1. #1
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Saratoga Opening Day 1 Week away- Anyone making a trip?

    Thinking about riding up for a couple days from DC. Maybe the 2nd week. Went for the first time two years ago. Beautiful surrounding area with good Restaurant and Bar scene. Absolutely worth it if you've never been. Anyone have something on the books yet?

  2. #2
    Easy-Rider 66
    Easy-Rider 66's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 02-14-12
    Posts: 33,277
    Betpoints: 3496

    Used to live up North but was not a regular Player back in those days. So never been to the SPA. Now live down South so have been to Keeneland. Nice track you ever get there Gamer?

  3. #3
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by Easy-Rider 66 View Post
    Used to live up North but was not a regular Player back in those days. So never been to the SPA. Now live down South so have been to Keeneland. Nice track you ever get there Gamer?
    I visited Keenland a day they weren't racing. We stayed in Lexington the day before the Derby the year I went. Drove the 90 or so mi. into Louisville at the crack of dawn the morning of. Swung by Keenland and visited the Kentucky Horse Park while we were in Lexington. Got to meet one of my favorites ever- Funnycide, who is retired there. Love KY, need to get back out there soon as well.

    Tracks I've hit so far-

    Live- When running-

    Saratoga
    Belmont
    Laurel
    Pimlico
    Churchill
    Charles Town
    Rosecroft (H)


    Dark- No on-site racing

    Bangor (H)
    DelMar
    Keenland
    Batavia (H)

  4. #4
    Mackballs
    Mackballs's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 12-01-16
    Posts: 5,807
    Betpoints: 12393

    Will be there 7/23 and 7/24

  5. #5
    Easy-Rider 66
    Easy-Rider 66's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 02-14-12
    Posts: 33,277
    Betpoints: 3496

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    I visited Keenland a day they weren't racing. We stayed in Lexington the day before the Derby the year I went. Drove the 90 or so mi. into Louisville at the crack of dawn the morning of. Swung by Keenland and visited the Kentucky Horse Park while we were in Lexington. Got to meet one of my favorites ever- Funnycide, who is retired there. Love KY, need to get back out there soon as well.

    Tracks I've hit so far-

    Live- When running-

    Saratoga
    Belmont
    Laurel
    Pimlico
    Churchill
    Charles Town
    Rosecroft (H)


    Dark- No on-site racing

    Bangor (H)
    DelMar
    Keenland
    Batavia (H)
    OK Gamer thx for the rundown. I have visited Keeneland, Delaware, Monmouth, Meadowlands, and Turf Paradise. would like to make the trip to Colonial Downs one day as I am only about 4 hours from the track.

  6. #6
    Easy-Rider 66
    Easy-Rider 66's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 02-14-12
    Posts: 33,277
    Betpoints: 3496

    Hey Gamer: If you do go to SAR make a vid up there. just a suggestion. thx.

  7. #7
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by Easy-Rider 66 View Post
    Hey Gamer: If you do go to SAR make a vid up there. just a suggestion. thx.
    Will get some videos out there. I knew I had to be forgetting something- Colonial. I did get there for a live Harness Day back before the shutdown several years back. The lottery had a branded "Colonial Downs" $2 scratch off game where losing tickets could be entered for points and you could buy prizes if you accumulated enough. I bought a silly amount of those things. Probably had $1,000+ in losing tickets that I entered into the website. What a pain. All said and done it bought me two free admissions at the track, two hotdogs, two cokes, and a $2 win ticket on every horse in every race. Think I got back just shy of $100 from the tickets. Probably lost a couple hundred on simulcast in between races though

    Now that they are back in action, it'd be nice to get there for the VA Derby.

