Saturday, November 11, 2023
Aqueduct (New York):
Anytime there is pari-mutual wagering there are state bodies involved. Whether incentives are involved, that is tricky. State chambers' of commerce are intertwined with tourism and that leads to attracting such events. Additionally, since the event is always held in North America, weather is attractive to Europeans (California takes that lead) while history/sales is another important commodity (Kentucky is unmatched).
But weather is a determining factor and that leads to reduced opportunities. It is such an important event that the risks are likely unwanted if going to any place such as Delaware to New York or Texas. I remember in my distant youth when the Super Bowl was played in Florida, California, Louisiana and maybe Texas. Now, it is up for grabs. Stanley Cup in mid-to-late June? Unthinkable 40 or 50 years ago. Which leads to another outside-the-box moment. Move the event to Labor Day weekend or close to it. Other events would have to be rescheduled and that could cause chaos initially but who wouldn't want to be on the Jersey Shore in early September? Or Woodbine (surfaces permitted). Or Saratoga, the ultimate untouched hot spot. That is if the committee and tracks feel the event needs refreshening by venue. To the average or fringe fan, a rotation of Kentucky and California is likely inconsequential. To the die-hards, it is probably a snooze-fest but we get over it. To the connections, it is unbeatable. Put New York, San Diego/Los Angeles and Lexington on a tally sheet and almost all ballots would have NY third in desirability as currently situated and right now, Belmont is probably the leading option once construction is complete unless Gulfstream wants to bid.