BBRS Offseason Stuff

[Knightmare]

In the next week, or two or three, depending work I will be hammering out the 2016 schedule. When I do this I try to evaluate the divisions, race distances, and look at possible race additions. I am also going to do a Winter Season of some sorts.

Tentatively I think Bargie Day will be March 12, 2016. This is 8 weeks from the first Saturday in May and has been the traditional starting point. This is when the first two year old races will be scheduled.

I would like feedback on the following items....

The idea for holding synthetic races maybe even stakes races was brought up. I probably enter less than 10 synthetic races a year with my stables so I have not really considered it much for the series. I am open if many of you would like to see a couple of races. My initial thought would be to have one here and there through out the schedule as allowances.

Adding a 3yr old only Dirt stakes for both fillies and colts on the same day as the 100 Gunieas. This would give us a traditional American triple crown type run with 3 consecutive dirt rates. To this point the triple crown would have been Derby, 100 Guineas, New Yorker.

Thinking about the turf races offered to 3yr olds, 6f Bourbon Trail, 8f 100 Guineas and 12f Bargain Turf Derby. I am not sure I will do anything this year however this seems an odd triple crown of sorts for turf runners. Plus there is 7 weeks between the Guineas and Turf Derby. The main reason is to allow dirt runners who participated in the New Yorker try the turf derby.


I will have a winter schedule this year that starts Dec 26 with the Bargain Exchange.In the past I have shut down and take a break over the winter but we ran a couple dates last year and it was no big deal. No stakes over the winter but I think the schedule will look at bringing the three year olds along and I thought about adding a couple of starter allowance races with race dates of Jan 23, Feb 20 I will get this schedule done very soon so you know and can point runners to races.

[mtk76]

I like the downtime of the series gives me a chance to rest the good ones, cull the bad ones and then bring them back for the next year's campaign. Has become a right of passage.

[glenncraven]

I think a handful of synthetic races would be enjoyable, though not very many would be necessary. I'd card them at locations where there are synthetic surfaces in real life (i.e. Illinois to simulate Arlington and Ontario to simulate Woodbine), but that's me.

I think a small winter schedule is good to keep things lively, or for the odd 3-year-old that was a late-bred 2-year-old, or horses that missed some time in the latter half of the previous season and need to work their way back into shape.

Obviously the way you have been doing this is already great, Morgan, so I would guess your judgment is trusted by most of us.

[fastnfirm]

Hi Morgan, on board for the Bargain Exchange! Are there any hints you can give us for planning purposes? Races for 2yos and older horses? Maiden claimers and open claimers? One host track or many? Thanks

[viento]

Another fun year of racing Morgan and thanks.

I enter horses in very few synthetic run races so I'm not to keen on this type of racing but will gladly go with the consensus.

I like the idea of adding a dirt race on Guineas day to make it a more traditional dirt triple crown and really like a proposed change to the turf triple crown side. I think one would have to breed a bargain "freak" to complete the turf crown based on the races being in the sprint, route and long turf distances.

The only suggestion I have for races is possibly adding a stakes sprint race on the turf (6-7f) for fillies and mares only. I don't think we have ever had one of these races on our Bargain schedule.

[Knightmare]

I have not separated out turf sprints for fillies and mares. I have always thought good turf sprinting fillies hold their own with the boys. However that might be old school. I like the potential of a single race during the season.

[planoaxius]

I also think, that fillies can keep up with colts in sprint races.

Personally, I think it would be nice to have 12F+ turf race for fillies...but may be it is just a feeling, because I have competitive filly right now .
What I miss for some time is a dirt equivalent to Wombat Cup. The longest stakes race on dirt is 12F. Of course, there is The Hinterland...but it is just allowance. May be, to change it to stakes would be nice .

But in general, the amount of races is great. We can always complain..that there is more options for sprinters and milers, not enough races for fillies etc...but it has to be considered that this all stands only on Morgan's shoulders.

It was another great year. I wish the series to attract more regular players in 2016. This residency would really deserve it. Personally, The Sim would lose half of its fun without it.

Thanks Morgan and all the players. All the best in 2016 .

[Knightmare]

two winter dates and these will be three year old only heavy. lots of maidens for regular and offspring. Bargie Day will be March 12, getting that schedule together still.