  8. #8
    Easy-Rider 66
    Easy-Rider 66's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 02-14-12
    Posts: 33,277
    Betpoints: 3496

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    Will get some videos out there. I knew I had to be forgetting something- Colonial. I did get there for a live Harness Day back before the shutdown several years back. The lottery had a branded "Colonial Downs" $2 scratch off game where losing tickets could be entered for points and you could buy prizes if you accumulated enough. I bought a silly amount of those things. Probably had $1,000+ in losing tickets that I entered into the website. What a pain. All said and done it bought me two free admissions at the track, two hotdogs, two cokes, and a $2 win ticket on every horse in every race. Think I got back just shy of $100 from the tickets. Probably lost a couple hundred on simulcast in between races though

    Now that they are back in action, it'd be nice to get there for the VA Derby.
    OK Gamer good story. yeah I know the track was shut down for a bit. I think their meet commences mid-July. into sept. hope one day to get there.

  9. #9
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by Mackballs View Post
    Will be there 7/23 and 7/24
    Nice! Our paths may cross. That was the weekend I was most seriously considering. Did you book a hotel or AirBnB? I stayed about 30 minutes out of town on some small lake last time, which was nice, but rather be closer in this time as the Uber scene was sporadic. Assume it is much worse now.

  10. #10
    INVEGA MAN
    INVEGA MAN's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 01-30-08
    Posts: 6,711
    Betpoints: 11938

    I will be at Del Mar where i know it wont rain!!

  11. #11
    USCPHILLYGUY
    HORSES MODERATOR
    USCPHILLYGUY's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 12-15-12
    Posts: 21,738
    Betpoints: 29335

    Gamer pick me up in jersey

  12. #12
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by INVEGA MAN View Post
    I will be at Del Mar where i know it wont rain!!

    Can't argue with that! If I had unlimited funds I'd spend a lot of time out there. When I hit the lottery SD will definitely be in consideration for a second home.

  13. #13
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by USCPHILLYGUY View Post
    Gamer pick me up in jersey
    Free Handicapping advice all weekend included?

  14. #14
    jjgold
    jjgold's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 07-20-05
    Posts: 388,190
    Betpoints: 10

    Gamer pick me up in Allentown right off 22

  15. #15
    GzaTheGenius
    GzaTheGenius's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 02-12-13
    Posts: 4,162
    Betpoints: 15301

    Will be there sometime this summer

    Havent booked anything yet, will be during the week though not on the weekend due to work

  16. #16
    SamsNCharge99
    5x POTM. 2x Video maker of the year
    SamsNCharge99's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 10-22-08
    Posts: 41,242
    Betpoints: 6404

    ill be there 7/25

    i live 30 minutes away, will go there 2-3x

  17. #17
    USCPHILLYGUY
    HORSES MODERATOR
    USCPHILLYGUY's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 12-15-12
    Posts: 21,738
    Betpoints: 29335

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    Free Handicapping advice all weekend included?
    Definitely brother. I shot BigJoe a text maybe he could set something up hotel wise.

  18. #18
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by SamsNCharge99 View Post
    ill be there 7/25

    i live 30 minutes away, will go there 2-3x
    I thought you did. Good thing you can contain yourself from going every day. Might see you out there Sammy! I'd probably head out on 7/25 but might leave after the card.

  19. #19
    ConleyPicks
    Capping NCAAF/NFL/NCAAB/MLB
    ConleyPicks's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 01-09-21
    Posts: 1,288
    Betpoints: 5278

    Quote Originally Posted by SamsNCharge99 View Post
    ill be there 7/25

    i live 30 minutes away, will go there 2-3x
    Lucky guy!

    Have never made the trek down there since I live in Canada but it's not that bad of a drive for the other Canadians I have talked to that have been down there for live racing

    Someday I want to group with a couple of my friends either from SBR or PaceAdvantage or just anyone that would plan a trip all together to enjoy Saratoga!

    I will definitely be watching every single day with doing my selections and analysis for stakes days

  20. #20
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by USCPHILLYGUY View Post
    Definitely brother. I shot BigJoe a text maybe he could set something up hotel wise.
    What would your timeline/availability look like? I'd probably be shooting to leave early Thursday or Friday to get there by 1st Post. Head back Sunday. Maybe after card.

  21. #21
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by ConleyPicks View Post
    Lucky guy!

    Have never made the trek down there since I live in Canada but it's not that bad of a drive for the other Canadians I have talked to that have been down there for live racing

    Someday I want to group with a couple of my friends either from SBR or PaceAdvantage or just anyone that would plan a trip all together to enjoy Saratoga!

