now that santa anita has gone back to dirt

[randallscott35]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Wait, so which is it?

I would never argue that supporting a bad product is a good idea, especially when you think the price is too high. However, my point from the beginning has been that, dirt plus increased purses based on increased handle is going to lead to increased interest.

SA could have tried to run on a broken track, had a few cancellations, continued to watch their handle slide as it has at the last God knows how many synth meets. Or they could have switched to dirt, been able to bring back some barns that left or bring in some that are new and develop a better product. They chose the latter. I think they made the right call.

Why do you need both?

Yes synthetic has been a disaster from every perspective I can think of. So go back to dirt and see where you are handle wise. Maybe the boost you get in handle means you can offer bigger purses....Maybe. And then I look at California's budget conditions and I wonder what the future looks like out there. They are in store for more IOUs starting early next year. Kick the can. Racing doesn't get kicked by increasing the tax on the game IMO.