races monday
=I watched the races monday night, and saw no difference as far as the flow goes..moving the poles may help the outside positions, but enforcing the rules regarding the buddy system is the only way to go/.
The poles being moved is a
The poles being moved is a good start as i have posted in an earlier comment. That is half of the problem. The whole last turn has to be banked the same way as it is in Mohawk. Any racing fan can see that the last turn is just an absolute killer to the outer flow. The horse in the lead or the two directly behind him will all the races at woodbine. The outer flow goes nowhere off the last turn.
It is so disheartening seeing your horse second or third over at woodbine where as in Mohawk it's the complete oposite. You are licking your chops second over on a hot pace at Mohawk, you always feel your horse has a chance of winning the race.
I know work has been done to slope the last turn but it was not successful as anyone can see. So PLEASE get the experts in and spend the money necessary to fix the last turn issues as woodbine. Thank you very much.
I like the idea indeed. I
I like the idea indeed. I remember when they did the first experiment. Of course the world record was broken(from the late 70's I think) and the previous record holder was on hand. I know one of the races was a close finish.
Seeing how effortlessly Somebeachsomewhere breaks the beam at 3/4's I bet he could smash the record by a few seconds. I mean he went 1:19 earlier for 6F. Plus a little variety doesn't hurt for horses who might wake to a change.
Out west we used to have 10.5 and 5.5 F races for pacers and it was a good change from the norm.
Next thing we know, WEG will
Next thing we know, WEG will be removing the sulkies from the statndardbreds and racing them at 7 furlongs on the polytrack. This is a silly experiment that is ruining four nights of racing. Didn't WEG think of consulting with fans and drivers BEFORE initiating such a devastating and drastic change. I'm so disenchanted by the move that I may have to spend Monday nights watching the Leafs!