Toga Party XI, 2013

[OTM Al]

Haven't gotten ticket notification yet as NYRA hasn't made dates officially official yet. That should happen Friday at the board meeting....among other things.

But despite the cold outside (and the ungodly heat in my apartment) its time to start planning. Especially since I just got around to ordering my Preakness weekend tickets today.

Last year's attendance wasn't great. We were missing a few regulars to be sure, so hopefully at least some of them will return this year. However, because almost no one showed on the first weekend, I think the best recourse is to cut back to a Wednesday through Sunday, 14th of August through the 18th.

What do you all think?

[badcompany]

It's probably a good idea. People are more likely to do a long weekend than an entire week, and Monday cards tend to be pretty weak. So, you're not giving up much.

[Rookies]

Al, traditionally my little posse travels on the Wednesday and as of 2012, stay for the card on Monday, before travelling back west near Syracuse.

I had already booked the trip from AU 14-20, so happy to see the crossover of dates.:ThmbUp:

[Ted Craven]

I put my ticket order in with Al for the Friday - Sunday for the Sartin gang. I should be there from at least the Thursday, with Mum. Will try to have another Friday night seminar again this year.

Ted

[OTM Al]

Got the application in right away for both the PA group and Ted's group, so the dates are as above. First true sign of spring, today's groundhog torture aside, will be when I get that package in the mail with all the tickets.

[lsosa54]

Got my notice a few days ago from the Saratoga Downtowner that my room deposit is due 3/1. Looking forward to it already.

[cj's dad]

Al,

Justin and I plan to be there Thursday thru Saturday with two non PA members if that's ok.

[JustRalph]

Al, I am going to schedule it........... what happens in the next 6 months who knows..... but I am going to try to be there.......

[OTM Al]

Al,

Justin and I plan to be there Thursday thru Saturday with two non PA members if that's ok.

Of course it is. Glad you can come this year.

[cj's dad]

Hi Al,

So many things have changed recently. My mom passed away on 1-26. I used a ton af vacation time during her illness and after her death. I then spent 5 days in the hospital with pneumonia, so most of my v-days are gone.

My best scenario is coming up on Friday and leaving after Saturdays races. I'll keep you posted.

BTW- let me know about your Preakness plans. We have to get together the Friday before; on me. Tio Pepe's is good but my hood is better.

[joeyp]

WILD HORSES CANT DRAG ME AWAY I WILL BE THERE THOSE DATES

[JustRalph]

Al, still on 14-18th ?

[Mike at A+]

This year we are thinking of driving to Finger Lakes and staying a few days before heading east to Saratoga. I think I remember some PA members saying they live in the Finger Lakes area so if anyone can offer some suggestions on where to stay, where to dine, what to see, etc., I would appreciate any advice.

[Ocala Mike]

Tom is in Canandaigua, I believe. I used to travel up there on assignments to the track and would stay near the Thruway in Victor. Some decent hotels/motels around there, and quite convenient to the track.

[Dave Schwartz]

Beth and I are trying to work this into our plans.

One potential stumbling block for us is that our son has taken a summer job in the Berkshires as a director. His gig is up the first week of August, which means we may have to come 2 weeks before the Toga Party.

Our plans are unclear at this point but we are hoping...

[OTM Al]

Al, still on 14-18th ?

Yes, those are the dates. We will be at the Big Red Spring again one of those days (can't remember which, either Wednesday or Thursday I think) as the tent was sold in its entirety to one group that day.

[Mike at A+]

Tom, tried to PM you the following but your mailbox is full.

Hi Tom,

Can you make some recommendations regarding the Finger Lakes area? We're planning on possibly spending a few days in the region before heading to Saratoga this year. Both the Mrs. and I are into wines and would like to visit some of the wineries the region is known for. Also, any recommendations for lodging, attractions and dining. We're into Italian food and most other ethnic foods except Indian (actually I love it but my wife hates it so I don't press the issue).

