Belmont: what do I need to know?

[JPinMaryland]

I have never been to Belmont, but I plan on driving there really just to see WE go for the triple. My buddy and I are casual bettors so I don't expect to hit an exotic or anything.

What time would be acceptable to arrive? Are there any parking problems that we need to know about and such. I understand the park is easy enuf to find.

Anything special about betting in NY that will confuse the newcomer? My buddy knows more about track betting than me, he's the "expert" for this one, anything weird or confusing about betting up there?

ANything else that we might find helpful?

Thanks in advance. YOU guys have a great forum here.

[ranchwest]

Monday there were a couple of guys from NY at Lone Star. They basically said that to bet at Belmont on Saturday you should get in line on Tuesday.

[ceejay]

Originally posted by JPinMaryland

Anything special about betting in NY that will confuse the newcomer? My buddy knows more about track betting than me, he's the "expert" for this one, anything weird or confusing about betting up there?

ANything else that we might find helpful?

Thanks in advance. YOU guys have a great forum here.

If it hasn't changed, dollar betting on most wagers. For example, you can bet $1 to win or a straight exacta.

[PaceAdvantage]

Belmont Stakes day at Belmont has been very crowded the past number of years, even when there is no triple crown on the line...so I expect a massive crowd this year....

I would say that to avoid a lot of the traffic, plan on getting to the track no later than 10:30am (2 hours before post). Anytime after 10:30am, and you're bound to get stuck in an ever increasing mess on the Cross Island Parkway. Even 10:30-11am may be too late to miss a majority of the crowd. To be safe (and to get a good spot on the rail if you don't have seats), it's best to get there no later than 10:00am....You can use the 2.5 hours prior to post time to refine your selections....LOL


==PA

[Observer]

To expect to get around Belmont easily on Belmont Stakes Day is completely unfair. Any time you get a huge crowd for any event, everything is going to be a lot tougher than if you had a crowd 1/8th the size. Yes, the betting lines are going to be longer, access on the roads is going to be harder, you won't have your choice of prime spots, you won't be able to easily walk to the paddock for a perfect view of the horses. And, of course, the closer the "big event" draws through the day, the tougher everything is going to get. But all this is what makes an event an event.

A few years back, either for Real Quiet or Charismatic, I recall how surprised I was at how great the betting lines were moving, until a few races prior to the Belmont, then the lines started getting bigger and bigger .. because the crowds just kept getting bigger and bigger. Believe it or not, some people don't get there early .. they get there after racing has already started. Remember, the Triple Crown races don't go off until after 6:00 this year for NBC TV.

Anytime you cram 70,000-80,000 people together, it's going to be tough. I've never been to the Derby, and I can't even imagine what it must be like at a track as small as Churchill trying to handle the crowds they get, when a place as enormous as Belmont seems to be swelling at the seams with what they've been getting in certain years. Who knows what the crowd will be this year, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a new record.

Post time for the first race is typically 12:30 on Belmont Stakes Day, not the standard 1:00 Saturday afternoon first post. I agree with PA. It is beneficial to be early, especially if you really want to make a day out of it, and not just be there for the race. Be early, be patient, but most importantly, have fun .. it's a great time!

[justin]

I really don't think it's all that bad Belmont day. Sure, it's crowded, but it's not insane like the Derby or the Preakness due to the sheer size of Belmont. I've never had a problem getting a bet in. Just as some noted, the lines do get a little ridiculous for the Belmont but with so much money in the pool and plenty of time to wager, it really isn't a problem unless you try to wait until the last minute. Good luck and have fun!

[Figman]

There will be twelve "live" races at Belmont Park on Belmont Day. The 12th race post time is currently scheduled to be 7:20 p.m. Eastern daylight savings time. I'm taking the train into Penn Station in Manhattan and then the Long Island Railroad to Belmont Park. I did the driving last year!

