things change, they ALWAYS DO
 

Everything changes
I have just about every American Racing Manual from the time Dr.Fager was an impressive baby (1965) to the
present and OFTEN go back to review the way basic racing has changed;

Races are faster, particularly the early fractions.

Races are shorter: a lamentable fact that some venues are finally understanding is a mistake.

East/West rivalries are in serious decline: Time was that Anita alone brought some of the best from each source together.

Handicaps are a real joke: if a charge gets over 124, they decline and go elsewhere (Would Forego clean up or what?).

There are TOO many high prices baby races with participants who disappear befroe we even get to know them.

European participants in North American races are gettng better all the time.on all surfaces.

The jury is still out on the artiticial surfaces as they have yet to prove that they are that much safer.

The breed is in serious decline in ruggedness and stamina, PARTLY due to the overuse of drugs allowing historical cripples to continue racing and then breeding back those tendencies into the gene pool. This year all German stallions were required to list if their performances had been enhanced with medication as a warning to prsopective matings.Some one is catching on thank goodness.