Thanks in advance for any advice you may have to offer...... Mike at A+

[Rookies]

THIS area is not there, but if you're interested in Wine, you are missing out by not visiting Ontario's Niagara Region. I go there most months of the year and plan to retire there.(See:http://www.niagarawineryguide.com/niagara-wineries-city/index.asp and http://ca.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-715-s&va=niagara+wineries+map When it started in the early 60s-70s, Niagara Wineries produced undrinkable dreck that you'd pop into the Stroganoff for salvage.

But, the area is on level with Burgundy, France and surrounded by three bodies of water. Today, due to careful cross breeding of the best of French & German grapes, they make fabulous Wine and (although I'm not partial to it) very good Ice Wine and at least one very good Sparkling Wine (Champagne) http://www.winealign.com/wines/19475-Jackson-Triggs-Entourage-Silver-Series-Brut-Methode-Classique-2006# , cited as a poor man's Veuve. The number of Wineries has arisen exponentially. Many are in beautiful country settings with dining rooms and tours.

Ground Zero is Niagara-on-the-Lake, a beautiful small, town which I would say is on par with Bar Harbor or Williamburg. You can go down to the town's gazebo, unpack a Lunch and quietly sip some of Niagara's finest (on the sly) while watching the sailboats cross in front of War of 1812 vintage U.S. Fort Niagara- barely 1/4 mile across the water!

The Niagara area itself has grown with many connecting offerings, including History, Theatre x 365, plus Casinos, Restaurants and and sporting events on both sides of the border.

Since I went back and forth to Luzerne County, Pa for 3 decades, I'd say it would take no more than 5-6 hours for you to get there.

[Mike at A+]

Thanks Rook. But that way be a little too west for this trip. Want to be closer to Saratoga so Finger Lakes region is where we'll be going. Also I was never crazy about Niagara wine, too sweet for my taste. A friend turned me on to ice wine a few years ago and that I like but only as an after dinner drink, again, too sweet. I suspect that Finger Lakes wouldn't have a huge selection of good dry reds which is what we like most but some crisp dry whites work for me. Would also like to do some sightseeing and of course a day at the track so if Tom ever gets around to reading this thread, give me a holler and let me know what you recommend in the FL region.

[offtrack]

While were waiting for Tom to reply, NY state is crisscrossed with "wine trails". Supported somewhat by NYS tourism resources they are a fun way to spend a day, or two.
http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/FingerLakesWineTrails.aspx

I'm located in western NYS, and we have wine trails here also. Seems a winery is a good business to start up in NY. I'm sure quality varies.

[badcompany]

While were waiting for Tom to reply, NY state is crisscrossed with "wine trails". Supported somewhat by NYS tourism resources they are a fun way to spend a day, or two.
http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/FingerLakesWineTrails.aspx

I'm located in western NYS, and we have wine trails here also. Seems a winery is a good business to start up in NY. I'm sure quality varies.

Ironically, a Finger Lakes winery just opened a wine bar in Saratoga.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thirsty-Owl-Outlet-and-Wine-Garden/495094373836676

[Mike at A+]

Ironically, a Finger Lakes winery just opened a wine bar in Saratoga.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thirsty-Owl-Outlet-and-Wine-Garden/495094373836676
Is that the one across the street from Wheat Fields (up a few stairs)? If so, we've been there twice and were really impressed.

[badcompany]

Is that the one across the street from Wheat Fields (up a few stairs)? If so, we've been there twice and were really impressed.

No, that one is farther North, near Lake Ave.

This one has just opened a few weeks ago. It's on Lincoln and Broadway.

I'm going up there in a few weeks. I'll check it out and report back.

[Mike at A+]

No, that one is farther North, near Lake Ave.

This one has just opened a few weeks ago. It's on Lincoln and Broadway.

I'm going up there in a few weeks. I'll check it out and report back.
Is it in a little strip mall? If so, I think I know where you are talking about.

[badcompany]

Is it in a little strip mall? If so, I think I know where you are talking about.

A few blocks north.

It used to be the Kimberly Inn Bed and Breakfast. From the track, go West from Siro's until you hit Broadway. It's on the Southeast corner.

This pic is before the renovation. My guess is that they'll do very well this summer.

