Is The Track A Depressing Place?

[fpsoxfan]

I haven't been to enough tracks to comment for sure on your opinion. I've been to Saratoga probably about 100 times and never really experienced that. However some friends and I went to Belmont for the Stakes in 2002. I was having a great day, so I was able to make my wagers at a 50 dollar window. I had a guy come up to me and try to sell me his watch. Also I had a couple following me offereing to cash in a huge triple ticket if I had won. They were listening to me place my wagers at the window. It was more than a little creepy. I think I'll stick to Saratoga.

[philcski]

Aqueduct really sucks these days. It's a mess, the simulcasting screens are poorly laid out (had to walk all over just to find one small TV with the Illinois Derby on Saturday then another with the Apple Blossom), and the degenerates seem to be at an all-time high. Only been to three live days at the Big A this meet- I won't be back until Belmont opens.

[MisterB]

Time to find a better life. If this game in the flesh is that bad, you need a new outlet.

Drug users are depressing. Sad too.

[bmont22]

I actually find the track rather relaxing, not depressing.

Except for Pimlico - that is one depressing track, even on Preakness day it is depressing.

[phystech]

Originally Posted by bmont22

I actually find the track rather relaxing, not depressing.

Except for Pimlico - that is one depressing track, even on Preakness day it is depressing.

The key to enjoying Pimlico is making sure you close your eyes when you get to Northern Parkway - assuming you aren't driving, of course. And then don't open them until you reached the second floor grandstand seats that are outside. Great view of the track from there, and you catch a few rays while you are enjoying those $8k maidens and $7.5k nw's. Just don't go inside for anything......

[XIIPointStables]

I just add into the responses about live track vs. simulcast facility.

I live in New England and unless it's opening day, the Rock and Suffolk are beyond depressing.

But Saratoga I have never had that depressed. And my one trip to Churchill was unreal.

But some of those simulcast facilities/harness tracks...yikes.

[SOREHOOF]

3+ months until Saratoga. I'm looking out my window at snow for about the 5th day in a row. It was warmer Christmas day than Easter. NOT being at the track is depressing!

[The Bid]

No live racetrack is depressing.

Whenever I walk into a racetrack I get a sense of calm anticipation, not a sense of depression.

When I have one in I get the same feeling I would get before a big game when I played competitive sports. So excited you cannot sit down, pacing, looking at the PPs 200 times, wondering if you are in the right spot, already making the horse excuses before he/she runs. Then when they win you know you were right, you cannot beat that feeling and its sure not depression.