SHOULD ALL RACING ON HALF MILE AND 5/8 BE HANDICAPPED??

[bond]

Over the last decade handle at these tracks have plummeted--due of course to many factors--however I believe a lot of it has to do with races being over before they start.
Drivers are allowed to pick-and that leaves the best drivers on the best horses in the best spots. Nice for them--but it decimates the handle because the rest of the field isnt bet much at all=unattractive betting options.
At least if races were handicapped--then betting is more even-making it more attractive to bet .
They handicap T/Brds-they handicap Open paces in harness-sometimes--but other races are crying out to be handicapped with way too many races being unbettable.
JMO.

[old guy]

Over the last decade handle at these tracks have plummeted--due of course to many factors--however I believe a lot of it has to do with races being over before they start.
Drivers are allowed to pick-and that leaves the best drivers on the best horses in the best spots. Nice for them--but it decimates the handle because the rest of the field isnt bet much at all=unattractive betting options.
At least if races were handicapped--then betting is more even-making it more attractive to bet .
They handicap T/Brds-they handicap Open paces in harness-sometimes--but other races are crying out to be handicapped with way too many races being unbettable.
JMO.

Interesting observation.

[DICK FURLONG]

 ALL HALF MILE TRACKS SHOULD BE THE INNNERMOST OVAL AT A REAL RACETRACK  FROM THE GRANDSTAND OUT, TURF COURSE, DIRT OVAL, INNER TURF, BUGGIES. 

 IF YOU SAY, THAT LEAVES THE HARNESS PEOPLE WITH A TERRIBLE VIEW, I WOULD SAY.. YEAH, SO WHAT?

[HHTremor]

I think harness racing needs uniformity. I think all 1/2 mile and 5/8th's mile tracks should have a passing lane to give the horses and the gamblers a fair chance at winning. I think all harness race tracks should use a staggered starting gate. 

[bond]

I think harness racing needs uniformity. I think all 1/2 mile and 5/8th's mile tracks should have a passing lane to give the horses and the gamblers a fair chance at winning. I think all harness race tracks should use a staggered starting gate. 

Disagree my friend.  The passing lane didn’t increase handle.It also is not going to change the Indian file pet walks. The staggered gate doesn’t really work because just think about it. If all horses leave the same then the outside horses gain momentum running down the banked turn actually gain momentum.Thats why if you look at stats-the rail is actually a disadvantage with the 345 being the better posts where staggered gates used.I agree races need uniformity—the way to do that is to handicap the field or/or stop leading drivers picking out the best horses with the best posts. Once that happens the other drivers wont try-just maybe look for a check.

[Dingus]

Disagree my friend.  The passing lane didn’t increase handle.It also is not going to change the Indian file pet walks. The staggered gate doesn’t really work because just think about it. If all horses leave the same then the outside horses gain momentum running down the banked turn actually gain momentum.Thats why if you look at stats-the rail is actually a disadvantage with the 345 being the better posts where staggered gates used.I agree races need uniformity—the way to do that is to handicap the field or/or stop leading drivers picking out the best horses with the best posts. Once that happens the other drivers wont try-just maybe look for a check.

Draw post positions after drivers have made their choice