    I will definitely be watching every single day with doing my selections and analysis for stakes days
    Worth the trip. Wish I went when I was younger, you will have a blast.

  22. #22
    Reload
    Winning Aint Easy
    Reload's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 03-23-08
    Posts: 12,185
    Betpoints: 14996

    I usually go on Labor Day weekend almost every year. It's a great time then if the weather works out OK.

    The last time a couple of years back, I stayed at Rivers Casino in Schenectady and they had a shuttle back and forth. All works out great.

  23. #23
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by Reload View Post
    I usually go on Labor Day weekend almost every year. It's a great time then if the weather works out OK.

    The last time a couple of years back, I stayed at Rivers Casino in Schenectady and they had a shuttle back and forth. All works out great.
    Interesting. Only 35 mins. out. Sharp play. Have the Sportsbook at your disposal now as well.

  24. #24
    ConleyPicks
    Capping NCAAF/NFL/NCAAB/MLB
    ConleyPicks's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 01-09-21
    Posts: 1,288
    Betpoints: 5278

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    Worth the trip. Wish I went when I was younger, you will have a blast.
    It sounds amazing!

    Could we create some contest for Saratoga this year? I can create/run the contest and everyone could contribute to ideas before we get started

    Something like what Easy-Rider did at RX:
    All days of the meet are playable
    $1k starting bankroll
    Bets offered are WIN PLACE WIN/PLACE EXACTAS

    $16 is the max you can bet per race
    Limits for Single bets $8 on a win or a place bet
    Exacta limits $1 exacta box up to 3 horses or $1 exacta Key box with 4 horses underneath
    All players can play same horse(s) but no intentional tailing
    All Players are grading their own selections but contest creator runs a daily tally/leaderboard
    All Players are required to publish their risk/return either when all races are completed or the morning of the next race day ASAP
    All plays are posted in the specific thread called "2021 Saratoga Contest Thread"
    Post as each race goes off or advance but be sure to adjust for scratches if picks end up scratching
    No contest prize just bragging rights unless we would like to contribute $20 each player?

  25. #25
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by ConleyPicks View Post
    It sounds amazing!

    Could we create some contest for Saratoga this year? I can create/run the contest and everyone could contribute to ideas before we get started

    Something like what Easy-Rider did at RX:
    All days of the meet are playable
    $1k starting bankroll
    Bets offered are WIN PLACE WIN/PLACE EXACTAS

    $16 is the max you can bet per race
    Limits for Single bets $8 on a win or a place bet
    Exacta limits $1 exacta box up to 3 horses or $1 exacta Key box with 4 horses underneath
    All players can play same horse(s) but no intentional tailing
    All Players are grading their own selections but contest creator runs a daily tally/leaderboard
    All Players are required to publish their risk/return either when all races are completed or the morning of the next race day ASAP
    All plays are posted in the specific thread called "2021 Saratoga Contest Thread"
    Post as each race goes off or advance but be sure to adjust for scratches if picks end up scratching
    No contest prize just bragging rights unless we would like to contribute $20 each player?
    You'd get a handful of guys willing to stick it out but most would want bet points giveaway or something. Hard to motivate people to play extended contests. Most prefer one day events.

  26. #26
    ConleyPicks
    Capping NCAAF/NFL/NCAAB/MLB
    ConleyPicks's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 01-09-21
    Posts: 1,288
    Betpoints: 5278

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    You'd get a handful of guys willing to stick it out but most would want bet points giveaway or something. Hard to motivate people to play extended contests. Most prefer one day events.
    Like "Travers Day" or any other stakes

  27. #27
    Easy-Rider 66
    Easy-Rider 66's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 02-14-12
    Posts: 33,277
    Betpoints: 3496

    Quote Originally Posted by ConleyPicks View Post
    It sounds amazing!

