[discostu]

NFL teams have missed the playoffs in one conference only to watch a team with a worse record not only make the playoffs in the other conference but get to the SB and even win it.

Each race has their qualifying rules. Even in the old days there were horses that ran at Belmont and not the other two. In the era of the “super horse” they didn’t tend to contend, but they were there.

Horseracing is losing popularity because it’s actually kind of boring. There’s 2 minutes of race and 10 minutes of setup and then 2 more minutes of race. Add to that the frequency with which horses get injured, and those injuries result in death. And then you spread Indian casinos all over the country so people can get their gamble on someplace other than the track. A Crown winner might gin up excitement for a couple of years, or maybe not. Part of what makes the Crown exciting now is it’s been so long since it’s been won, once somebody wins it the drought is over, it might even become common again, which gets rid of suspense.

[ponygirl]

Doesn't matter. Once you get to the playoffs, you play all the way through until you lose. Except for the initial bye game, you get no passes during playoffs. And none of those teams that didn't make the playoffs are suddenly allowed in once it has begun.

As Chromes owner said, horses have to earn enough points to qualify for the Derby. Once you're in, that should be the field for the Triple Crown. No spoilers allowed.

[morphing libertarian]

I always tape it. The show is 2.5 hours with a 2 min race. Sing the dam song and start the race.