Visiting EMD Downs tomorow 4/15

[freehouse2002]

Hey fellas. Going to visit EmD tomorrow before heading back to L.A. Any tips/suggestions? Best time to arrive, eats, etc, etc. Any suggestions are welcome :)

freehouse2002

[jballscalls]

There's no real big events tomorrow so shouldn't be too crowded. With the remodeled 5th floor it's a bit more crowded up there a bit earlier if you're looking to play off track.

As far as live, just make sure to check out the paddock area and other than that, i'd just say walk around a bit and check out the place. There's no real 'must see" areas at EmD, just a nice, clean facility.

I always hang out down at the 1/8th pole away from the crowds :)

[kingfin66]

You should really enjoy your visit; not necessarily the racing, but definitely the visit.

You can park for $7.00 with a short walk, or pay more for valet. There is free general parking if you don't a reasonable walk. Admission is $7.00. I know, crazy, but that's what it is. Emerald rewards members get in for $5.00.

Post time is 2pm on weekends, but since it is your first and only visit, I recommend getting there early so you can experience the whole track. Start all the way down the track toward the far turn and work your way all the way to the clubhouse turn. There is actually a rose garden hidden away past the rotunda. It's a little bit early for blooms.

Check out the paddock. It was actually inspired by the Del Mar paddock. It is well-designed and has tiered viewing.

Here is a tip: If you are going to bet at a teller, bet early. EmD is very bad about having enough tellers on track level. The machines are the way to go, or go upstairs.

Here is another tip: If you want to arrive very early - as in the morning - check out the Quarter Chute Cafe. It is located outside of....you guessed it, the quarter chute. It is actually run by former jockey (I think he is retired again) Joe Steiner's mom, Sally. She will be the one at the cash register taking money. All of the trainers hang out at the quarter chute and you can see horses come by on their way to the track for workouts. The restaurant is open to the general public, but you will have to check in at Security before you can go in.

There is a nice gift shop, The Gift Horse, if you want to buy a souvenir. They have some pretty neat stuff.

Working your way down from the highest point on the track:

6th floor - This is the room. Matt Dinerman works there as do the stewards. Apart from that there are suites that are rented by groups. The suites have the best view at the track and are very well appointed.

5th floor - There is a new casino. It is also where the Turf Club is and the Rainier Terrace Restaurant. It also has nice views of the track.

4th floor - There is a ballroom that is rented by groups. When there are no groups, the hard core faithful degenerates hang out and fight over who gets the remote control.

3rd floor - This is an area that has food (taco bar, etc.), a simulcast area, outdoor reserved seating, etc. This is where I like to hang out other than trackside.

2nd floor - This is track level. The first floor is actually where you come into the track.

I wish I could come out and meet up with you later in the day, but with just 7 races I don't think I would make it.

On the racing side of things, I have not yet looked at the card other than the entries. Charlie Essex has a few horses in. One thing about Essex is that he is always trying to win. He is not a betting trainer, he makes money with purses and day rates. Winning is important to him and he has his horses ready. He works them himself and is a great trainer.

Also notable is that Don Munger has a couple of horses in, including a horse named Imo in the last race. Why Imo? Because Mr. Munger names his horses after pivotal events in his life, namely his participation in WWII as a Marine. Yes, he was at the battle of Iwo Jima and still trains thoroughbreds. He is, in my opinion, one of the special people in racing, not to mention a hero. You can miss him. He will be wearing a red Marine Corps jacket and hat. He is now in a wheelchair, but he is just as tough and determined as ever.

I hope you are enjoyed the Pacific Northwest. Sorry the weather has been so crappy lately. In other words, it is spring time in Washington. Fortunately, the Emerald track drains well. Speed should be more ridiculous than ever tomorrow.

Good luck!

[kingfin66]

And definitely bother Jason Beem! No seriously, he is a nice guy. Be sure to say hello if you see him.

[HuggingTheRail]

Kingfin, thank you for an amazing writeup! I hope to make down to EMD this summer for the first time, will definitely re-read your notes before I go!

[freehouse2002]

Thanks so much for the insight guys! Looking forward to tomorrow as I slowly add more tracks to my list!


freehouse2002

[ultracapper]

I live in Seattle, have been to EMD numerous times, and after reading that write up, I feel like I've never really looked at the place.

Great job Kingfin66.

[NorCalGreg]

I noticed a lot of maiden races, and races with horses coming off layoffs. These are top-3 in each race---ranked by Trainer/Jockey win %. Could be of some help when there's not much to go on.

Good Luck

-NCG