Mar 292010
When Monmouth announced their plans to run a shortened meet this year, it was not only a departure from tradition for them but a deliberate move towards a more refined (think EuroAsian) way of racing that attracts thousands to races even on weekdays.
And with stall applications in today, we have proof that it’s attracting trainers too. All the usual summer shore suspects are there, but there are a few surprises: namely Bob Baffert.
Baffert coming East isn’t shocking – he spent the summer in Saratoga a few years ago when his main owner Ahmed Zayat essentially boycotted the new PolyTrack surface at Del Mar. And he does have a permanent stall (or two) reserved in New York in the barn of John Terranova.
What’s surprising to me is this:
Monmouth runs 50 dates between May 22 – September 6
Saratoga runs 40 dates between July 23 – September 6
That’s a lot of overlap!
Taking a look at Baffert’s numbers, though, his choice may not be such a shock after all…
| Starts | Win | Place | Show | Earnings | |
| Monmouth (since ’97) | 16 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 5,114,610 |
| Saratoga (since ’91) | 66 | 16 | 6 | 15 | 2,337,415 |
I do have to wonder, however, if this doesn’t signal a larger shift in Horseman’s thinking.
With all the trouble at NYRA and no solution in sight, perhaps trainers are going to be looking at traditionally smaller tracks. We saw this happen when Pennsylvania and West Virginia got slots – suddenly Penn National, Philly Park, and Charles Town didn’t look so bad.
Truly the only thing Saratoga and Monmouth share is the overwhelming feeling that you’re walking through history. When it comes to tradition: Saratoga is to glitz and glamour, as Monmouth is to cozy and intimate.
Bob Baffert isn’t one to fear running outside his comfort zone – proven this year by shipping Lookin at Lucky and Conveyance to stakes wins at Oaklawn Park.
I just hope his trying the Jersey Shore is limited to the track and not the spray tan.
Interesting article! I always enjoy reading your posts.
I am so glad I found this blog, I agree with you Jennifer, I very much enjoy her style, and point of view. Looking forward to following along each chance I get.
uQNDDs Good point. I hadn’t thoguht about it quite that way.
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