Originally Posted by Coup Verville (Post 862910)

Thank you with the specifics, being that I've never been to Belmont, it's what I needed. Just bought 3rd floor, row A seats. My next dilemma is where to stay, you mentioned taking a train???

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk (Post 862893)

Dealing with crowds is easier if you're tall, I imagine. When you're not, it's a lot of watching the back of people's heads and shoulders.

But yeah, meeting people at the track is always fun.

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch (Post 862926)

I'm not tall but I make up for it by being a loudmouth.

Originally Posted by Coup Verville (Post 862910)

Thank you with the specifics, being that I've never been to Belmont, it's what I needed. Just bought 3rd floor, row A seats. My next dilemma is where to stay, you mentioned taking a train???

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk (Post 862939)

Coup, if your little profile on the right side of the screen is correct, and you live in VA, are you planning on driving or taking a train to NYC?

If you plan on coming in the day before and are driving, you might want to look for a hotel in Queens (shorter drive to the track on Saturday). If you're planning on taking Amtrak, you'd probably want a hotel in Manhattan, so you can take the Belmont Special from Penn Station on Saturday.

Originally Posted by slotdirt (Post 862948)

Unless you want a rail spot or a place next to the paddock, there's no need to be there at 8:15, at least in my opinion.

Originally Posted by MaTH716 (Post 862778)

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big fan of huge huge crowds. For many years I stayed away from Haskell (my home track), just cause I didn't want to deal with it. Same thing with Belmont, but now I'm starting to see the light.

This is a chance to see history. I have heard countless stories on this board from people that were there when Smarty Jones came into the stretch with the lead. They talk about the roar that went up and how the hairs on the back of their neck stood up. I can only imagne what that was like. I remember being at the Haskell when Rachael won, and the feeling I got when she took the lead and headed for home. I figue that feeling will be x1000 at Belmont.

I consider myself a big fan and have always wanted to see a TC winner. I was to young to remember Slew. I remember watching countless horses on TV trying to accomplish the feat and being so disappointed when they failed. I'm fortunate enough to live in the area and have the opportunity to go. It's time I finally made the trip. Just deal with whatever is thrown at you as far as traffic, lines, crowds, bad beats and so on. And at the end of the day, hopefully history is made and I was there to witness it.

Originally Posted by XIIPointStables (Post 862945)

Very helpful info guys/gals.

I see the gates open at 815AM on Belmont Stakes Day. Should I assume that people will be lined up outside earlier than that to get good space in the backyard?

Originally Posted by Dahoss (Post 862766)

Was the 2008 Belmont the only Belmont stakes you have attended? I mean I get it....it was miserable that day. But Belmont can handle the crowd.

Originally Posted by alysheba4 (Post 863003)

was there 2004, finish line 2nd level. wasnt bad, 126k there was equal 20 50k at santa anita. getting the train to the city was another story.

Originally Posted by alysheba4 (Post 863129)

alysheba was a no show........i dont know if it was the 4th race in 48 days or no lasix. the sunday silence race was Easy Goer showing how good he was....and he was pretty good.