TDN Rick Arthur Interview

[Fairmount1]

Silver et al,

The board is probably a microcosm of the entire industry.  

Drugs overtook the sport at nearly every level and location the past 5 years.  Prior to that it was happening but not this prevalent.  The inmates started running the asylum.  Meanwhile, Gamblers have found it harder and harder to win during this same time period as computer teams and rebates completely changed how profitable players pursue their profits the past decade or so.  

Many people have moved their tack to twitter with their gambling and racing opinions.  Some have drifted away from the game altogether.  Others agree that only Clowns are posting here (I had a friend tell me that a few weeks ago via phone and he implied it included me!  But no worries, I keep posting a bit. LOL.)

Racing seems to be in decline on some fronts.  The gambling numbers are pretty static it seems for total handle but when 34% of all Pick 5 handle at Del mar comes from 8 accounts at Elite Turf Club (See Pat Cummings twitter), it tells you that ordinary bettors are not growing the game.  Foal crops are way down from a decade ago, field size is way down, Arlington Park is likely closing soon and the game is not thriving.  The TG board is, in part, a reflection of where the game is at these days.  

I am guilty on the Baffert front.  But he has tested positive in the SA Derby, the Ark Derby, the Ky Oaks and Ky Derby.  That\'s quite a problem and deserves scrutiny. But I have not chased the Rose, Trump or Fox News fronts.    

Labor Day weekend was one of my favorites a few years ago at the Spa.  Very memorable weekend.  I too hope to make it at least once but with flights far different now (price and less direct options) and rental cars a disaster, it is looking less and less likely.  But one good pick 4 in the next week or so and an impulsive spur of the moment trip might be in order no matter the cost.  

If I can make it, I look forward to seeing some TG-ers at the one spot you can still enjoy a day at the races no matter the state of the game or the state of the TG Board.

[HP]

I don’t know about Fox News, but talking about Baffert positives is talking about handicapping.

I look at a race and see Baffert has a horse in there. So I’m handicapping and now I have to say, “doesn’t figure but it’s Baffert.” I’ve seen the “but it’s Baffert” comment many times, including in TG analysis. It’s a huge handicapping factor that costs money to cover and deal with all the time.

If someone is so upset about what is or isn’t on a board the solution is simple. People are like horses, they usually show their class one way or the other.

HP

[HP]

Handicapping - This year\'s BC Juvenile, Princess Noor.  How many of us included this horse?  Because it was Baffert?  And if it wasn\'t Baffert how many of us would have bet her?  My answers - Me and not me.  How many of us have done this and how much money have we blown through doing it?  Because of all this wink wink I think he\'s cheating stuff.  

In fairness to Baffert we can substitute a lot of names for \"but it\'s #$%@*&.\"  It sucks, and what racing does here is pretty important for handicapping practically every big day and lots of lesser events.  People are pissed (I\'m cracking up typing this word) and its overdue.  Unfortunately sometimes emotions get the better of everyone, but talking about the Baffert deal is relevant here, in spades.  

HP

[Silver Charm]

As I said I quit posting for a year. And as Fairmount pointed out via the others who have left the Board, some of whom I know....\"only the Clowns are Posting here\". Their words not mine.

Thanks for the usual input

[HP]

Then I’m proud to be a Clown. Your wisdom will be missed.  

HP