Crist Opines on Canterbury's Two Moves & the Breeders' Cup

In the DRF today, Steve Crist highlighted two huge moves by Canterbury Park. First he lauded the takeout reduction:

"Canterbury is well positioned to show substantial gains. It has had virtually no national simulcasting presence, so almost any business from players wanting to vote their approval of the new rates will be entirely new business. "

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What he touched on next was even more compelling. Canterbury also was considering a "jackpot" bet at high takeout, but after discussing the bet with players, they decided just this week to scrap it.

This is a bold move. Canterbury wants to be known as horseplayer friendly by returning more money to customers when they hit a bet. That increased balance on your voucher (or in your ADW account) will be rebet, encouraging more churn. With a jackpot bet, it kills churn, so on-track players especially may be saving more on one hand, but betting it from the other into a terrible bet.  It kind of destroys the whole concept.

So far the Minnesota track has made some good moves. With the reverse on the jackpot just this week, they're keeping the momentum going.

There is a new Horseplayer Monthly coming out in May. We'll have Barry Meadow and the usual columnists, but we're adding a preview of the Canterbury meet, with stats and more. If you want the magazine delivered in your inbox free, you can visit our magazine page here. 

Good luck and good racing everyone.