New Day

My grandpa used to tell me stories about how fans had to pay $2 to enter the track. He always said passes were like gold, and you held on to them with both hands. It was still two dollars to make a wager, and blowing a deuce before making a bet was tough, not to mention parking, a program, and everything else. But the stands were packed every weekend.

Kentucky Downs is moving the $2 win-place-show wager to a $5 minimum this meet. After all the grumbling from racing sites and chat rooms, I don't think it will make a big difference in the end. I have to applaud the Franklin, Kentucky track. Nobody has tried to raise the win-place-show minimum wager to my knowledge, and they did right by keeping the pick-3, pick-4, and pick-5 at a 15% takeout. There will be a seven-day meet offering $37 million in purses. This year's slate features several high-stakes and graded races, including the U.S. Open of Turf Championships over Labor Day weekend, which includes the Nashville Derby, and two Breeders' Cup Challenge Series "Win and You're In" races on September 5, the Kentucky Turf Sprint Stakes (G2T) and the Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational Stakes (G2T), along with many other million-dollar races. The Nashville Derby's $3 million purse is the second largest in the U.S., according to the Bloodhorse.

Kentucky Downs is an undulating European-style track. The only thing they hope for is good weather, since there is no dirt or synthetic surface. But that's what makes it special. It's like a southern mansion, a big country fair, and a huge party all rolled into one day of top-flight races, with the best riders in the country making the trek to ride for the biggest stables. If you've never been, put it on your bucket list for the most entertaining day at the races you'll find in a long time. There are only seven days, and if you miss one, you miss a great deal.

I could see a smaller track not attempting this move. But Kentucky Downs is special unto itself. It has an ownership structure that is trying new things, and for this gambler, that's a welcome sight. Maybe the game is changing, and we'd better try some new ideas while the iron is hot. I've been reading how players say they'll bet elsewhere. Oh, I get it. If you don't do everything I like, I'll go someplace else and bet two dollars. If that's the case, you won't be playing the big-name riders for legendary stables. My guess is some bettors may skip a race, but they love the idea of chasing the big payoffs. Two tracks that come to mind are Kentucky Downs and Turfway Park with its Tapeta surface. Both are difficult to handicap, but if you hit, you can bet your hat you'll get paid handsomely.

So, after reading the articles in Horse Racing Nation, The Paulick Report, The Bloodhorse, and the Daily Racing Form, I'm of the opinion there will be a banner meet that breaks handle records. There are full fields, which are always a draw, bigger odds, and a complete betting menu. What more could you ask for? Enjoy the racing. This place is one of a kind, and you'll be on the outside looking in if you don't jump in and take a shot. I have to admit, the track is in incredible shape. Once upon a time, when it was Dueling Grounds on the Tennessee border, the course wasn't in the tip-top condition it's in now. Make the trip, watch and wager from home, but get in the game. Because after all, you can't win it unless you're in it.

See you at the races!

Ed