Saratoga question
 

I can think of no better place to get the "Saratoga scoop" than the DT forum!

I have the immense pleasure of being able to visit Saratoga on August 19th. I have never been there and am beyond excited! I have a family reunion that weekend and managed to squeeze in that day to escape the family duties and go to the track! But chances are, I won't be able to go on Saturday, Alabama day, and it's KILLING me! Especially since Rags will more likely than not, be running in that race. I am almost in actual physical pain about it....LOL!!!

But if the opportunity presents itself, and I happen to be able to make it Saturday too, can anyone tell me....will I be able to just "drop in" if I don't get there early, or is it going to be crowded enough that day to have the possibility of not getting in? Obviously, I know I wont have a table or anything, but thats ok! I've heard that people arrive at 4 am to get their tables on big days! In my head, I am assuming not a parking space to be had later in the day, and people line up waiting to get in to see Rags.....am I wrong?

Any other suggestions for me from the Spa regulars? :)

You can always get in, the picnic area is huge and there are plenty of benches out front. The free parking area rarely fills (they start parking people on the training track if it gets too crowded) but if it does you should be able to park behind it on Fifth Ave and do a little walking.

I don't think you will be turned away at the gate. However on weekend at Saratoga the parking is expensive & not easy to find. Teh lot directly across the street from the entrance on Nelson Avenue is $20. If you are willing to walk, you could park on side streets within a mile of the track. I see people doing it all the time.

By the way.....You are correct about going early to get tables. I usually go to the trackside breakfast at 7 A.M. & already a lot of tables have been claimed.

Siros :)

Tables - must get there early.

Parking - never an issue if you don't mind walking a bit.

Benches in front - Sun, sun, sun. To me, the sun takes its toll after a few hours at the track.

Racing - best in the country.

Last year was the first year I didn't go to Saratoga... this year will be the second. I really miss it.

If you want to see the horses and the paddock is too crowded, park yourself along the fenced off trail that runs through the picnic area.

Saratoga Planogram
 

If you're only going once you have to:

1. Get up at 6 am and go to the track. Morning workouts are about as close to heaven as it gets. It's free, walk in, and go anywhere. Anyone not listening to Mary Ryan once is in for a treat. You can get food there or bring what ever you want.

2. Place to sit. Carolina BBQ - Steve's place. Always seems to be a spot.

3. Parking, like they say, you'll find a space and maybe have to walk a bit but check out those houses!

4. Siro's after the races. Have to do that once too.

5. Around 10:30 am. Harvey Pack and Andy Serling handicapping seminar. A must!

Enjoy..I'm sure you will.

Spyder from SC

Thank you for letting me know that, Spyder! Racetrack mornings are what I miss most about all the years my family had a stable. I love going to Clocker's Corner for breakfast at Santa Anita and hanging out watching the workouts there. When my dad and I went there, of course, he ran into people he hadn't seen in 20 years and the old stories started flying!
My dad will be with me at Saratoga, so I'm gonna make that early morning suggestion and get our day started off right! The rest of the family can come later...LOL:D

Thanks a lot everybody, for your suggestions. Its always been a dream for me to go, but life events have always kept me from it in the past. I am super-excited!

Oh yea, also bring a camera. Some great shots in the am. They have a pricy breakfast buffet but I prefer bringing something and going to the 2nd floor clubhouse. Again, all free.

Spyder

Sorry, keep remembering. You can take a trolly ride in the am to the backstretch and stables. The driver gives the history of the place and tells you about whose barns are where. Never did it but on my list of things to do. Hear it's great.

Spyder

The 19th may be a Sunday so it may be a giveaway day with tons of spinners. If you can makea day of it, it's worth the time. If not, you can amble in at any time for standing room only.

I should be there that day, I rarely miss a day.