[socalsportsbook]

JP

Plan on getting to the track ASAP. If you get there when the gates open you're late. If you actually get a seat you'll need a taxi to get to the paddock. If you actually want to get to see the horses in the paddock (highly recommended) plan to go there about 2 races before the Belmont and camp out until the horse come to the paddock. If you just walk over before they come into the paddock--forget it.

Have a wonderful day. You are very lucky to be at a major race when you may witness horse racing history. Drink in the atmosphere. Nothing like it in any other sport.

[JPinMaryland]

How much are tickets at the gate? Can you purchase them in advance?

I was confused about "geting a good seat by the rail." They don't have infield seating at Belmont, so people w/o seats just crowd up by the rail? What are the pros/cons about this? We are both fairly young and dont mind cramped quarters I guess.

thanks again. john H

[PaceAdvantage]

Forget tickets unless you can find a scalper...they sold out a while ago (even before War Emblem won the Preakness I believe).....

There are many park benches on the apron that people stake a claim to, but you have to get there early. That's what I meant by a "spot on the rail." You also have a picnic area with tables at the top of the stretch, but those go very early as well (we're talkin 8am, or whenever they open the front gates--I'm not too sure when gates open on Belmont Stakes day....it's probably earlier than usual).

Belmont also has a huge backyard, with benches and tables and places to spread a blanket, but on a day like the Belmont Stakes, these spots also go pretty quickly.....

Bottom line is, if you didn't prepare early (as in if you don't already have tickets), better get there nice and early unless you want to roam all day long....


==PA

[JPinMaryland]

another stupid question: how do you get in w/o tickets?

[andicap]

JP,
When he said tickets, he meant seats. Anyone can walk in and roam.

[Observer]

Admission to Belmont on Belmont Stakes day is the same as any other day in terms of making it through the gate. The prices for parking and admission remain the same as any other racing day.

The difference on Belmont Stakes day is that the seating in the stands is reserved seats only, meaning you can't just grab any open seat in the stands like you would on any regular racing day. But like PA said .. there are picnic tables and benchs all around the place if you don't have a reserved seat .. but those will go fast .. and you'll probably need to leave them guarded at all times so someone else doesn't swoop in and take your spot over! :)

Like andicap said, you do not need a "reserved seat" ticket to get in .. anyone paying admission gets in. That will not be the case at the Breeders' Cup this year at Arlington, where they are only allowing those who have purchased tickets for seats into the facility.

[GR1@HTR]

Belmont Park Questions:

1) Best airport to fly into? and how far away is it?
2) Belmont Park in Long Island?
3) The hotels close to Belmont :
A) expensive? B) Best way to get from the hotels to Bel (taxi?, bus? rental car?)

[andicap]

JFK is pretty close to Belmont, but La Guardia isn' t that far away either.
Actually if you get a good Southwest deal into Islip that might be better although if Jet Blue is in your town, that goes into JFK.

Hotel? Don't know, maybe someone who lives on LI can help you here. I'm sure there are motels right near the track that are pretty cheap. (altho might be sold out now)

Belmont Park is in Elmont, N.Y., on Long Island, but very close to NYC, off the Cross-Island Parkway. You can also stay in NYC and take the train from Pen Statio to the track, which is the BEST way to go. traffic is a total bitch after 10:30 a.m. Check the Internet for deals on hotels close to Penn Station which is at 34th street and 8th avenue on the West Side in midtown.

There are also subways to the bus to the track from Queens which is another way to go but that take a longer time. You take the E or F to a bus.
Advantage is mass transit is best and if you stay in Queens you'll get a cheap rate on a motel. I'm not familiar with this route or where to stay. Contrary to popular belief the subways are very safe (unless you go late, late at night, after say 3 a.m.)

[JPinMaryland]

Thanks for those last minute tips. I will check back here late at night (like 3 AM) to see if there are any other last minute suggestions. Thanks all.

[cj]

Here's a last minute suggestion, get some sleep, you've got a long day ahead of you, don't be up til 3am...LOL

CJ