The 2023 George Morton Levy (aka Borgata) Open FFA Pacing Series

[gogasgoboom]

Two consolations for the Borgata. How common is that?

[Senator Blutarsky]

Two consolations for the Borgata. How common is that?

It's a good question, and infers from what we all have seen not that often, I'm going to call their racing sec tomorrow.  But classy, and brilliant from a marketing strategy, MGM, Borgata, the name is out there the news more and more and the horses available, connections appreciative.

The best welfare racing around, casino, state lottery $, they're grabbing it while they can...  

[onabrake]

It's a good question, and infers from what we all have seen not that often, I'm going to call their racing sec tomorrow.  But classy, and brilliant from a marketing strategy, MGM, Borgata, the name is out there the news more and more and the horses available, connections appreciative.

The best welfare racing around, casino, state lottery $, they're grabbing it while they can...

Honestly, the series itself is great but in general the best welfare racing around is quite a stretch to say the least. Yes, the quality of horse and driver is top notch, but compare the actual racing to a place like Northfield and there is zero comparison. The racing itself is the most boring out there with the 7 and 8 hole being tossed and zero movement until the 5/8ths in many races.the handle is abysmal and when a place like Monticello outhandles you on a regular basis that is very telling. Yes it truly is the "best" welfare racing around for purse dollars, but it is a perfect example of why the sport has fallen flat, outside of this series.

[Senator Blutarsky]

Honestly, the series itself is great but in general the best welfare racing around is quite a stretch to say the least. Yes, the quality of horse and driver is top notch, but compare the actual racing to a place like Northfield and there is zero comparison. The racing itself is the most boring out there with the 7 and 8 hole being tossed and zero movement until the 5/8ths in many races.the handle is abysmal and when a place like Monticello outhandles you on a regular basis that is very telling. Yes it truly is the "best" welfare racing around for purse dollars, but it is a perfect example of why the sport has fallen flat, outside of this series.

I was referring to "welfare" as subsidized racing lol.  Like people on welfare, I'm with you a 100% on the other meaning, what you are trying to convey, I grew up in NYC, I don't bet the tracks there much but follow horses where they land and stakes races.  I like T-bred mdn special weight and stakes, and Mohawk, and stakes races and horses I follow and again where they land.  I'm adaptable though, do I, we have a choice?    

[Senator Blutarsky]

Two consolations for the Borgata. How common is that?

As promised I called the Yonkers race office, and spoke with the Racing Secretary Joe Frasure, Jr..  A very nice guy, approachable, and transparent, and a lifer in the industry.  He went on on, was awesome, stories about harness racing as a trainer, other leadership roles at the track, rubs elbows with T-brd judges too, knows Todd Pletcher...great stuff.  Here's his bio (below) and if ever a question call 914-968-4200, opt. 2, then 4 to speak with him.

https://www.ustrotting.com/directors/directors_bio.cfm?dis=8A&memid=29

As per the second consolation, he says it's been happening for the last 3 years.  As long as a horse is entered into the Borgata, paid their $5000, and $1000 to race in each elimination, they get rewarded with the second consolation race.  All the money paid in fees goes toward the respective race purses.  He mentioned it was Jimmy Freight getting injured that opened the door for AE This Is The Plan, and he agreed with what I've been saying, "a very nice horse", with bad racing luck last year.    

[gogasgoboom]

As promised I called the Yonkers race office, and spoke with the Racing Secretary Joe Frasure, Jr..  A very nice guy, approachable, and transparent, and a lifer in the industry.  He went on on, was awesome, stories about harness racing as a trainer, other leadership roles at the track, rubs elbows with T-brd judges too, knows Todd Pletcher...great stuff.  Here's his bio (below) and if ever a question call 914-968-4200, opt. 2, then 4 to speak with him.

https://www.ustrotting.com/directors/directors_bio.cfm?dis=8A&memid=29

As per the second consolation, he says it's been happening for the last 3 years.  As long as a horse is entered into the Borgata, paid their $5000, and $1000 to race in each elimination, they get rewarded with the second consolation race.  All the money paid in fees goes toward the respective race purses.  He mentioned it was Jimmy Freight getting injured that opened the door for AE This Is The Plan, and he agreed with what I've been saying, "a very nice horse", with bad racing luck last year.   

 

[The Thorn]

Here's a little task to test anybodys power of observation if you are bored or just like to watch a great horse race. 

If your betting platform supports replays go to the replays of the first two or three legs of this series of the divisions that Backstreet Shadow was in (or any race he was in his whole career). 

Watch him down the backstretch around the quarter pole where he's following horses in single file and you get the best overall view, and compare him to all the other horses visually.  Do you notice anything? If so post what you see here. 

[Senator Blutarsky]

Here's a little task to test anybodys power of observation if you are bored or just like to watch a great horse race. 

If your betting platform supports replays go to the replays of the first two or three legs of this series of the divisions that Backstreet Shadow was in (or any race he was in his whole career). 

Watch him down the backstretch around the quarter pole where he's following horses in single file and you get the best overall view, and compare him to all the other horses visually.  Do you notice anything? If so post what you see here.

I watched his last race, taken way back and unlike the 6 Idealsomemagic who was pulling hard half the race and ready to run the rest, BS looked like a monster, easy to control, and ready to roll, very relaxed and maybe better than the 6 even despite the finish.

To me, seriously looked like BS was smiling.  Like this -->   

[The Thorn]

Not even close ... do the task .. then report.

[Senator Blutarsky]

Not even close ... do the task .. then report.

I did, you asked what I saw, that's my report of what I saw his last race, is this a game show?   

[The Thorn]

No prize .. just a test of observation.  Watch again at a place where you can see everybody and compare him to everybody not just one horse.  Yes he looked relaxed etc but thats not what I'm going for.  I will post the "answer" later but want to give people a chance to look and post if they see fit.

[Senator Blutarsky]

No prize .. just a test of observation.  Watch again at a place where you can see everybody and compare him to everybody not just one horse.  Yes he looked relaxed etc but thats not what I'm going for.  I will post the "answer" later but want to give people a chance to look and post if they see fit.

His head looks about 1/2 the size of the other horses on a third watch.  If I lose the "test of observation", I'm ok with it.  Stack it up against all my other loses and you can climb to the moon with out a Space X flight.     

[The Thorn]

You get a pass as his last race is a bad example because there is another horse who is doing the same rare thing, not to mention the horrible resolution of replays.  In the earlier legs it is  easier to see something about him is different

[Senator Blutarsky]

You get a pass as his last race is a bad example because there is another horse who is doing the same rare thing, not to mention the horrible resolution of replays.  In the earlier legs it is  easier to see something about him is different

That his front legs are always extended, knees not bending.  I watched the 4/10/23 race 3 at Yonkers just now.  I figure I'll keep guessing since no one else is, that means if in the off chance I win after 7 billion tries I get a grand prize of plop.    

[The Thorn]

      

BINGO

Yes, he almost never bends his knees.  It results in a longer stride and being lighter on his feet.  Sometimes all the other horses look like their in a marching band.  It's the secret to his success and why it doesn't matter who his trainer is. He just glides along whether he's going fast or slow. It's his natural flawless and beautiful gait.

No billion dollar prize but thanks for playing.