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General Category => Harness Racing => Topic started by: wizardofoz on June 23, 2026, 05:04:55 PM

Title: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: wizardofoz on June 23, 2026, 05:04:55 PM
Overnight races do not require entry fees nor shipping usually from one state to another. When owners enter for stakes races, the expense is usually costly. Is it time to limit the size of a stakes field to 6 entries maximum on a 1/2 and 5/8th sized track, and 8 horses maximum for a 7/8 and 1 mile track? The draw position should not be the advantage it has always been to make money in stakes races. Drawing outside 7-10 posts ROYALLY screws over the chances of those horses to do well.  It is not fair to ship hundreds of miles, pay entry fees, and draw the outside posts, which become rides around the track at a huge cost! Time for a change?
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 05:09:47 PM
Overnight races do not require entry fees nor shipping usually from one state to another. When owners enter for stakes races, the expense is usually costly. Is it time to limit the size of a stakes field to 6 entries maximum on a 1/2 and 5/8th sized track, and 8 horses maximum for a 7/8 and 1 mile track? The draw position should not be the advantage it has always been to make money in stakes races. Drawing outside 7-10 posts ROYALLY screws over the chances of those horses to do well.  It is not fair to ship hundreds of miles, pay entry fees, and draw the outside posts, which become rides around the track at a huge cost! Time for a change?

No trailers would be a good beginning in any stakes races regardless of purse.  The luck of the draw is tough enough if you draw outside (especially on a small track) with a trailer, it's even more of an uphill battle.
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: Billsmafia on June 23, 2026, 05:27:44 PM
New York State doesn't permit trailers in stake races on a half mile track.

I get the problem with shipping and drawing outside.

The other side of the coin is evident at Buffalo Raceway tomorrow. There are five races for the Excelsior Stakes for three year old trotting colts and fillies (separate divisions). The size of the fields is outrageous but unavoidable--6 horse, 5 horses, 5 horses, 6 horses and 5 horses. Each division will go for $20,000. Of the 27 horses entered, 25 will pick up a check.

It's even worse for the Sire Stakes--purses are $56,900 and up. Three of the races have 5 horse fields; the other has a 4 horse field. All 19 owners will pick up checks. The smallest check will be $2900.

Lots of trainers and owners with NY breds don't love shipping to Buffalo for a variety of reasons. Tomorrow they'll probably be very happy to get some easy money.

From a bettor's perspective the races are unbettable. Do you really want to bet on a four horse race on a half?
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 05:44:02 PM
New York State doesn't permit trailers in stake races on a half mile track.

I get the problem with shipping and drawing outside.

The other side of the coin is evident at Buffalo Raceway tomorrow. There are five races for the Excelsior Stakes for three year old trotting colts and fillies (separate divisions). The size of the fields is outrageous but unavoidable--6 horse, 5 horses, 5 horses, 6 horses and 5 horses. Each division will go for $20,000. Of the 27 horses entered, 25 will pick up a check.

It's even worse for the Sire Stakes--purses are $56,900 and up. Three of the races have 5 horse fields; the other has a 4 horse field. All 19 owners will pick up checks. The smallest check will be $2900
Lots of trainers and owners with NY breds don't love shipping to Buffalo for a variety of reasons. Tomorrow they'll probably be very happy to get some easy money.

From a bettor's perspective the races are unbettable. Do you really want to bet on a four horse race on a half?

The boys excelsior has 17 entries.  3 divisions. 

The girls excelsior has 10 entries.  2 divisions.

the boys sires has 9 entries.  2 divisions.

the girls sires has 10 entries.  2 divisions.

Unfortunately, stakes races can be non-betting races from the bettors perspective.  It doesn't matter whether it's Buffalo tomorrow or other races at other tracks.

Now from the owners point of view: The multiple divisions can hurt their causes as more points are issued and more horses can get to their respective finals. 

It's also nice to get a check in these races as you have higher expenses in racing these horses compared to overnights.

Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: Lockedin with Pace on June 23, 2026, 05:45:41 PM
You're just talking about NYSS races correct because they have trailers in the Yonkers International and the 2 invitationals they have that day at 1.25 miles.
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 05:49:58 PM
You're just talking about NYSS races correct because they have trailers in the Yonkers International and the 2 invitationals they have that day at 1.25 miles.

correct.  just the NYSS.

Each event posts its own conditions to the race, # of starting interests, etc.  You know the conditions of the race ahead of time.  You have to bee prepared for trailer(s) in these events should you enter.
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: Bitter Truth on June 23, 2026, 05:52:19 PM
You want some cheese with that whine Wizard?
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 06:00:27 PM
No thank you!

Look who's 'cutting the cheese' here on this thread!
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 06:08:02 PM
No thank you!

