Quote:
Originally Posted by classhandicapper
It's apparent you aren't kidding when you say you haven't been to Belmont in awhile. Crowds aren't a problem at Belmont except Belmont Stakes day. During the week you might be fooled into thinking you showed up on a dark day.  |
Like most horseplayers, I have a "ritual" - which, among other things, entails getting to the track about 90 minutes before post time of the first race, watching the re-runs of the previous racing day's races, standing at attention when the national anthem is played, and then hearing the late scratches announced.
After that, I try to figure out what horses I plan to bet on in the various races.
And I will have plenty of time to eat lunch - either a burger and fries, or a couple of slices of pizza.
Often, I will not bet on the first race, or even the first two races (especially if they are on dirt and under a mile) - so I can get a feel on how the track is playing that day: Is there a speed bias or a closer's bias? Is the rail golden or dead?
I try to enjoy the totality of the experience - whether I win or lose money that day.
