BSD Race Poll

[Kenren]

As I look at making the schedule for the second half of the year at BSD, I have a few questions for everyone!

1) First of all is obviously the poll question. I ask it because, for the most part, the 3yos should pretty much be at the same level as the older horses at this point. Physiologically most of them will have caught up with their older counterparts, especially compared to the beginning of the year. So do you guys see any need to continue running 3yo undercards at BSD?

2) Is there anything in particular you've noticed that we need more of across the three sites?

3) What do you guys think of me adding in some G3 and G2 HOTYs? Not many - like every two months a week would pop up with them. Kind of like the G2 ones I did a bit ago.

4) How do we feel about a spattering of random 3yo HOTYs that aren't race preps for a certain series or associated to any series really? I have one running wk 4 of May, but I didn't know if that's something you guys would like scattered around every once in awhile.

5) Just any other comments. BSD if for everyone, so if you have ideas, don't be afraid to voice them!

2yo undercards will continue, and I try to balance distances against what already exists. As will undercard races in grades that seem lacking for the month. And whatever else I just feel like throwing in -peace-

[Cruisey]

I think 3yo undercards should still be run, just because I personally still have horses that aren't nearly closely matched as 4yo+ horses (take Flashing The Declaration, Dark Maiden, and Vetanda for example). It wouldn't hurt to keep a few once in a while :)

[S u N f r O s T ~]

1) I would run 3yo undercards through August. By September, I think most if not all three year olds should be able to compete with older horses at their best.

2) Aside from Sprinter Crown/Tiara preps? Nothing. Perhaps some Red/Green Mile series preps? For older horses, some senior turf HOTY races? I noticed in my schedule that my older turf seniors are off for two months and concluded it could be due to lack of races (not sure though). Maybe some distance turf races for juveniles as well? (I just noticed Melusine is on break probably due to a lack of them as well or something).

3) I like.

4) I like, but could conflict with some race series so anticipate either thinning fields all around or something like that XD

5) If you work on a schedule for the following month, I might be able to guarantee more entries from me, as I tend to tightly plan my races and want to include BSD as a firm part of plans rather than a random throw-in for some of my ponies XD But you seem to be working on this, so good job lol

[Ripley]

1) I'm not of the opinion that we still need undercard races. I think the three year olds have definitely caught up to their counterparts and now we're just weakening the race levels by separating older from younger. Especially because the older horses are moving up and some are retiring due to big rosters.

2) I don't think we need anything per say. There aren't that many juvenile distance races. Older turf horse series are going to pick up as we near the latter half of the season. The schedule is set up that way on purpose because three year old races will be dwindling down.

3) I don't really mind as long as these G3 and G2 HOTY races aren't considered on the same level as the long standing HOTY races.

4) I agree with Frosty that we don't need three year old HOTY races as much anymore because we have a structured path to the BC races.

[Kenren]

I guess I'll keep the 3yo races going for another month at least since there's conflicting opinions there. As long as we agree that in overall physiology the 3yos can keep up with the older horses, I'll only do a small spattering of 3yo hotys. Mostly for the horses not looking to contend in the BC.