Even the playing field

[chad kowal]

Thoughts on driver draw as well as post position draw for every race.   

[Harness racer]

I don't believe in a driver draw.  If you owned a very expensive horse do you want some knuckleheads name pulled out of a hat?  Hell no you don't!  I would be for a post draw before the start of racing for the evening.  You'd see a lot less scratches.  Horses must have anxiety as many scratch sick from getting the 8-hole.   

[bond]

I don't believe in a driver draw.  If you owned a very expensive horse do you want some knuckleheads name pulled out of a hat?  Hell no you don't!  I would be for a post draw before the start of racing for the evening.  You'd see a lot less scratches.  Horses must have anxiety as many scratch sick from getting the 8-hole.   

I think you may be a little biased about "knuckleheads drivers" at Yonkers. Personally I think abilities are a lot closer than what the stats show. Lets put say little Jimmy Marohn-on all leading trainer and inside draw horses---he would quickly become or at least elevate himself considerably up the ladder.
So Im all for having a draw pulled out of a circulating  ball-15 minutes before the first race in front of observers in the paddock. I also wouldnt mind a driver draw for the lesser quality races---eliminating the fear a trainer may have having his best horse driven by a driver he would never use normally.

[Harness racer]

I think you may be a little biased about "knuckleheads drivers" at Yonkers. Personally I think abilities are a lot closer than what the stats show. Lets put say little Jimmy Marohn-on all leading trainer and inside draw horses---he would quickly become or at least elevate himself considerably up the ladder.
So Im all for having a draw pulled out of a circulating  ball-15 minutes before the first race in front of observers in the paddock. I also wouldnt mind a driver draw for the lesser quality races---eliminating the fear a trainer may have having his best horse driven by a driver he would never use normally.

You never stated this idea was specific to Yonkers.  I agree most would win on those gassed up rockets.  I'm talking about having a driver draw for a 50-claimer at Dover and getting Ceba Horsey.  What owner would want that on their investment?

[dinkadoo]

Thoughts on driver draw as well as post position draw for every race.

I thought of this also --- with a twist -- do it after the windows close and the horse have warmed up -- go straight to the gate and race...

But then - I would never wager of a race if I didn't know who the driver was ---

[wiseowl]

I will put who I want to drive my horse I pay the bills end of story.

[Harness racer]

I will put who I want to drive my horse I pay the bills end of story.

Exactly what I was saying.  But I wouldn't mind a late post draw.  Although I would think it would hurt the handle for those who bet early and handicap based on post draws.  Especially on half-mile tracks.

[Bitter Truth]

Please. The handles are shit now. So let's virtually end any advanced wagering done now. Expect the handicapper to play catch-up, one race at a time. What about pic 3's 4's 5' 6's doubles? Really really stupid and impossible to implement idea.

[Harness racer]

Post draws just prior to start of racing...not each race.

[rainman2]

I think you may be a little biased about "knuckleheads drivers" at Yonkers. Personally I think abilities are a lot closer than what the stats show. Lets put say little Jimmy Marohn-on all leading trainer and inside draw horses---he would quickly become or at least elevate himself considerably up the ladder.
So Im all for having a draw pulled out of a circulating  ball-15 minutes before the first race in front of observers in the paddock. I also wouldnt mind a driver draw for the lesser quality races---eliminating the fear a trainer may have having his best horse driven by a driver he would never use normally.

Quite a few of the other “2nd tier” drivers would be ‘elevated’!  Names on request.

[toothman]

 

I will put who I want to drive my horse I pay the bills end of story.

[Meadow Ford]

 

I will put who I want to drive my horse I pay the bills end of story.

[Meadow Ford]

IMHO
Driver draws will never ever fly!
The top drivers will never stand to be put up on 40 to 1 shots for trainers and or owners they can't stand!
The trainers and owners will never stand for their horses to be driven by drivers they can't stand!
There is a lot of hate out there between drivers, trainers, and owners!

[Winners Win]

I still think getting rid of catch drivers is the way to go.  This would also help get rid of paper trainers that never sit behind horses cause they can't drive their horse in a race.

[rainman2]

Look at the driving colonies of EVERY track in North America now compared to many years ago.  There are only a few good drivers at each track to begin with today.  Now go to Meadowlands in December 2023 and January 2024.  Look how bad the driving colony was/is there now!  I owned a horse in partnership at The Meadowlands in 12-23 and 1-24, and looking to see who was driving your horse was painful to wait out and eventually see when the drivers and morning line were finalized.