Belmont Turf Course

[Delmar Deb]

Does anyone have any current info on the Belmont turf course.  The last I read they were re-seeding with grass that would only take 5 days to grow...and then the rains hit.

It\'s hard for me to believe that the grass would even take with all that water.

I suppose the number of Euro\'s who actually come over to run on the turf will give me my answer, but I remember how Charlie Whittingham used to avoid the DC Intl because he called Laurel\'s beaten up course during the winter a \"bog\".  If Belmont is going to be anything like Laurel - short or no grass and not drying out - it actually can hurt the Euro\'s who like it soft and lush.

I can\'t find anything on Belmont\'s site or in DRF, Bloodhorse or TT that addresses the current status...so if any of you have been out there and seen or heard what\'s happening, I would appreciate the info.

thanks!

[HP]

By most accounts the rain is supposed to stop tmw. I would say it will be impossible for any \"re-seeding\" to have an impact in two weeks. However, I don\'t think they will let the course(s) get beat up too much. You probably will not see any turf racing this coming week (there is some more rain predicted for the middle of the week)...so at most you\'re looking at a few days of turf racing prior to the BC.

I just heard on the radio the rainfall in the past week exceeds the most in recorded history (since 1905) for the entire month of October.

HP

[Upper Nile]

DG,  This is what I heard from a few different sources.  It was only the inside/rail parts of both turf courses that was re-seeded about a week or so prior to the recent heavy rains.  There will be no more than one turf race run per day, if the weather permits, til BC day and the rail will be out 18 feet to protect the re-seeded part of the course til BC day.  

[jbelfior]

My buddy works for Accu-Weather and the pattern is supposed to change early next week where the East will stay calm for a while. Hopefully this means calm for another 15 days.



Good Luck,
Joe B.

[Barry Irwin]

No claiming races on the turf anymore this season. Only allowance and stakes.

I think if the reseeding fails, NYRA should contract Marj Everett at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and find out what kind of paint she use to spray on the HollyPark course to make it look so nice.

[richiebee]

Actually, there is an Optional Claimer and a Maiden Special carded for Thursday at Belmont on the lawn.

One of the nicest things I saw this weekend was how pumped up H. Allen Jerkens was after his Asti scored her unlikely victory in the Athenia on Saturday. After the race he gave Jorge Chavez a bear hug that likely almost broke \"Chop Chop\" in half. In his mid 70s, the Chief still loves to win, and has forgotten more about training than some of today\'s miracle workers will ever know.

[jbelfior]

If long-range outlook is correct, we are looking at another major rain storm early next week in the East. If that comes out correct, we are guaranteed to have an off turf even if it stays dry for the remaining days leading up to the 29th. Surprise, surprise...October turf course in NY.

Those negatively affected the most (off the top of my head)...ARTIE SCHILLER, WEND,SAND SPRINGS,RELAXED GESTURE, FORTY NINERS SON.


Any others you know of???



Good Luck,
Joe B.