is calder worth a visit?
 

Going to Ft lauderdale with the family (wife and 2 daughters, 4 and 1). Is Calder worth a day for the family?

Calder is great fun. Don't hesitate... Go. It's a real racetrack.

Calder is great. Not luxe like GP but a very enjoyable day at the races.

Thanks Steve...

Calder > Gulfstream

You gotta have a bowl of their Manhattan (Red) Clam Chowder, one of the best IMO. Lots of areas to enjoying the races. You probably want to avoid the dog days of summer June, July, August, and September because all 300 patrons will be inside sucking up the AC.

On a side note, I never understood why Calder never figured to run their races at night especially during the summer months. It would be better on the horses and would attract bigger pools IMO. Instead they go up against the Big boys in the summer (Belmont/Saratoga, CD, AP, MON, & others) and don't get the handle. I love it when they have the twilight post times 3pm on Fridays and go up against these same tracks. There might be an issue with the local dog tracks that wouldn't allow it to happen. Anyways enjoy your time there.

You are mostly right--state law prohibits thoroughbred racing at night. Last post must go off before 7pm. This was done at the behest of the other parimutuels years ago.

It would be a great idea, at least for the worst part of summer. Therefore Floriduh won't do it.

Best place to go is the 4th floor balcony. Great view of the live racing and very casual - usually not crowded at all up there. If it gets too hot, just stroll in to the 4th floor clubhouse and slip Willie a 10 spot for a box with a personal TV


As a bonus, they actually have real dirt and two turn 1 mile races

I really enjoyed Calder... it's a great spot.

A bit off topic, but I just d/l the card for Calder today and noticed no rolling pick 3's. There are only 4 on the card. I called to voice my opinion and the rocket scientist that I talked to said the decision was based on the fact that handle was substantially down on pick 3's last year. No sh!t sherlock, the signal wasn't sent to 95% of simulcast / ADW's last year until very late in the meet. Anyways, apparently they have gotten many calls like mine and are addressing the fact at a meeting next week.

Very depressing, as that is 98% of my handle.

Also, they have 1 pick 4 ( called the BIG 4 ), a .50c wager starting in the 7th race.


If anyone would like to voice their opinion on this as well here is their number: 305-625-1311

i went to the calder site and checked to see how far it was from kissimmee, since we'll be there in july. now i just need to check with tony when he gets up and see if he wants to make an over six hour round trip to go to the track...:D
it's a shame tho that we won't be there a week later, since they have a big day carded on the 11th. timing is everything.

We pack up the kids and hit Calder a couple times a summer. 8hrs+ round trip. They sleep the whole way back so the only real torture is getting there.

Kissimmee is a straight shot down the turnpike. There is a turnpike exit that dumps you off right at the track easy in easy out.

The Turnpike tolls are criminal.

What did I miss?
 

Calder is a sh1t hole...I guess it's a step-up for those who hang out at the Big A. It's 1979 and the clock stopped. The paddock sucks and the turf club is like being in an assisted living mess hall (although you will see Hank Goldberg stationed at a table).

What's a turf club?

i think he'll go for it. he'll grumble a bit and then print a map. when we plan vacations, he does ask if there are any tracks nearby and open. i'm so spoiled! :D

i've never been, and since we'll be nearby, we'll go. but arlington will be hard to top, that place is fantastic.

Jeez 'Zig, don't listen to some assnozzle from LA. If he thinks Calder is a shithole, he's beyond naive and needs to get out and see some real dumps. Calder is a great place to visit. It is clean and the people are ultra friendly.

I had no clue their Turf Club was not up to LA standards. Hell, I've been going to Tampa Bay Downs for 23+ years and have never set foot or even looked in the door of their restaurant. I go to tracks to see the horses, not to have a dining experience.

:tro: That's why I love ya Bigs.

You're missing out as far as the potato salad goes.

I haven't been to Calder in a few years ... but I've spent many, many, many a racing day in their upstairs dining room and overall I liked Calder a lot.

The Flagler dog track isn't so nice ... and unlike the nifty Derby Lane ... there is no strip club next door that I know of where dirty - dirty girls will do A LOT for a twenty.