GP changes - Page 2

Hickory Hill Hoff · #21 12-20-2007, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpsoxfan

Actually Hoffy, you're on to something. Each year I like Tampa more and more.

Big fields, great turf course.....sure beats those 5k @ GP for horses that haven't a race in two years

Fearless Leader · #22 12-20-2007, 07:41 PM

Tampa is a dump.

fpsoxfan · #23 12-20-2007, 07:46 PM

The facility itself may possibly be, but racing wise it's fun to bet.

Hickory Hill Hoff · #24 12-20-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fearless Leader

Tampa is a dump.

And the new Gulfstream is a gem???

If I wanna go shopping, I'll go to a mall...If I wanna go to the movies, I'll go to the mall...If I wanna go throw quarters in a slot, I'll go to a racino...
If I wanna play the ponies....It's a racetrack, I'll go to.....dump or not!

Fearless Leader · #25 12-20-2007, 07:51 PM

The new Gulfstream is an abomination. What is your point Hick? It doesn't change the previously stated fact.

fpsoxfan · #26 12-20-2007, 07:52 PM

The Tampa Bay Derby is becoming one of the key races on the TC Trail.
Can't be that bad.

fpsoxfan · #27 12-20-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fearless Leader

The new Gulfstream is an abomination. What is your point Hick? It doesn't change the previously stated fact.

I guess it depends on what you are comparing the track to.

Hickory Hill Hoff · #28 12-20-2007, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fearless Leader

The new Gulfstream is an abomination. What is your point Hick? It doesn't change the previously stated fact.

I agree with that. Point is...I don't care what the track looks like.....I'm there to play the horses...not the scenery!
Any more questions???

blackthroatedwind · #29 12-20-2007, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickory Hill Hoff

I agree with that. Point is...I don't care what the track looks like.....I'm there to play the horses...not the scenery!
Any more questions???

It's two different discussions.

I played hard there last winter and did extremely well. I am looking forward to playing starting in a couple of weeks. However, I also spent many great winters at the former Gulfstream, and after visiting in 2006 for a weekend I have no plans to go back. It's unfortunate, as I loved spending time there and have many friends there. I just find the new place a completely unenjoyable spot.....especially for South Florida in the winter.

fpsoxfan · #30 12-20-2007, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

It's two different discussions.

I played hard there last winter and did extremely well. I am looking forward to playing starting in a couple of weeks. However, I also spent many great winters at the former Gulfstream, and after visiting in 2006 for a weekend I have no plans to go back. It's unfortunate, as I loved spending time there and have many friends there. I just find the new place a completely unenjoyable spot.....especially for South Florida in the winter.

Interesting insight Andy, especially for us New Yorkers who haven't been to either place. I'm not sure why, but I've really enjoyed the races from Tampa.
I've been to Tampa a few times, but not the track. Is it in a good section of the city?

#31 12-20-2007, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bystander

Now that I have your attention, what's up with the Ian Curtis avatar?

Just a tribute to a great artist.

blackthroatedwind · #32 12-20-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

Just a tribute to a great artist.

Have you seen " Control " yet?

Rudeboyelvis · #33 12-20-2007, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpsoxfan

Interesting insight Andy, especially for us New Yorkers who haven't been to either place. I'm not sure why, but I've really enjoyed the races from Tampa.
I've been to Tampa a few times, but not the track. Is it in a good section of the city?

Great location. It's not in the city of Tampa, but in Oldsmar, FL. About 20 minutes NW of the city and the airport. It's a fairly rural area, at least for the time being. A lot of development north and especially East (WestChase) causes the two lane road to back up with traffic most race days, and leaving the track on a weekday after the card can be a chore with rush hour on top of it...

The facility is far from a dump. I've been to plenty of dumps (Try Charles Town pre slots) It's not Toga or Del Mar, but i isn't supposed to be. It's clean, has great racing and one of the nicest turf courses in the country imo.

#34 12-20-2007, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Have you seen " Control " yet?

Yes. I thought it was fantastic.

blackthroatedwind · #35 12-20-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pillow Pants

Yes. I thought it was fantastic.

Me too. I loved it.

jpops757 · #36 12-21-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnanimous

No. I don't like the new Gulfstream. However, they understand that seating is pretty much not worth worrying about. The "real" guy betting, the ones that make up the real money in the pool, don't go to races. They bet online or at a simulcat facility.

There is just no reason for racetracks to cater to the small guy any longer.

The fact is horse racing, with 30 minutes between races, is just too slow for people to go to and sit down with nothing to do. Unless you have a Saratoga, Del Mar, or Keeneland there is no reason to go to the track.

The reason why Saratoga, DM, and Keeneland are so successful is because they have short meets. If they were to go for 4 straight months like a Gulfstream does, they would lose their novelty and suffer the same way tracks like Gulfstream do.

I think you hit \on the real fix for horseracing. Shorter meets with larger purses. The casino fix is just a band-aide.

Alan07 · #37 12-21-2007, 10:46 AM

Gulfstream USED to have a 2 month meet