Oaklawn

Travis Stone · #1 01-17-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herkhorse

I think Oaklawn has done a great job with the racino, while keeping the racetrack at the forefront. Unlike other venues, you still walk into a racetrack and you actually have to look for the casino. (If you walk in the south entrance, your practically in the paddock.) Alot of other tracks I've been to have it the other way round, and you wouldn't even know they have a track.

Agreed. I went for the first time last year, had a blast.

declansharbor · #2 01-17-2008, 11:20 AM

To me, this is one of the tougher tracks to handicap. Have no idea why. I've been lucky enough to catch Theriot on some square prices, looking for the same results this year.
Does anyone else find this track to be tougher to cap? Or is it just me.

Oaklawnfan · #3 01-17-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by declansharbor

To me, this is one of the tougher tracks to handicap. Have no idea why. I've been lucky enough to catch Theriot on some square prices, looking for the same results this year.
Does anyone else find this track to be tougher to cap? Or is it just me.

They do an excellent job of changing up the surface. When you think you have the bias down, the next day it's different. Some would say that there is really very little track bias, but I have seen a sizzling rail go deep overnight and going four wide at the top of the stretch work for the deep closers. I really thought this might have been Mario Pino's strategy on Hard Spun only to go wide in last year's Southwest Stakes because the four and five hole were hot the days before. Tueflesburg closes inside to win. Hard Spun ships out.
Key Luis Q. or Calvin Bo-Rail in your exotics.

Danzig · #4 01-17-2008, 05:48 PM

long article in the paper today about the track surface. there were quite a few complaints about the surface last year, and they really put a lot of work into it. made sure that the mix was proper (x amount of sand, clay, etc) and test it constantly. been a project since the season ended last april. they said the track is the same mix as churchill and belmont. all three incredibly similar according to the article.
they also said that some of the problems were caused by trying to keep the track open on some days that it probably shouldn't have been, and that it will not happen this year. unlike some tracks, they do not spray chemicals on the surface here to combat freezing, due to runoff/environmental concerns.

we made reservations today, will be in hot springs the wknd of march 21 for anniversary #22.
will be contacting oaklawn tomorrow for carousel tix. can't wait!

cal828 · #5 01-17-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danzig

long article in the paper today about the track surface. there were quite a few complaints about the surface last year, and they really put a lot of work into it. made sure that the mix was proper (x amount of sand, clay, etc) and test it constantly. been a project since the season ended last april. they said the track is the same mix as churchill and belmont. all three incredibly similar according to the article.
they also said that some of the problems were caused by trying to keep the track open on some days that it probably shouldn't have been, and that it will not happen this year. unlike some tracks, they do not spray chemicals on the surface here to combat freezing, due to runoff/environmental concerns.

we made reservations today, will be in hot springs the wknd of march 21 for anniversary #22.
will be contacting oaklawn tomorrow for carousel tix. can't wait!

In recent years, they seem to be taking the maintenance of the track surface a lot more seriously. I can remember going by the track in the summer and the track would be full of tall weeds, but you don't see that anymore. I think they maintain it year round now. Something strange I have noticed is that the track appears pink or reddish on TV, but when you're there at the track, it's really a sandy light brown or beige color. I guess TV doesn't duplicate colors as naturally as I had thought.

Danzig · #6 01-17-2008, 09:35 PM

they said the 'bounce is back'. from what i read, they are very, very pleased with the results from all the hard work.

anyone going tomorrow, enjoy!!!

Danzig · #7 01-18-2008, 10:41 AM

holy crap.

had to wait til oaklawn opened today to arrange two carousel tix for march 22.

had to wait forever for an operator, and then didn't get very good seats (we wanted as close to the glass as possible, but now we must settle for closer to the buffet and bar). but at least we got seats! we usually just hang out on the apron but when we go for this certain wknd, we do the carousel.

anyway, point being, if you want special seating for the season, esp on a wknd, you better get on the phone.