Al's Toga Blog 2013 - Horse Racing Forum - PaceAdvantage.Com

OTM Al · 07-12-2013, 05:13 PM

To paraphrase Poltergeist, one of the very few movies that ever frightened me,

I'm heeeeeeeeerrrrrreeeeee!

Pulled into town about 3:30. Weather is great, track looked great as we passed it, and the digs are just as they were remembered. My little Quaker parrot will be vacationing at the Spa this year as well, but unlike me, she gets to stay for the whole meet.

Time to get some food! I'll let you know what's new. Can't wait to find out.

Mr Saratoga · 07-12-2013, 09:29 PM

I thought I went early, and stayed late.

OTM Al · 07-12-2013, 11:01 PM

Busy day. Got the place set up and a refrigerator full of groceries. Had to hit Mexican Connection for dinner. Probably the best bang for the buck in town. Had only eaten breakfast today so was able to eat almost the whole chicken burrito. That was after some guacamole and some cheesy spinach dip.

Tomorrow will be by the track and think I'll also stop by the HoF. Missed getting a membership last year. Hopefully then over to the raceway to watch the races from Colonial tomorrow evening. Couple bombs I like a bit, #6 in the 2nd and the #11 in the 8th. Derby looks to be one to watch though.

Colonial is a fun trip if you ever get the chance. Really hot and humid but a nice track. Went for the Turf Cup 3 or 4 years ago. Some good BBQ places around there and not too far from Williamsburg, which though expensive is pretty interesting, and DC. We caught the Nats when we went and saw Maury Povich throw out the first pitch to commemorate the naming of the press box after his dad. Given the guys that played for the Nats that year, and Texas for that matter who they were playing, Maury fit in well.

See you tomorrow. Open house is Sunday if you are up here.

OTM Al · 07-13-2013, 07:07 AM

Bit of a gloomy morning up here but temps are much nicer than back down in the city.

Many of you have been looking forward to a P5 at Saratoga this year. Frankly I think it's an awful bet at any takeout level or feactional wagering level. I also don't think its presence on wagering menus has proved anything but the fact that people will gravitate to low priced things, which we already knew. Regardless, many of you wanted it and thought you were going to get it. But then not so fast

http://www.drf.com/news/steven-crist...ummer-saratoga

If any of you still doubt how badly NY racing is hamstrung by the state when trying to do anything, read the second part of this article very carefully.

OTM Al · 07-13-2013, 02:32 PM

Went over to the track for a bit. There's grass in the back yard and work going on everywhere. The small mutuel area that was to the left of the festival tent has been replaced with the hotdog and beer stand, which used to be free standing a little further down, but the two big bays are still close by, And you will see this everywhere this year

OTM Al · 07-13-2013, 02:38 PM

Also a new feature is the hoofprints walk of fame. Here's a history making horse at Saratoga. However there is one memorialized there that has been pretty much forgotten. Look up "Eight Thrity", b. 1936. Might have one of the best Saratoga records ever.

OTM Al · 07-13-2013, 03:37 PM

One more bomb for the day, AP 9 #5. They cross entered him in a later stakes race but going here. Could get loose and not stop. Just think, in a week I can make Saratoga picks!

PaceAdvantage · 07-14-2013, 12:21 AM

Nice start to the blog this year Al...much appreciated and thanks for shot of the walk of fame...I was curious what one looked like, and the Bloodhorse article did not provide a visual for whatever reason...

OTM Al · 07-14-2013, 09:21 AM

Humid and overcast for open house day, 11am-4pm. We really need to stop calling the featured act Zenyatta. Her name is Zendaya and I guess she has a vey popular show on the Disney Channel and won on that dancing reality show which I've never watched. Guess they "sold out" the otherwise free seats but there is still general admission on the apron. Stage is going to be on the dirt track I think.

Lots of fun turf races yesterday between Arlington and Calder. Watched most of them at Fortunes at the Raceway and finished up with the VA Derby over a couple drinks at Sperry's. Went buffet style at Fortunes. Not bad at all though the choices were pretty buffet standard. They also had a fixed earlybird dinner plan that looked good as well. Do the names of restaurants at tracks and casinos bother anyone else? They're always named something like Fortunes or Longshots. Gives it that one step above fast food sound.