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/3/B/1/3B141306-2A6F-4BDC-84A5-C9549D71071C.JPG

[LAP_520]

as of April 10th 2013

NYRA has posted on their Facebook Page ~

100 days remain to Opening Day at SARATOGA

[Bubbles]

Always nice to see this thread pop up. What's that, I'm a few months late on that? Sue me! :D

I'm, of course, planning on being there.

[OTM Al]

Always nice to see this thread pop up. What's that, I'm a few months late on that? Sue me! :D

I'm, of course, planning on being there.

I haven't been all on top of this this year either and I'm the one with the tickets. And I do have them. I'll try to get my act together this weekend and write up what's going on.

[RaceBookJoe]

Wont make it this year, but hope i can in 2014.

[badcompany]

Barring the unexpected, I'll be there the whole week.

I was up there a few weeks ago, and ran into Zaf and his crew of Montreal hooligans.

[cj's dad]

I am trying my absolute best to be there the last Friday and Saturday. So many things have happened in the last several months: Mom passed away, two friends died, laid off, etc... I love being there and will strive to do so.

Joe Prunes; do you have rooms available at the local inn ???

[joeprunes]

Sorry for your losses and glad cj and family are ok. I`ll check on the rooms and let you know and of course I`ll make my 11th season,,,,,

[JustRalph]

Just found out my God Daughter is getting married the weekend of August 17th.

After a year+ long engagement. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I have to be in Ohio on the 15th.

But it knocks me out of the Saratoga trip. Sorry guys........

[badcompany]

Just found out my God Daughter is getting married the weekend of August 17th.

After a year+ long engagement. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I have to be in Ohio on the 15th.

But it knocks me out of the Saratoga trip. Sorry guys........

Couldn't they hold the service at the track between races? ;)

[OTM Al]

Been meaning to update for some time but something always seems to come up. But here we are, lying in bed recovering from a stomach virus, so no time like the present.

I have reserved us seats from Wednesday, 8/14, through Sunday, 8/18. Wednesday only we will be at the Big Red Spring as the Festival Tent was sold in its entirety. The other 4 days we will be in our regular spot in the back right corner of the Festival Tent. As before, it is $5 per seat per day. We also will once again be joined by Ted Craven's group Friday-Sunday.

I will also mention here that the Friday will likely be Fabulous Fillies day again. It has been very popular among the local community, so I have no doubt it will be run in much the same manner as the last few years. That means they will likely be using the pink saddlecloths for all races. Last I heard, Trackus was still a go for the meet though, so if that does happen, it will help a lot.

I'm also hoping we can do the Friday Simo night at the harness track. Didn't work out last year but hopefully we can get that going again.

I'm not sure what days I'll be up this year other than these. Had some changes in my job responsibilities which may limit me a bit at the end of the meet, but I will post my schedule, so if you are going to be in town and want to meet up let me know.

[Mr Saratoga]

Al, thanks for keeping this together year after year.
I plan to come, and meet a few members at the tent.
Please let me know what other days you will be there. (We can get together).
I go for the meet, and would love to say hello.

[andicap]

Not sure about my attendance yet. If I can go it would only be through Friday.

[Track Collector]

Lodging has been secured, so I'll be there all five days. I might actually play some of the live Harness races on the usual trip to Saratoga Raceway on Friday night. Bad Company (Bret or is it Brett?), I'll need you to "teach" me some of the basics for this strange type of racing I am relatively unfamiliar with. :)

Looking forward to seeing everyone!


Chris

[joeprunes]

To all that i hooked up to the island view motel. they are booked the week of the 18th. First time in 35yrs I couldnt get a room. Got a room next door to the island view so I`ll be there 16,17,18 of aug............joe prunes

[badcompany]

Lodging has been secured, so I'll be there all five days. I might actually play some of the live Harness races on the usual trip to Saratoga Raceway on Friday night. Bad Company (Bret or is it Brett?), I'll need you to "teach" me some of the basics for this strange type of racing I am relatively unfamiliar with. :)

Looking forward to seeing everyone!


Chris

Barring an unexpected emergency, I'll be there Wed thru Sat, and, of course, I'll be at the Racino every night. So, feel free to pull up a chair a pepper me w/ questions.

