Smarty Jones Good for gambling.

[wilheim]

Whenever there's a popular horse like Smarty Jones making a run for the Triple Crown, it's good news for the gambling industry. But Smarty could shake things up beyond the off-track betting parlors and sports books.

People in Pennsylvania have gone crazy for the horse. About 8,000 went to Philadelphia Park last weekend to watch Smarty gallop around his home track. His trainer has been deluged with requests for endorsements and hoofprints (apparently, that's the horse version of an autograph, the track's press agent told a newspaper reporter) .

Democrats in Pennsylvania hope to parlay Smarty's popularity into legalizing slot machines at the state's racetracks. Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat, was elected in 2002 after promising to cut property taxes and offsetting the loss of revenue by expanding legalized gambling.

The Legislature couldn't pass a racino bill last year. Now that Smarty has renewed interest in horse racing, the bill may have an easier time, because racetrack slots are seen as crucial to keeping the sport of kings alive.

"Smarty Jones may not know it, but his efforts on the track could soon lead to more jobs and lower property taxes for Pennsylvanians," according to an e-mail sent to House Democrats and quoted in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

AP News story.

 

[Dante]

nice read wil..I think racing is setting him up to win this ..JMHO

 

[wilheim]

Throughbred racing has a lot to gain if Smarty Jones wins. On top of popular Seabiscuit movie and book, a triple crown winner is just what the sport needs.


wil.

 

[Fezzik]

-280 to win it all and it has just started to steam.

Watch the squares wait until Saturday and lay it minus $3.80.

 

[wilheim]

FWIW - this is a feel good race for the public. If you have to bet it buy a two ticket somewhere and keep it as a souvenir. Best prop (for shits a giggles only):

Will Smarty Jones win by 20 lengths or more ?
117 Yes +980
118 No -1750 (Pinn)

Take the plus 980 for a sawbuck and root like hell.


wil.

 

[tuleythetout]

Dante:
What happened to your theory that "racing is setting him up to win this" ???

Just bustin your balls...see you in two months!

 

[RIOSHILL]

I have to believe that horse racing REALLY wanted him to win. think about all of those millions of dollars that were wagered by total squares that went down the drain. Had those neophytes not left with the sour taste of a loss, there was a decent chance that some of them might have pursued this sick sport. After they flushed their tickets, I have to beleive that they are going in another direction.

 

[tuleythetout]

Rio...of course the industry was cheering for a Triple Crown and all the follow-up media coverage and goodwill (and betting handle and memorabilia sale) it would have produced, but I was referring to some of Dante's comments in the forums such as the above and when The Cliff's Edge and Tapit were declared from the race.
I'm not crazy about conspiracy theories. If Smarty had won it, it wouldn't have been because the sport of horse racing made it easy for him, it would have been because he earned it by winning three races in five weeks over three different tracks and at three different distance, while taking the best shot of his competitors who were all gunning for him.
Purge, Rock Hard Ten and Eddington (and their connections) certainly weren't doing Smarty any favors by contesting him on the front end early and were going to make him earn it if he was to complete the Triple Crown. Which is as it should be.

 

[TheGeneral+]

The triple crown isn't a time for racing officials to try any funny business as these owners, trainers, and Jockies want the money and fame for these races unlike the vast majority of all their other races.

 

[tuleythetout]

Right...no one lays down for anybody when there's a $600,000 winner's share on the line...plus considering the 1 1/2-mile distance, that's an impressive line on the breeding resume which can lead to even more money over the next 20 years.

 

[Makers]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>The triple crown isn't a time for racing officials to try any funny business as these owners, trainers, and Jockies want the money and fame for these races unlike the vast majority of all their other races. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
respectfully disagree my Indiana friend!!!! While smaller purse races are more prone to tactics you are referring to, even in that atmosphere it is "almost" impossible to find 8-10 horsemen that would agree on anything. Assuming you find the 8-10 you would be amazed the amount of times those from within would/will break ranks. Sure there are instances regarding runners being sponged plugged-in or put on the lead etc. however I find this reminiscent of bad beats in Foots/Baskets accompanied with "Fix was in"
While we live in a society seeking the quick buck or sure thing (sic) to blanket(vast majority) an industry outside of the Triple Crown is in my belief a bit naive!

 

[TheGeneral+]

Makers,

When it comes to betting and money, I do not discount the possibility of anything.