where (which track) should I go?

[elhelmete]

Gonna book a long weekend with my brother. Want, as usual, to go to a race track we've never visited. Any time of year. Here are the additional criteria.

NYRA and SoCal tracks are off the table, been to all of them.

We've seen these as well, so they're off the list: Arlington, Gulfstream, Churchill, Monmouth.

Casino not necessary but not a dealbreaker.

Kind of want to choose a so-called B-Level track that has a reputation for fun live racing, kind of under the radar.

Decent local scene is a plus.

Canterbury sort of fits the bill. Indiana Grand possibly too.

Keeneland might be too boutique-y, but Oaklawn might work.

Any thoughts?

[EMD4ME]

Originally Posted by elhelmete

Gonna book a long weekend with my brother. Want, as usual, to go to a race track we've never visited. Any time of year. Here are the additional criteria.

NYRA and SoCal tracks are off the table, been to all of them.

We've seen these as well, so they're off the list: Arlington, Gulfstream, Churchill, Monmouth.

Casino not necessary but not a dealbreaker.

Kind of want to choose a so-called B-Level track that has a reputation for fun live racing, kind of under the radar.

Decent local scene is a plus.

Canterbury sort of fits the bill. Indiana Grand possibly too.

Keeneland might be too boutique-y, but Oaklawn might work.

Any thoughts?

Emerald Downs. But too late. Meet is over Sunday.

[Fager Fan]

Oaklawn is a good choice. Maybe Fair Grounds if you'd enjoy New Orleans. You could hit a couple midatlantic tracks and see the best paddock in the country at Del Park then go over to Laurel.

KEE is crowded but you may enjoy it and go visit a few of the farms or horses. Like the Derby, if you're into racing you should at least go once.

[v j stauffer]

This is the biggest no brainer in the history in the history of mankind.

OAKLAWN PARK!!.......All the way.

And this has nothing to do with the fact I work there.

Great racing. Huge on-track crowds. Step foot into any place within a 50 mile radius and everybody is talking racing.

If you go towards the end of the meet as spring is arriving you can enjoy Lake Hamilton which is a stone's throw from the track and very affordable.

And last but not least. You can get free passes and a nice table every day you come to the track. With a trip to the announcer's booth for a race if you choose.

OAKLAWN......OAKLAWN.........OAKLAWN..........

[reckless]

Originally Posted by elhelmete

Gonna book a long weekend with my brother. Want, as usual, to go to a race track we've never visited. Any time of year. Here are the additional criteria.

NYRA and SoCal tracks are off the table, been to all of them.

We've seen these as well, so they're off the list: Arlington, Gulfstream, Churchill, Monmouth.

Casino not necessary but not a dealbreaker.

Kind of want to choose a so-called B-Level track that has a reputation for fun live racing, kind of under the radar.

Decent local scene is a plus.

Canterbury sort of fits the bill. Indiana Grand possibly too.

Keeneland might be too boutique-y, but Oaklawn might work.

Any thoughts?

You guys could actually do the Laurel and Charles Town day-night doubleheader, the drive between the two tracks is quite reasonable. Plus, Charles Town, WV is one of the prettiest cities in the USA. Have fun and good luck.

[PhantomOnTour]

It's a no brainer really - KEENELAND

[ReplayRandall]

Originally Posted by elhelmete

Kind of want to choose a so-called B-Level track that has a reputation for fun live racing, kind of under the radar.

Decent local scene is a plus.

Turf Paradise fits the bill, solid local scene in Phoenix, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities.

Turfway Park also fits the bill, as Cincinnati has good food and late nite fun.

Both tracks have a healthy "Retro" feel to them. Both Clubhouse/Grandstand food and drink, have good bang for the buck.

[v j stauffer]

Originally Posted by ReplayRandall

Turf Paradise fits the bill, solid local scene in Phoenix, plenty of indoor and outdoor activities.

Turfway Park also fits the bill, as Cincinnati has good food and late nite fun.

Both tracks have a healthy "Retro" feel to them. Both Clubhouse/Grandstand food and drink, have good bang for the buck.

There are days around the first of the year at Turf Paradise where if you walk outside, stretch your arms and look to the sky. It feels like medecine. Maybe even opiates. Love Turf Paradise.

[olddaddy]

Indiana Grand is no great shakes. The grandstand is all glass enclosed with steels pillars holding the glass panes every 20 feet. It really obstructs the view. The paddock is up the back stretch and very bare. There is a casino attached but Ive never been in, Im not a casino guy. There not much around the track a couple fast food joints and thats it.

[Run Nicholas Run]

My first thought was turf paradise but the racing is so bad, you may be better off going to new mexico and try zia park or sunland park.

[arw629]

Mahoning has great racing and weathet in the winter months and youngstown is a very happening place for tourists ...."Ready...for a start..."

[olddaddy]

If I wasnt such a lawn lover I would make the trek to oaklawn someday but the weather out there early in the meet could be real dicey.

[alhattab]

Originally Posted by elhelmete

Gonna book a long weekend with my brother. Want, as usual, to go to a race track we've never visited. Any time of year. Here are the additional criteria.

NYRA and SoCal tracks are off the table, been to all of them.

We've seen these as well, so they're off the list: Arlington, Gulfstream, Churchill, Monmouth.

Casino not necessary but not a dealbreaker.

Kind of want to choose a so-called B-Level track that has a reputation for fun live racing, kind of under the radar.

Decent local scene is a plus.

Canterbury sort of fits the bill. Indiana Grand possibly too.

Keeneland might be too boutique-y, but Oaklawn might work.

Any thoughts?

If you've never been to Keeneland, it is a must visit. But if you're looking for something a little more B-list and homey, what about Tampa Bay Downs? I've never been there myself and have been told it isn't great, but weather will be decent and Tampa area would provide a good local scene plus other sports options (among other activities) if you are interested.

A good multiple track option near-term would be the Mid Atlantic. Parx, Delaware and Laurel could easily be done within one trip and if you were interested could throw in a few night cards. Delaware is open through Oct 15 and runs Mon-Wed-Sat. Parx Sat-Tue, Laurel Fri-Sun.

[EMD4ME]

I've been to Tampa. I recommend. B track. Nice weather. Near the beach. All pros.

[FrankieFigs]

I've also been to Tampa Downs. Fell in love with the atmosphere. Can't wait to go back. Hoping it's sometime in March '17. If you make it a long weekend, hang around Monday and go to Derby Lane to play the dogs.

Keeneland is a must. Can't add much more than what has already been posted here.

Oaklawn is on my wish list. Gotta make it down there sometime.