Look who's 'cutting the cheese' here on this thread!
ngc3 ngc3 seems many know you here  ngc3 ngc3
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 06:10:32 PM
ngc3 ngc3 seems many know you here  ngc3 ngc3

Just politely responding on the thread!

Thanks for your concern in this matter.

Thank you for ruining a legitimate thread!
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 06:12:26 PM
Just politely responding on the thread!

Thanks for your concern in this matter.

Thank you for ruining a legitimate thread!
only followed your lead.
you ruined it all on your own
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 06:14:21 PM
only followed your lead.
you ruined it all on your own

I just made a legitimate post and response.

You ruined this thread!

Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 06:15:22 PM
 11.wp 11.wp 11.wp

blame others as usual
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 06:19:37 PM
11.wp 11.wp 11.wp

blame others as usual

No, that's you and Trump!
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 06:22:20 PM
No, that's you and Trump!
now trump iz te reason for size of stakes fields
 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3
the left neva stops  11.wp
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 06:26:42 PM
now trump iz te reason for size of stakes fields
 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3
the left neva stops  11.wp

Just commenting on the blame game, not Trump and stakes races!

You are this STUPID and DUMB!  I tried to give the benefit of the doubt and was wrong again!

Thanks for continuing to ruin this thread!

Are you going to ruin EVERY thread I post on?
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 06:28:23 PM
i can if you wish
this the 1st time
however you asked for shitt today
and you gettin it
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 06:39:10 PM
i can if you wish
this the 1st time
however you asked for shitt todayme if you make the wrong decision.
and you gettin it

Only you can make that decision.

Just think of others on plop if you choose this.  They should have a right to polite replies and rebuttals from others here.  As of this moment in time, you will not do!

Choose your own course of action.  But don't blame me if you choose wrong!
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 06:49:48 PM
No thank you!

Look who's 'cutting the cheese' here on this thread!

like this  ngc3 ngc3
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 06:51:02 PM
like this  ngc3 ngc3

 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 06:53:03 PM
ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3 ngc3
laughin at yer own post

KLASSIC  73cv.2
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 06:54:24 PM
laughin at yer own post

KLASSIC  73cv.2

Because you posted to yourself!   tmbz1 tmbz1 tmbz1
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 06:56:55 PM
Because you posted to yourself!   tmbz1 tmbz1 tmbz1

comprehend boy comprehend

open dose eyes

that was yer post dummy
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 07:02:22 PM
comprehend boy comprehend

open dose eyes

that was yer post dummy

You comprehend boy

Open your eyes!

Anything else dummy!
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: andrew on June 23, 2026, 07:21:50 PM
yesss

you have proven to ruin a good thread all because

of your obsessive behavior here for all plop to see

yess ploppers this is the real raindude

aggressive battlin for no reason other than to be complete jerk and get the last word in

i shall bow out on tis thread. only gave back what the twerp had coming

i am sure he hasnt finished

carry on  tmbz1
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: Harness racer on June 23, 2026, 07:29:39 PM
Maybe people shouldn’t stake/enter horses that aren’t stakes material.  They aren’t there to give participation ribbons. 
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 07:31:12 PM
yesss

you have proven to ruin a good thread all because

of your obsessive behavior here for all plop to see

yess ploppers this is the real raindude

aggressive battlin for no reason other than to be complete jerk and get the last word in

i shall bow out on tis thread. only gave back what the twerp had coming

i am sure he hasnt finished

carry on  tmbz1

Wrong again.

I just posted information for others to read and draw their own conclusions!

You're the one who TROLLED and ruined it!

You don't even have the decency to politely banter on this!

Again, blaming me for the problems you caused on this thread.

You have been repeatedly told that I will get the last word in on you!  You have repeatedly chosen to disregard this information.  You have nobody to blame but yourself!  Stop blaming others for this, be a man and take accountability for your actions!.  You refuse to do this! 

It's a shame that you have to belittle yourself because you don't like me, and what I post!

Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: rainman2 on June 23, 2026, 07:38:18 PM
Maybe people shouldn’t stake/enter horses that aren’t stakes material.  They aren’t there to give participation ribbons.

It is a total crapshoot from year to year.

Take New York now.

Look at the small fields at Buffalo tomorrow 6-24.

These are the 3 year old trotting divisions.  The breakdown is listed above in this thread.

Take the 3 year old cold and gelding pacers in New York.

A maximum of 12 in the pacing division right now and in the low 20's in the excelsior.

In a weak year, you're better off racing excelsior for more money instead of nw1/nw2 overnights.  More money and perhaps the same quality fields and if you're a little lucky, there is a 100K final down the road available.
Title: Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
Post by: wizardofoz on June 23, 2026, 08:58:21 PM
They have to make the race more competitive for ALL of the entries and not just have those that get screwed with the outside posts being 'filler' material for a bigger field.
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