Author Topic: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?  (Read 18769 times)

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wizardofoz

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Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« 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?

rainman2

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #1 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.
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Billsmafia

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #2 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?

rainman2

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #3 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.

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Lockedin with Pace

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #4 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.

rainman2

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #5 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.
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Bitter Truth

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #6 on: June 23, 2026, 05:52:19 PM »
You want some cheese with that whine Wizard?

rainman2

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #7 on: June 23, 2026, 06:00:27 PM »
No thank you!

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

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #8 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

rainman2

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #9 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!
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andrew

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #10 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

rainman2

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #11 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!

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andrew

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #12 on: June 23, 2026, 06:15:22 PM »
 11.wp 11.wp 11.wp

blame others as usual

rainman2

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #13 on: June 23, 2026, 06:19:37 PM »
11.wp 11.wp 11.wp

blame others as usual

No, that's you and Trump!
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andrew

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Re: Time for a change in size of stakes fields?
« Reply #14 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

 

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