Upcoming weekend/Thank You NYRA!!!
The last week of Saratoga can be quite depressing. The green grass in the grandstand area has been replaced by dirt/mud, the college kids who add SOOO much to the atmosphere have gone back to school leaving silence where there was screaming and yelling and "yahooing", and many of the people in the business go home after the Travers to get the kiddies ready for school or to enjoy one last summer week doing something besides racing.
I myself had to say goodbye this past Thursday to Lansdon and two great friends whose company I only get to enjoy up here each year for 5 weeks.
Thats why its great that NYRA decided to make the closing weekend a racing spectacular and add an idea(thank you very much Blackthroat, I predict that the idea that you turned into reality will become a 6 time a meet tradition) that I believe will change Saratoga Fridays forever.
The last weekend was foolishly tinkered with by NYRA a few years back. They took the traditional Spinaway and Hopeful and moved them back to Travers weekend. What Saratoga will lack in atmosphere this weekend, it will certainly be made up for in great racing. The Woodward had become a non event in the past few years because of its calendar slot. By moving it to Saratoga(where the mile and eigth race will be contested at two turns, making it a more viable way to get to the BC Classic and give those horses an extra week until the JCGC) it gives the weekend total firepower. By moving the Spinaway and Hopeful back to where they belong it gives us even more firepower. Throw in the Forego and the grass race for fillies and i will dare say that this weekend is more attractive from a racing standpoint than any weekend up here, including Travers weekend. Make sure you have those gel pens ready and get the DRF early to enjoy this great racing.
In addition, for many years Sartoga started their cards at 2:30 each day, then 2:00, then 1:30,until we got to 1:00 Pm. people have tendency to stay out late at Saratoga and enjoy the nightlife. Those who don't often get up very early to attend workouts. Throw in the allure of Lake George, the two awesome Golf Courses, the mineral baths and spas, and the great shopping that many wives max out credit cards on, and there simply isnt enough time for many to enjoy the whole experience and get to the races in time. Also, Saratoga's fan base is hugely supported by the locals, most of whom don't get out of work in time to go the track. I think NYRA will be amazed at the attendance and boost in handle on this Friday's twilight card which starts at 3 PM. Now people can get out or work and still make the last half of the card, and others can still have a Saratoga experience ouutside of the track and make the first race without being tired or hurrying.
Thsi weekend should be spectacular!!!!
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08-29-2006, 10:25 AM
Hybrid Mode
