Can anyone tell me why the times are way faster than last year? Just wondering if the timer was the same or the ground was better? Cause last year if you has a 13.9 it was a probably enough to get back to the performances and now that was not even close.

I don't know but it has gotten faster every year. When this first started 13.8-13.9 was blazing and  a low 14.1 could get in. Last year 13.9s were able to get in. I know at our big races here - same pattern and timers the same- the times have gotten faster over the last few years too! Interesting but fun to watch

Short answer:

Competition breeds quality.

We went and the ground was the BEST I have ever seen in years of going there.  I wondered if maybe the timer was set differently even slightly?  who knows but it was good watchin!

This is the first year they've used the widows and they are using a new watering system.

It's about time they got a watering system in there... and I haven't seen the black widows either, Ive run there alot and I  bet the ground was a big role too... Every time I have run there the ground is really good, but I think they prepped that like they never have.  I've seen 13.5 in there at the races I have been too... The horses are getting faster, but the ground is important as well. It was electric to watch.