Friday night at Saratoga Harness is usually very trotter heavy, which means a lot of breaking horses, and can often make for a frustrating evening. Saturday is when the best pacers on the grounds run and is usually the better card, betting wise.

See you guys soon,

Brett aka Badco

[cj]

I plan on being there August 15-18th.

If anyone is interested and it ok with Al, I'd like to do a seminar before racing begins at the PA tent on the 16th, possibly the 17th also, demonstrating the TimeformUS product and handicapping the day's card.

[OTM Al]

I plan on being there August 15-18th.

If anyone is interested and it ok with Al, I'd like to do a seminar before racing begins at the PA tent on the 16th, possibly the 17th also, demonstrating the TimeformUS product and handicapping the day's card.
Of course it's fine. Interested in it myself. Was trying to figure a way to come see you when you do Andy's show, so maybe I'll catch up with you then

[cj]

Of course it's fine. Interested in it myself. Was trying to figure a way to come see you when you do Andy's show, so maybe I'll catch up with you then

Sounds good. I'll be doing the show on the 15th as well.

[joeprunes]

CJ, I`ll be there the 16th, and 17th, DONT start without me.....lol

[JustRalph]

Somebody tape it.........and post it














Stirred it up now, huh?

[Track Collector]

I plan on being there August 15-18th.

If anyone is interested and it ok with Al, I'd like to do a seminar before racing begins at the PA tent on the 16th, possibly the 17th also, demonstrating the TimeformUS product and handicapping the day's card.

You may not be aware of it, but usually on the Friday during the week of the PA gathering, the races are carded exclusively for the female horses, and breast cancer awareness is promoted, so all the horses wear a special PINK-colored saddlecloth.

I do hope that during your demonstration of the TFUS product and the associated graphs, you will keep the current color scheme for identifying each horse number rather than making them all PINK. ;)


...

[cj]

You may not be aware of it, but usually on the Friday during the week of the PA gathering, the races are carded exclusively for the female horses, and breast cancer awareness is promoted, so all the horses wear a special PINK-colored saddlecloth.

I do hope that during your demonstration of the TFUS product and the associated graphs, you will keep the current color scheme for identifying each horse number rather than making them all PINK. ;)


...

We will keep them all the same, but I'll be sure to wear a pink shirt.

[Zaf]

Be there the 16th-17th, possibly as early as the 15th, with my hooligans :lol:

Z

[mabred]

if u wear pink u get in free!! CJ ur free!!!

I have a pair of pink shorts please don't

Laugh to hard guys

free it's me !!!!

mabred

[mabred]

Hope to meet u zaf heard u can really

handicap.I need those free lessons for sure

Mabred

[joeprunes]

Mabred, you heard wrong he`s really handicapped.
All those pucks he missed when he played goal tender made him what he is.....So thats what his friends tell me..

[mabred]

now I know what happened !!!

Save a seat Please!!! You the master

can continue to build on what

u showed us last year.Heck u hit

more races in 2 days than most hit in

2 mos.

mabred

[Mailman]

Went on a one day trip weds., from mass/n.y border to track saw 6 people pulled over. WATCH your Speed!

[badcompany]

Went on a one day trip weds., from mass/n.y border to track saw 6 people pulled over. WATCH your Speed!

There's a lot of drinking by young people, up there. Many of them don't know the area, well. From a safety standpoint, I would be very wary about driving at night, especially on the weekends.

I'll be there the entire week. See ya soon. :ThmbUp:

[Mike at A+]

Ironically, a Finger Lakes winery just opened a wine bar in Saratoga.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thirsty-Owl-Outlet-and-Wine-Garden/495094373836676
OK we saw this place. And we visited their winery on Cayuga Lake when we went to Finger Lakes a few weeks ago. Not sure if the Saratoga place has the same menu but if it does it is well worth a stop in. The place on Cayuga has a lunch menu featuring a charcuterie platter composed of several meats and cheeses. Their house smoked pork belly is outstanding and came on both the dishes we ordered - the charcuterie platter ($19) and the bacon blue salad ($13). OK, I just checked their Facebook page and it appears that they have the same menu in Saratoga.