Anyway, the word we all must become familiar with is "Sharknado". If you watched the Syfy channel Thursday night, you know of what I speak. If you didn't, don't ask me to explain the film as I can't. Just roll with the byline "Sharks. Tornados. Sharknado" and Goggle it. "Sharknado" should be used in the same way as "bad" meaning either it is a terrible thing or incredibly awesome depending on context. For example, my longshot picks yesterday (note it was the 11 in the 6th at Cnl, I also had the 11 in the 8th and confused myself). Thus I can say, my picks yesterday looked like a complete sharknado (ie not good at all) until I got bailed out in the VA Derby. Big $2.50 profit on the day, but beats losing.

Have a good Sunday all! Going over to the track later and then out to dinner but as of now I know not where.

badcompany · 07-14-2013, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTM Al

Do the names of restaurants at tracks and casinos bother anyone else? They're always named something like Fortunes or Longshots. Gives it that one step above fast food sound.

Have a good Sunday all! Going over to the track later and then out to dinner but as of now I know not where.

Guess you won't be opening an account at the Saratoga National Bank:

The Colt Account: The Colt Account is designed for young savers under the age of 18. This account has a nominal minimum opening deposit amount requirement. There are no service charges associated with this account.

Thoroughbred Savings: This basic savings account has a continual term, variable rate with a low minimum deposit amount.

Jockey’s Club / High Stakes / Triple Crown Money Market Accounts: These higher rate money market savings accounts are tiered, interest bearing accounts. There are minimum deposit requirements to open and maintain to avoid a monthly maintenance fee and earn interest.

Tom · 07-14-2013, 03:44 PM

Hear anything about Trakus being ready to roll?
How about Free Wi Fi on track?

Sounds like you're having a good time already!

OTM Al · 07-14-2013, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

Hear anything about Trakus being ready to roll?
How about Free Wi Fi on track?

Sounds like you're having a good time already!

Haven't heard any more about Trakus. Guess we'll find out Friday but given how state regs and oversight has put delays on things that were supposed to be done deals, I have no idea what is going to happen.

WiFi was running fine last year. I think I picked up a signal yesterday, but I wasn't really looking as things are still being set up for the meet.

I am disappointed to find out Carolina BBQ is not on track this year. Steve talks about why on Derby Trail. The pot roast sandwich was awesome. Hope to still see Steve around. Great guy. There will be some new food options again this year but I will assure you that the clam chowder place is still there and the mac and cheese guy will also be back.

Then there is this......

OTM Al · 07-14-2013, 04:55 PM

According to John Pricci, Trakus will not be functioning at Saratoga. Sounds like they are having some technical problems and don't want to put something out that isn't working right. You all know I argue with Mr. Pricci quite a bit but he's probably got the right info on this as I do know there was a press lunch today. He probably got his info from someone there and as I have heard nothing other than comments about Trakus being up at Belmont fall in the press, this seems right.

badcompany · 07-14-2013, 06:06 PM

Saw Bill Parcells in the Simo room at the Racino.

A guy sitting next to me made a compelling case for not going to the open house, "It's hot as hell and you can't bet!"

OTM Al · 07-15-2013, 07:52 AM

Time to head back soon, but coming back Friday for the open. Bit of a heatwave the next few days and still supposed to be 90 with possible thunderstorms Friday, but the weekend is predicted to be all but perfect right now, low 80s and sunny.

Maestro's last night for dinner. I don't know why, but it's not a favorite. Food very good, service excellent and waiters very knowledgable, but it's just not a place that would pop in my mind if someone asked me where to go. Just me I guess as I can easily recommend the place.

Going to Maestro's did allow a bit of a walk around downtown to see any changes. Circus has expanded and taken over what used to be Brindisi's. The old Borders Books building is now occupied by a non-retail business. The Adelphi is closed still for renovations. A new building is still under construction that will house at least a new book store and an icecream shop. But all in all much is still the same. Sadly the space where the Grey Gelding was is still empty. That is sad to me as it was such a nice space.

So time to get ready to go home. I'll keep you up to date though if I hear anything big. I'm thinking about running a contest. Whoever can guess what the press will complain about most this summer will win a prize. Rest assured they've already started......