We might need this provision

[Doomed]

I thought this was quite interesting. I'm not sure if we have a similar policy in NZ, but we will probably need one soon.

It is the policy of the American Graded Stakes Committee that a race that is scheduled for the turf course but is moved to the dirt track after the closing of nominations because the turf course is unsuitable for racing, is automatically downgraded one level for that running only. The American Graded Stakes Committee will, however, promptly review the running of any race that is automatically downgraded as a result of this policy and may reinstate its former status.

The Commonwealth Turf Stakes: Per American Graded Stakes Committee policy, the Nov. 27 renewal of the Commonwealth Turf Stakes, which had been designated as a grade 3 race on grass before it was switched to the main track due to rainy weather, was automatically downgraded to listed status and was conducted as a listed stakes race.

The American Graded Stakes Committee has reviewed the off-the-turf renewal and has determined that the original grade 3 status will not be reinstated for this renewal.

[Freda]

Do you think we will have many left to worry about, soon?

Looking at the ratings of the 1000 Gns field, it could hardly be termed a worthy Grp 1.

Only two fillies rated above 68 - the first [84] and second [77] placegetters.

[Doomed]

2 hours ago, Freda said:

Do you think we will have many left to worry about, soon?

Looking at the ratings of the 1000 Gns field, it could hardly be termed a worthy Grp 1.

Only two fillies rated above 68 - the first [84] and second [77] placegetters.

So the $100,000 increase in stake didn't really achieve a lot then.

[Special Agent]

It is quite short sighted to think throwing money at the Group and Listed races on a warning is always going to fix the problem.  There are many other factors to be considered.

Sometimes the field is just not Group quality and any amount of money will not rectify it.

[Freda]

1 hour ago, Doomed said:

So the $100,000 increase in stake didn't really achieve a lot then.

Nope.

[Chief Stipe]

4 hours ago, Freda said:

Do you think we will have many left to worry about, soon?

Looking at the ratings of the 1000 Gns field, it could hardly be termed a worthy Grp 1.

Only two fillies rated above 68 - the first [84] and second [77] placegetters.

To be fair because of how the ratings system works often 3yr old early season Group winners don't have high ratings.  It is where they end up later that counts.

[Kihikihi Kid]

Do we need to run the 1000 & 2000 Guineas later in the season, will that help ?

[Freda]

No, not at all...IMO.

The retention of smart young horses has to be the biggest issue, which for all the reasons discussed here, is dropping all the time.

But a decent two year old programme ( especially in the south where it is abysmal ) ) would be a big asset, firstly in giving some incentive to race a nice youngster here, and secondly,  providing a platform where exposed form and competition could push ratings up.