Thirsty Owl Winery, Saratoga (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thirsty-Owl-Outlet-and-Wine-Garden/495094373836676)

[Track Collector]

Hi Al,

Just one week to go! (It will be an early departure drive for me here in MD, probably 4:00-5:00 a.m.)

The weather forecast looks to be improved, with fewer clouds and lesser chance of rain than what you have experienced lately.

Can you remind us what days and what tents we have? Also, are table seats still $5 per day?

Among other organization details, it is greatly appreciated that you bring an outlet strip and extension cord so that battery power is never a concern for all those devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) that seem to show up when WE show up. :ThmbUp:


Chris

[OTM Al]

We have seats Wednesday through Sunday next week. Wednesday is at the Big Red Spring tent. The rest of the time we are at the Festival Tent. Same spot as before in the right rear corner. Still $5 per day. I will bring a strip again. Got a nifty new one that also has USB ports for charging mobile devices.

[wiffleball whizz]

Must be nice guys..........must be nice

[Ted Craven]

Mum (Barb C / canadagoose) and I will be there for Thursday Aug 15 though Monday Aug 19 and between us we'll bring lots of power cables and plugs.

PaceandCap gang will be there Friday - Sunday.

I'll be bringing my MS Surface Pro if anyone is interested.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again - and cashing again on the Alabama!

Ted

[cj]

You may not be aware of it, but usually on the Friday during the week of the PA gathering, the races are carded exclusively for the female horses, and breast cancer awareness is promoted, so all the horses wear a special PINK-colored saddlecloth.

I do hope that during your demonstration of the TFUS product and the associated graphs, you will keep the current color scheme for identifying each horse number rather than making them all PINK. ;)


...

Pretty sure I saw a sign that said pink day this year is on the Wednesday.

[OTM Al]

Pretty sure I saw a sign that said pink day this year is on the Wednesday.

This is correct. Fabulous Fillies day is on the Wednesday and I believe they are also restricting the pink clths to one race only. You all were listened to

[kingfin66]

Somebody tape it.........and post it




Stirred it up now, huh?

It would be great to have it recorded and posted to the TimeformUS site, or Youtube as an official TimeformUS instructional video.

[Mike at A+]

Just made my reservation. Four days wasn't enough last week. Coming up for the weekend, August 17-19.

[SilverSow]

I'm looking at being there Friday the 16th & Saturday the 17th. The kid is working so I may have to make a different friend to bring on one of those days.

:)

Friday simulcast at the Racino sounds do-able as well... seeya there!

Dave

[joeyp]

LOOKING FORWARD ON SEEING YOU GUYS AGAIN THIS TEAR MAYBE THURSDAY - SUNDAY

[Bubbles]

Will try and swing by at a couple of junctures, though work does beckon. This is always a good time, and I'm looking forward to seeing everybody.

[Mike at A+]

In post #55 I mentioned Thirsty Owl, the wine tasting room and bistro that BadCo noted in an earlier post. If you "like" their page on Facebook you will get a 10% coupon (food only) that can be used through 8/30. Our plans were to drive straight there for lunch on Saturday and then check into our hotel. So I'm already up a few bucks! Saw some more reviews of this place and they are all outstanding. As I said, we visited their winery/bistro on Cayuga Lake a few weeks ago and had an awesome lunch. The Saratoga menu appears to be a little different than the Cayuga Lake menu but the offerings are similar. They are also serving dinner in Saratoga. Definitely worth checking out.

[Tom]

I heard there as some shuttle service this year, you park off-track and a bus take you to the gates? Anyone hear about that?

Last two years, the idiots who run that parking lot across the street have dented my car. Apparently, you can't park in NYRA preferred parking anymore.

[ezmred]

heads up for those heading up for the party keep your speeds down +watch the texting on the highways +byways coumo has the troops paying extra attention this week! have a good time.

ed

State Police Begin "Speed Week" Crackdowns

[Mike at A+]

I heard there as some shuttle service this year, you park off-track and a bus take you to the gates? Anyone hear about that?

