Venue: 6/20 = Belmont Park

[RUFFIAN]

TIZ A GOOD WEEK TO WIN
NO NEED TO CHOOSE WHERE
TO BELMONT WE WILL GO
EXCITEMENT IS IN THE AIR!

I PERSONALLY WOULD HAVE KEPT THE BELMONT AFTER PREAKNESS
AND AT THE TRADITIONAL DISTANCE !

IF THE OTHER 2 ARE IN THE FALL, WHY NOT THIS ONE?

[JolyB]

Originally Posted by RUFFIAN-333

THE OTHER 2 ARE IN THE FALL, WHY NOT THIS ONE?

Can't have a schedule that conflicts with the Breeders Cup. Once CD announced the date for the Derby, everyone else had to find a way to mesh with them.

[RUFFIAN]

OK
So why couldn’t they have the triple crown in order
followed by the breeders cup after that

ALSO
Why not keep the race at a mile and a half the way it’s always been

[JolyB]

You are asking for logic. Remember that Churchill Downs Inc in involved in this equation. They unilaterally stated that their Derby would be moved to September. That left it up to all other players to find a way to coexist with the 800 pound gorilla. Pimlico then picked a date in early October [not the usual 2 weeks after the Derby]. Once again, no industry coordination. Breeders Cup Ltd was not going to reschedule their money maker from its date.

As a representative of NYRA, what choices were left to you? Let's see - run in conflict with the BC? Nope. Run at Belmont in late November, when it gets very cold, the stands are mostly out in the open and darkness comes early? Nope. Run before all of them in June at 1 1/2 miles with horses none of which had run beyond 1 1/8 before? No.

They were left with an unplayable hand and had to make a decision that leaves you and me very unhappy, but realistically they had no good choice to make. If you want to put an * nest to the Belmont, feel free. Obviously, the fans were not consulted - but when are they ever?

[DonGuido]

Simple. The Kentucky Derby is paramount to all other races in the US. I agree with JB in his presentation but again the Derby rule all others drool.