Advice for having fun at Gulfstream?

[keithw84]

I have never been to Gulfstream before but will be there next Sat (Day of the Fountain of Youth Stakes). Any suggestions on how to make the most of the day? Should I buy tix to get in in advance?

[keithw84]

Anyone?

[jonnielu]

I have never been to Gulfstream before but will be there next Sat (Day of the Fountain of Youth Stakes). Any suggestions on how to make the most of the day? Should I buy tix to get in in advance?

Look up Chuck Berndt, and ask him how is has managed to make a living there for 60 years.

jdl

[magwell]

I have never been to Gulfstream before but will be there next Sat (Day of the Fountain of Youth Stakes). Any suggestions on how to make the most of the day? Should I buy tix to get in in advance? The most fun will be after the races walk behind the paddock to Cadillac Ranch bar and grill and have a nice dinner and watch or participate in the fun with the mechanical bull you wont be disappointed, the action starts big time after 9 pm.

[wisconsin]

The seats (the few that actualy make up the pitiful grandstand) are $7 on weekends. There is a window on the apron behind the first stairwell (as you enter the apron from the walking ring area. This probbaly sounds confusing, but you'll see what I mean when you get there.

[offtrack]

I've been several times. and purchased tickets on line. Just to have somewhere to sit that is guaranteed. You can select seat location also when you purchase online.

I also go early in the morning for the workouts, when I'm in town.

[point given]

Look up Chuck Berndt, and ask him how is has managed to make a living there for 60 years.

jdl

good to hear chuck is still doing well, heard he is a weekender now adays as i missed seeing him a couple seasons ago

[point given]

The seats (the few that actualy make up the pitiful grandstand) are $7 on weekends. There is a window on the apron behind the first stairwell (as you enter the apron from the walking ring area. This probbaly sounds confusing, but you'll see what I mean when you get there.

Definetly buy seats online as the big days get crowded there, there are only 900 seats so they may already be sold out

[onefast99]

Mario the Baker Pizza, the best you ever had, located on West Dixie Highway in North Miami Beach! The food is excellent, get there early.

[Moyers Pond]

I have never been to Gulfstream before but will be there next Sat (Day of the Fountain of Youth Stakes). Any suggestions on how to make the most of the day? Should I buy tix to get in in advance?

At 6am Go to the Dunkin Donuts, grab a coffee, head over for the morning works. Then walk or drive to the beach for 2 or 3 hours. Back to the track to gamble and the races. Casino and restaurants in the evening.

That is pretty much what I do when I am there.

[Hanover1]

I have never been to Gulfstream before but will be there next Sat (Day of the Fountain of Youth Stakes). Any suggestions on how to make the most of the day? Should I buy tix to get in in advance?
Make the most of the day and go to Calder.......

[Willy Wonka]

I have never been to Gulfstream before but will be there next Sat (Day of the Fountain of Youth Stakes). Any suggestions on how to make the most of the day? Should I buy tix to get in in advance?

My condolences. Gulfstream is the worst track to view the races at in America.

It's probably too late but try to get a brunch table overlooking the track. Said tables have auto totes. Forget Clubhouse seating, its atrocious. IF you can't get the brunch table, go early enough to stake out a table near the outdoor bar near the "grandstand" turn.

Horrid Facility

[Red Knave]

Make the most of the day and go to Calder.......
Tampa Bay is farther to drive but more fun IMO. :)

[jonnielu]

good to hear chuck is still doing well, heard he is a weekender now adays as i missed seeing him a couple seasons ago

He would also often skip the bottom half of the card. He was in a big auto accident a few years ago, he undoubtedly missed some time there. He tells me that his wife makes the paddock runs now because of it.

He's fairly pissed at Belmont for firing everybody and carding 4 turf races a day, and says that he doesn't show there.

jdl

[oddsmaven]

Tampa Bay is farther to drive but more fun IMO. :)
Upon recently moving to Florida, I've now been to both Tampa Bay Downs & Gulfstream...the better quality of the horses at Gulfstream aside, just for appearance, it's such an edge for GS...looking out over the track at Tampa is almost an eyesore of barns and sparse grounds...GS's landscaping is quite nice and a scenic vista of modern hi-rise hotels appears in the distance...the walking ring at GS is majestic; at TB it's like a cow-pasture and inconveniently located.

I "don't" doubt that Gulfstream was a better experience years ago and seating with a view of the races is limited but even on FOY day, I found places to sit, including at the walking ring, so if you're willing to stand & watch the races outside, or on a monitor, there are ample places to sit in between races.

[keithw84]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It was a great day!

My bets on Buddy's Saint didn't pan out obviously, but my $4 on a longshot in Race 11 helped me to break even!