Head Start Newbies?

In the last few weeks, brought on by the deals made for owners' stallions, the subject of giving new players a leg up has been debated once again. Should new players be given two horses, his or her pick from the racers at Endless Vista, or should they be given the allotted $200,000 and made to purchase their horses like some veterans did?

Well, the truth in that all veterans had to purchase their first horses isn't the case for all. Many stables quite literally took over another and were given up to five horses. Myself? When I first began was given the choice of three horses from a pool of five or six. In my recent re-start I was allowed to choose two racers from the EV horses.

So yes, there have been some players who have had to purchase their horses in the end of year Auction. But I believe that some of the new players (those in the last few weeks) are also buying their first horses at this year’s auction – correct me if I’m wrong.

Personally, I’m not sure where I stand on giving horses to new players. It is upsetting to see a upstart stable become a TC winner in their first year by a draw of luck, when others who have been playing for years waiting for their break – as some players have experienced; however, such is horse racing or any equine sport.

It’d be nice if all new players were given a nice G3/G2 pair of racers, or could buy a nice pair of dependable racers. Or were able to buy a horse that consistently placed in the money But is that the reality? If a stable were to start mid-season, would they have the opportunity to buy a horse that would keep them afloat? Only time will surely tell.

As our PF-world constantly expands so will the number of horses in our community. I believe that we will start to see a clearer definition of G1 racers vs. G2 racers and then G3 and so on. But with the expansion of PF becomes a clearer and clearer line of those who are established and those who are not.

Yes, many a few years ago, had to start from scratch. But I believe that it was also easier to get ahead. There were fewer truly established stables with dozens of strong racers and a long-term breeding plan in effect.

Today new players face a plethora of stables that have monies in the millions and tens of millions. They have funds to spend and dozens of horses at their disposable; clearly they have an advantage.

There must be a middle ground to allow new players the chance of becoming an established stable, without undermining the hard work of the veteran players.

A bit help with the breeding side of the game seems to be the easiest way that most veteran players show/give to the “novice” players. Personally, I like the idea – it’s better than handing over a polished two year old.