Worst Breeders' Cup in History ???????

[Vince P]

Although I'll be attending my 27th straight Breeders' Cup as a fan this year in addition to riding in at least 7 of them, this undoubtedly will be the worst field of horses ever assembled for a Breeders' Cup.

Name me one legitimate stakes winner running on either November 6th or November 7th. Just one and I will give you two seats in section J or K and free dinners each night, no questions axed.

Is it because of the synthetic track?

Lack of interest because everyone's more interested in the upcoming Yankee-Dodger World Series?

Is it because of the tiny purses compared to Meydan's races next March?

A shortage of horses due to equine reproduction diseases?

Where have all the great horses like Volponi, and GhostZapper and Wild Again and Wilko and Pebbles and Lit D'Justice and Caressing gone?

Best explanation wins a trip to Lake Tahoe in addition to the aforementioned prizes.

That being said, outside of going to a game in Chavez Ravine or watching female oil wrestling, there simply is no greater sport than the Breeders' Cups.

Vince P

[White Hat]

You had me until Wilko

[Risen Star]

I don't take issue over some of the other factors you mentioned such as synthetic tracks, a world series conflict, or whatever, but I do take issue with "worse field of horses", is what I think you said.

There is no such thing, IMO. These equine athletes give their all for our enjoyment, and for many individuals' monetary gain. Perhaps some horses aren't as talented or as great as others, but let's not knock them.

I'm looking forward to the Breeders' Cup, even though I won't be attending. I only hope everybody, riders and horses, come home safe and sound.

If there is a "worst" Breeders' Cup, it's the one which has been marred by injuries and fatal breakdowns. And unfortunately we've had a few of those.

[Masterp]

I don't take issue over some of the other factors you mentioned such as synthetic tracks, a world series conflict, or whatever, but I do take issue with "worse field of horses", is what I think you said.

There is no such thing, IMO. These equine athletes give their all for our enjoyment, and for many individuals' monetary gain. Perhaps some horses aren't as talented or as great as others, but let's not knock them.

I'm looking forward to the Breeders' Cup, even though I won't be attending. I only hope everybody, riders and horses, come home safe and sound.

If there is a "worst" Breeders' Cup, it's the one which has been marred by injuries and fatal breakdowns. And unfortunately we've had a few of those.

With all do respect RS, I don't think horses give a crap about Vince P's harsh words, or others for that matter. I agree with Vince, the horses that are likely to compete do not have the same pizzaz and same accomplishments in general as horses in the past and for me it has dampened the excitement. Will I watch, sure, but when your sports #2 signature event (I'm biased towards the Derby being #1) has been marred by controversy, constant fighting within the sport, and less public participation, you are bound to have a less successful event.

Also, it seems to be much much harder to move tickets this year. That's a sure tell sign that it won't be as good an event.

[Thinkinproblem]

My vote would go for any of those events for which sloppy downpours of constant rain occurred, leaving the track, the horses, and the jocks muddy messes with fans(what few there are in the stands) standing under umbrellas. Just very depressing.

[Classy]

It will be fine all. Give the horses a break , they are trying just as hard as the horses from the past.

[Masterp]

No one doubted they aren't trying hard. But they aren't being bred, raced and challenged like they use to.

It seems some of you don't ever want horses to run. It makes me wonder why you even follow the sport.

[Risen Star]

No one doubted they aren't trying hard. But they aren't being bred, raced and challenged like they use to.

It seems some of you don't ever want horses to run. It makes me wonder why you even follow the sport.

Nobody here said we "don't ever want horses to run" so please don't put words in our mouths. I watch racing all the time, have shown my enthusiasm, and have posted about horses I've followed. I admire the athleticism and courage of all horses, and I know everyone else here does to. That's why it bothers me when there are comments made in a negative or derogatory fashion about the horses. And while they may not be aware of what we think because they don't have the same kind of intelligence as people (although sometimes I wonder), these are the innocent players in the game. I care, others care, and that matters.

We love racing as much as anyone, and I think we've made that clear. I can't speak for others, but I know I have.

[Sluggo4171]

agree Vince 117%. The depth in a few of the races is seriously lacking. Cant be a good thing when the two most competitive fields will prolly be the turf sprint and Ladies Sprint. Juvy fillies could be competitive too.

[Masterp]

RS, I apologize for putting words in your mouth, but we can find posts fairly easily with posters stating that such and such horse shouldn't be racing, or need a break, etc. We can save that discussion for another thread. Vince, my apologies for hijacking your thread.