In a lengthy meeting on Wednesday night, the NEHBPA board discussed a revised proposal for the 2011 meet submitted by Suffolk Downs yesterday, said horsemen’s counsel Frank Frisoli in an email this morning. Another board meeting is scheduled tonight to continue deliberations. “The NEHBPA remains committed to reaching an equitable and immediate resolution of the impasse,” wrote Frisoli. Updates, as available.
1:25 PM Addendum: More from the NEHBPA (PDF). According to the posted statement, the revised proposal “reflect concessions … that Suffolk Downs was previously unwilling to make.” That doesn’t include the 100 days the horsemen have sought. Suffolk’s previous proposal was for 75-85 days.
4:15 PM Update: Time is running out for a deal, reports Lynne Snierson. Dates and money remain at issue. Frisoli told the Blood-Horse, “I see a framework for agreement here [in the latest counterproposal put on the table by Suffolk], but I do not know if our board will approve it.” The group has until the end of the week. Asked earlier today if the board is feeling pressure, Frisoli said, “I believe both sides realize the urgency of reaching a resolution.”
Bind earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 105 for his performance and a Ragozin Data performance figure of 1 1/4, which is so good it’s bad, according to Len Friedman, a partner in Len Ragozin’s The Sheets.
“The history is that it’s a negative, not a positive,†Friedman said Wednesday. “It’s more likely to affect him negatively, but who knows, maybe [Bind] is another Uncle Mo.â€
… when a first time starter like Bind apparently runs a hole in the wind, then it is logical to look toward the horses who finished behind him for validation of the big figure. But when the horses who finished behind him all have scant form that is uncertain at best, then the best thing you can do is wait until horses out of the race in question run back. Their subsequent performances will either confirm the big Beyer, or bring it into even greater question.
It’ll be at least a month before the question is answered. Until then, enjoy:
“We hope to get this resolved soon because the options moving forward become less and less attractive,” said Tuttle. “The loss of these simulcast signals is devastating to business. The longer it goes, the less likely we are to be able to conduct a live meet of any quality or duration.”
