Does ANYBODY KNOW if NBC plans on televising the races on the DERBY UNDERCARD?
MOST notably the RACES MAKING UP the Pick 3 and Pick 4 ending with the DERBY?
OR will NBC foresake these RACES so we can be treated to JERRY BAILEY\'S insipid
and self serving analysis?
(This post a subtle tribute to my favorite poster from the other side, VP 612.
HIS posts look like RANSOM NOTES where the KIDNAPPERS cut out letters from
newspapers and magazines to CONCEAL their IDENTITY.)
On a serious note, hope the fillies stay with their own gender which would make
the Oaks a great betting race
ESPN will be carrying four live races Friday including the Oaks and five hours of Derby undercard races Saturday starting at NOON eastern.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espntv/espnGuide
Thanks, Unc, thats good news.
Looks like a big day at Living Room Downs next Saturday.
Richiee. It will only be a blissful day in the Living Room if the Tracknet dude\'s and the Horseman can hammer out an 11th hour arrangement, allowing for internet based wagering on this year\'s Derby. I\'m surprised this hasn\'t become a thread on here yet but how insane is it that Chruchill\'s OWN internet gaming division (Twinspires) might not be able to offer online wagering on their biggest two days? This portion of the industry is so jacked up, it\'s no wonder why fringe players lose interest or succumb to confusion
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/DERBYFUN/804220372/1037/SPORTS08
Buck -
I think the fact that Twinspires is affiliated with CD is a big part of the problem. Horsemen nationally (like most observers) have recognized that, because rates charged for signals are so low, handle through ADW\'s makes a much smaller contribution to purses than traditional handle. Horsemen would therefore like to see the rates charged to ADW\'s increased. But, since both CD and Magna (CD\'s Tracknet partner) now have their own ADW affiliates, they have less incentive to see ADW rates go up. They would presumably like to see more handle go through their ADW\'s at low rates, so they can pay the horsemen less. The horsemen are trying to use their federal right of consent to simulcast contracts to force the issue.
Given how much money is at stake for both sides, I could see this going on for a while. I\'ve read that the Kentucky horsemen have offered a special deal for the full Derby and Oaks cards, but CD gives the appearance of wanting to play hardball.
The whole issue is huge for the industry, including bettors. To the extent that ADW fees go up, rebates will have to come down.
Glad I renewed my seats for oaks and derby this year.