Last two years, the idiots who run that parking lot across the street have dented my car. Apparently, you can't park in NYRA preferred parking anymore.
We usually park for $10 in a grass lot on East Ave a few hundred feet from the gate. Never had any issues. It's just far enough to keep you away from the mess on Union Ave and great to make an easy exit to I-87, Route 9 or local streets into town.

[OTM Al]

I heard there as some shuttle service this year, you park off-track and a bus take you to the gates? Anyone hear about that?

Last two years, the idiots who run that parking lot across the street have dented my car. Apparently, you can't park in NYRA preferred parking anymore.

Here is what is on the web site.

Parking

Trackside parking: $10. Gates open at 6:45 a.m.
(Refunds available until 10 a.m. No refunds on Travers Day, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013)

General Parking: Free
Oklahoma Preferred Parking: $5. Gates open at 9 a.m.

Handicapped parking available at Clubhouse and Grandstand. Applicable fees apply.

A free shuttle to Saratoga Race Course is also available at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway, where parking is free. The shuttle departs from the bus entrance (south entrance) of Saratoga Casino and Raceway and drops fans off at the Clubhouse entrance to Saratoga Race Course on Wright Street. Shuttle service is available every race day, with the exception of Mondays, starting 30 minutes prior to first race post time. The shuttle makes at least two round trips per hour and continues throughout the day until 30 minutes after the final race.

[burnsy]

I heard there as some shuttle service this year, you park off-track and a bus take you to the gates? Anyone hear about that?

Last two years, the idiots who run that parking lot across the street have dented my car. Apparently, you can't park in NYRA preferred parking anymore.

Thats from the Racino, shuttle to and from.

[Rookies]

The alarm goes off at 6:48a.m. tomorrow and we shall be under way an hour later. :jump:

Grab the coolers, meet up with the first member of my posse and about 25 Subway stops later, we are at the Post!

First stop... Ft. Erie Duty Free for a few supplies. (The goal is not to finish them all the first day, but...)

Lunch in Rah-cha-cha at the Cheesecake Factory and then on to Turning Your Stones Casino.

We have stopped in some of the Rah-Cha OTB's before... but frankly they remind us of a tarted up 'Oz' and I don't mean Dorothy & Toto vintage.:rolleyes:

Team BJ, a few more drinks, up for the Casino's finest breaky...:lol: and on the road to the Spa by 9:45... up close to the rail and in time for Durkin's famous...

"Welcome to the Spaaaaaaaaaaa"

See you boys and girls Thursday...Fri... Sat... Sun... Mon...

[joeyp]

looks like i'll be stopping by thursday i hope gremlin lad can get here, hes having trouble getting here i saw the trophy he got, was awesome i also hope dylebert could come up from lousiana
see ya thursday guys

[cj]

Some of us got to witness a world record tonight!

http://www.drf.com/news/saratoga-harness-bolt-duer-equals-sires-world-record-geritty-memorial

[PaceAdvantage]

Years from now, I will be able to say "I was there..." ;)

[Grits]

YES, we did see a new world record set! You would've thought we were watching CIGAR coming to the finish line. We were on our feet with the crowd, yelling.

Some of our crew had bets in. I didn't. I don't know Trotters. Cj had the pace figures down at the 1st quarter. By the half, he turns, convinced, "they're gonna break the world record." He could sit in front of camels or cheetas and know the pace. Doesn't matter what it is, long as it can run. Anyway, we really got excited then; we knew we were in on history.

And simulcast was PACKED, unlike last time when we had the whole place to ourselves almost... Somebody's betting these small tracks. They weren't all there for DelMar. Only one problem. The place has gotta get WiFi. We had to jump in on PA's phone to get TimeformUS' figures on my IPad. That was a drag.

[badcompany]

And simulcast was PACKED, unlike last time when we had the whole place to ourselves almost... Somebody's betting these small tracks. They weren't all there for DelMar.

That was the biggest night of the year for the harness track. There were a few 100k races, a 250k race, in which the record was set, and, of course, free t-shirts.

Unfortunately, I bet the triple ,cold, in the world record race, and got 1st, 2nd and 4th. :(