Venue thoughts for July 18

[JolyB]

It's going to be opening weekend at Saratoga, with the Coaching Club American Oaks and the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes being the featured races. My normal reaction would be to take us all to the Spa to enjoy the beginning of the season, even though this season is going to be much different from those that have preceded it. I'm sure that the scenes of the paddock without lots of fans will come as a shock.

I noticed that Monmouth Park is running its biggest day of the year, featuring the Haskell Stakes with a fist full of Derby qualifying points. I think that Monmouth Park will also be having a free online handicapping contest with some generous prizes. They have done so is previous years. While I have fond memories of placing my first bets at Monmouth Park while being well below the legal age to do so, my heart still belongs to Saratoga. I could be easily persuaded to include the Haskell as an additional contest race if others would enjoy that.

I'd welcome your thoughts. And please stay safe and well.