But the Garden's quirky 180-yard track gave the meet a unique feeling, not unlike playing baseball in Fenway Park or Wrigley Field.
The wider track gave better stability on side slopes, while that increased height meant it could clear deep ruts and water really well.
The term "standing derailment" was coined to describe the toppling-over of stationary freight wagons when the track gave way beneath their wheels.Several factors had combined to bring about this sorry state of affairs.
Playing an away game at their home ground, Mumbai won the toss and batted, on the basis that a good track gave them the opportunity to put runs on the board; Chennai preferred to chase for the same reason.
The Great Man, one of Hirsch Jacobs' 2-year-olds, came to the paddock before a sprint last Saturday wearing the blanket that the track gave Stymie for the Pimlico Special nine years ago.
Repetition improved performance; the efficient conversion of yen coins into ticket stubs and the confident stride to the proper track gave rise, like the successful navigation through Mario's sewers and the ingestion of Fire Flowers and Starmen, to a pleasurable sense of competence and grace.
