Delta Jackpot takes on importance this year

#1 11-29-2006, 07:15 PM

This years Delta jackpot is now graded(grade 3). Its only November about to turn December but this race is a big deal now.
With 1 million in purse money, the winner is a sure thing to get into the Derby on graded earnings, and the runner up will be as well. The third place finisher will get 100 grand on his way towards being in the top 20.
I suspect that sometime in late April, someone with a sharp late bloomer is gonna get denied by a horse who runs 1-2-3 in this race, who does nothing since then.

#2 11-29-2006, 07:19 PM

This is further reason to have a few 2y old races under your saddle. Foundation & money!

#3 11-29-2006, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abe1947

This is further reason to have a few 2y old races under your saddle. Foundation & money!

Yeah I mean, its not much of a field but if you run 2nd not only do you get the 200 grand but you are as good as in for the Derby earnings.

SniperSB23 · #4 11-29-2006, 07:26 PM

I really hope this leads to a reform of the Derby selection system. It is ridiculous that 2nd in this race is worth more than 2nd in the Wood Memorial.

#5 11-29-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

I really hope this leads to a reform of the Derby selection system. It is ridiculous that 2nd in this race is worth more than 2nd in the Wood Memorial.

That was the point my posting of this thread.
Can you imagine a late bloomer running a good 2nd in the Wood and missing out on the Derby to one of these horses who runs 2nd at Delta?

#6 11-29-2006, 07:30 PM

For that matter whats to prevent the Sheikhs from boosting the purse in the UAE Derby up to 4 mill so that even the 4th horse would make 200 grand and be eligible? I mean most of the horses in that race belong to them anyway, they get most of their own purse money back as it is.
You'd have the UAE derby 4th place finisher getting a spot over the runnerup in the Wood. And don't laugh, it could happen.
This system needs an overhaul very badly.

Left Bank · #7 12-02-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SniperSB23

I really hope this leads to a reform of the Derby selection system. It is ridiculous that 2nd in this race is worth more than 2nd in the Wood Memorial.

This is a good reason for reform.Too many cheap horses will be making it in,while legitimate contenders will be taking a back seat to them.They should dump the earnings,and go with graded stakes WINS,not earnings.