Santa Anita Opening Day Handle

[Silver Charm]

Interesting theory just reported by fine writer Ray Paulick. The handle of 11.5M was the lowest Opening Day since 1995.

While conceding that bad weather across the country kept some people away he believes the Increased Takeout Percentages cause a boycott.

Could be. They had a good Card and there was a return to dirt. Can\'t blame it on Synthetics and nobody know or wants to bet on it. Not sure what the On-Track was but after last weeks Census results maybe it partially because everybody is leaving Calif.....

[SoCalMan2]

I thought the increased take out does not go into effect until Jan 1.  Also, this card seemed much weaker to me than your usual Santa Anita after Christmas opening day card.  There were only 9 races -- it would not surprise me if they used to run 10 on this day.  Also, they had to lose one of the better races for attracting handle when the graded race that took off the grass got reduced to the point of a 5 horse field with a 1-5 standout. I am no expert in the area -- but that theory seems to really be a stretch to me.  Also, if there was a boycott, it was one of the quietest boycotts ever.  I certainly did not hear about it and if it was publicized, I am curious where the organizers of the alleged boycott chose to do their communications.

[Funny Cide]

SoCalMan2 Wrote:
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> I thought the increased take out does not go into
> effect until Jan 1.  Also, this card seemed much
> weaker to me than your usual Santa Anita after
> Christmas opening day card.  There were only 9
> races -- it would not surprise me if they used to
> run 10 on this day.  Also, they had to lose one of
> the better races for attracting handle when the
> graded race that took off the grass got reduced to
> the point of a 5 horse field with a 1-5 standout.
> I am no expert in the area -- but that theory
> seems to really be a stretch to me.  Also, if
> there was a boycott, it was one of the quietest
> boycotts ever.  I certainly did not hear about it
> and if it was publicized, I am curious where the
> organizers of the alleged boycott chose to do
> their communications.

PaceAdvantage.com.  That\'s where handicappers congregate to air their grievances (constantly) about racing.  They\'re loudly pushing the boycott over there.  They think today\'s numbers prove their boycott\'s working when the things you mention (1 more race last year, the big turf race taken off and reduced to 5 with a 1-5 fav, crappy weather on both coast, OTBs closed in NY, etc) probably had much more to do with the numbers.

[P-Dub]

We\'re also dealing with a change in track surface.  I think many players want to see how the track is playing before playing with any sort of confidence. I mean 1:06 and change??  Do you really want to pour money thru the windows when you see these types of times??

[Kasept]

In addition to all those very apparent explanations, add in that last year\'s opener was on a Saturday.

[Silver Charm]

A lot of people are upset about it. I\'m surprised no here cares. When does it begin to matter? 30% or 35% takeout? Maybe the CHRB should try it and see and if they have to revert back to previous percentages they tell the horseplayer he is getting a Tax Cut!

I mean we are all idiots right?

Several people on the string said the person to talk to about this was Jerry Brown. So I thought I would bring it up!

[miff]

\"I mean we are all idiots right?\"


The general thinking of the clueless clown politicians/racetracks CEO\'s is that players/gamblers are the lowest item on the racing food chain.Having no meaningful organization, spread out across the country, players are up against it.

Some pro gamblers, having to absorb another 2% takeout, may just throw in the Santa Anita towel. If the pro\'s and whales leave in numbers, the clueless clowns will be in for a real shock and that may be only 50+ high handle players.

Politicians, Racetrack CEO\'s and horsemen(to a lesser extent) all look to players to absorb the next \"hit\" to fund their shortfalls due to their collective incompetency.

Re the handle, Pro Football is an attractive Sunday betting alternative which may have been another factor.

Mike

[kensharkey]

can you say clueless clowns here?

[SoCalMan2]

Funny Cide Wrote:
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> SoCalMan2 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------

> PaceAdvantage.com.  That\'s where handicappers
> congregate to air their grievances (constantly)
> about racing.  They\'re loudly pushing the boycott
> over there.  They think today\'s numbers prove
> their boycott\'s working when the things you
> mention (1 more race last year, the big turf race
> taken off and reduced to 5 with a 1-5 fav, crappy
> weather on both coast, OTBs closed in NY, etc)
> probably had much more to do with the numbers.

Thanks for the heads up on this.  I will go check it out.  I do think concerted effort by horseplayers makes a lot of sense and am very curious about it.  Maybe it makes sense to try to set up a website -- something like -- HorseplayerBoycott.com -- or the like.  I recall efforts like this before.  I am happy to begin boycotting Santa Anita, although I think it would have biggest impact and oomph to wait until Jan 1.

[Rich Curtis]

http://playersboycott.org/

[SoCalMan2]

Rich Curtis Wrote:
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> http://playersboycott.org/


This is awesome!  Thanks!

[Boscar Obarra]

Only two reasons not to care about the takeout.

 An ego so big , that no takeout can faze it.

 Access to so much inside dope, that a 50% take would still leave you room to breath.

 Anyone here have either of these problems?

[Rick B.]

Boscar Obarra Wrote:
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> Only two reasons not to care about the takeout.

Are you sure about that?

What if a player\'s rebate is (more or less) scaled to the takeout at each track? Such a player might be privately rooting for higher takeout, no?

[asfufh]

Moving in the right direction:
http://www.gulfstreampark.com/racing/race-info/news/gulfstream-announces-2011-wagering-menu

[Boscar Obarra]

Well, maybe. The resulting smaller pools might not do you any good, unless you assume a higher take will scare away only the smartest players. In that case , you might be better off with a 30% takeout, with a 25% rebate.

Rick B. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Boscar Obarra Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Only two reasons not to care about the takeout.
>
> Are you sure about that?
>
> What if a player\'s rebate is (more or less) scaled
> to the takeout at each track? Such a player might
> be privately rooting for higher takeout, no?