    Could we create some contest for Saratoga this year? I can create/run the contest and everyone could contribute to ideas before we get started

    Something like what Easy-Rider did at RX:
    All days of the meet are playable
    $1k starting bankroll
    Bets offered are WIN PLACE WIN/PLACE EXACTAS

    $16 is the max you can bet per race
    Limits for Single bets $8 on a win or a place bet
    Exacta limits $1 exacta box up to 3 horses or $1 exacta Key box with 4 horses underneath
    All players can play same horse(s) but no intentional tailing
    All Players are grading their own selections but contest creator runs a daily tally/leaderboard
    All Players are required to publish their risk/return either when all races are completed or the morning of the next race day ASAP
    All plays are posted in the specific thread called "2021 Saratoga Contest Thread"
    Post as each race goes off or advance but be sure to adjust for scratches if picks end up scratching
    No contest prize just bragging rights unless we would like to contribute $20 each player?
    can not do $$ contests here Conley. would have to be for points. only SBR can run for the money games.

  28. #28
    USCPHILLYGUY
    HORSES MODERATOR
    USCPHILLYGUY's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 12-15-12
    Posts: 21,738
    Betpoints: 29335

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    What would your timeline/availability look like? I'd probably be shooting to leave early Thursday or Friday to get there by 1st Post. Head back Sunday. Maybe after card.
    Tentative 7/23. BigJoe in as well.

  29. #29
    ConleyPicks
    Capping NCAAF/NFL/NCAAB/MLB
    ConleyPicks's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 01-09-21
    Posts: 1,288
    Betpoints: 5278

    Quote Originally Posted by Easy-Rider 66 View Post
    can not do $$ contests here Conley. would have to be for points. only SBR can run for the money games.
    I'm sorry figured they would give away points

  30. #30
    SamsNCharge99
    5x POTM. 2x Video maker of the year
    SamsNCharge99's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 10-22-08
    Posts: 41,242
    Betpoints: 6404

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    I thought you did. Good thing you can contain yourself from going every day. Might see you out there Sammy! I'd probably head out on 7/25 but might leave after the card.
    I work most days. So sunday is really only day im available.

  31. #31
    TheMetsSuck
    TheMetsSuck's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 01-14-12
    Posts: 6,119
    Betpoints: 1500

    Loved going to the Traverse. Definitely going again at some point

  32. #32
    topgame85
    topgame85's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 03-30-08
    Posts: 12,325
    Betpoints: 3082

    Quote Originally Posted by SamsNCharge99 View Post
    I work most days. So sunday is really only day im available.
    Making money is better than losing it. You are doing it right.

  33. #33
    SamsNCharge99
    5x POTM. 2x Video maker of the year
    SamsNCharge99's Avatar Become A Pro!
    Join Date: 10-22-08
    Posts: 41,242
    Betpoints: 6404

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    Making money is better than losing it. You are doing it right.
    My parents house is a 2 minute walk from an OTB. My high school is also close distance

    favorite story was leaving high school on lunch break and running into my dad at the otb making bets. Hes like arent you supposed to be in school.

    i stink at horses but its fun day

  34. #34
    Mackballs
    Mackballs's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 12-01-16
    Posts: 5,807
    Betpoints: 12393

    Quote Originally Posted by topgame85 View Post
    Nice! Our paths may cross. That was the weekend I was most seriously considering. Did you book a hotel or AirBnB? I stayed about 30 minutes out of town on some small lake last time, which was nice, but rather be closer in this time as the Uber scene was sporadic. Assume it is much worse now.
    Couple years ago we got an Airbnb right in town. There's was like 12 of us so it worked out well. Tremendous weekend.

    Only 5 this year so we just booked a hotel in Clifton Park. Easy drive in the morning to get to the track. Ride back may be a bit hazy. Well probably Uber both ways.

  35. #35
    flyingillini
    flyingillini's Avatar SBR PRO
    Join Date: 12-06-06
    Posts: 41,218
    Betpoints: 2199

    Quote Originally Posted by Reload View Post
    I usually go on Labor Day weekend almost every year. It's a great time then if the weather works out OK.

    The last time a couple of years back, I stayed at Rivers Casino in Schenectady and they had a shuttle back and forth. All works out great.
    Please bring your wallet. It’s become a trend with you. Enough is enough Mr. Reload. You can pay for your own meals!

123 Last
Top