Saratoga

[TheSpyder]

What compares in horse racing, and as a serious fan, in life as a whole, to the way I feel about the next 40 days of racing.

I've been to Saratoga over 20 times, but the feeling never changes as I take the exit off I-87 to heaven on earth.

And, for us that know, isn't it that exactly what it is?

Morning work outs at 6 am sneaking in the track (I've found nothing that compares, it the culmination of nature, summer, horses, history, beauty.

A day at the track. It always feels like you're a part of history, every race, every horse you have a play on.

Downtown.

The next day.

The next day.

Heaven.

This is a special day........................again.

Life comes at you fast. Saratoga lets you slow down and enjoy the best of what life is about. Best to you Steve Byk for the season. What you do is amazing, and you make some tasty food to boot.

Spyder out

[Hickory Hill Hoff]

Well put ....... looking forward to seeing you my friend!

[fpsoxfan]

Very well said Spyder. See ya up there Hoffy. Will be there in our usual spot.
Can't wait to hear "T" yell SLAMBINO!! LOL Enjoy the meet everyone!

[outofthebox]

OMG i miss Saratoga....Hope everyone has a great summer season....I will get back there one day...

[Antitrust32]

Greatest Place on the Planet for the month of August.

There are prettier places on the planet... and there are more exciting places on the planet... But Saratoga is simply the greatest.

[Alabama Stakes]

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

Greatest Place on the Planet for the month of August.

There are prettier places on the planet... and there are more exciting places on the planet... But Saratoga is simply the greatest.

actually there are no more prettier and exciting places than Saratoga. Italian for heaven.

I can still remember back in 74 when I turned 12 and my dad brought me and my brother for the first time. He said, "son, this is what it's all about." That statement still rings true. So many of the most memorable times of my life have been there. Affirmed, Alydar, and Tilt UP. (i know, Tilt Up? ) but he worked faster than any hoss I've ever seen. Renting the Whitneys Carriage house for the meet, going 1 for the meet one year with the only winning day being when I got a Hooper Mare named Evaluating to win a miracle bob at 46-1. Almost getting hit by lightning when the big tree near the paddock took a direct hit. Watching the big tent blow down Union Ave instead of the Delaware Cap during the most severe weather I ever saw. There has been plenty of that though. Always cool to tell newbies when that big cloud starts appearing over the 7 furlong chute and the locals start bustling, the wind will pick up and then its gonna be showtime. Summer Squall bullying his way between hosses to win another 2 year old stake. The beautiful Go For Wand. Pretty as a picture. November Snow pulling it off. Putting out the chairs at some ungodly hour still half drunk from the night before. Gettting wrecked on Bass at the track, Cliffs for a steak, sleep 3 hours and into town to Aiko's to see a dead cover band named Slipknot. Home by 4 AM, pass out , wake up do some capping, watch Little Andy, cringe as he gives out the hoss we've been waiting to cash a bet on. Get 8-1 instead of 15-1, but it's all good. Attend the beauty contest known as the Alabama Stakes. There is no hoss more beautiful than a 3 year old filly in August at Saratoga. Spreading my dad's ashes in the infield near Go for Wand. 30 of us, taking shoes and socks off and rolling up the pants to walk across the muddy track. (the mud felt really good). then across the 2 turf course to the pond. It was really special, plus we get to visit him every year. Even watching races from the infield when they used to open it up on Saturdays, (no turf racing though). Watching even the biggest tough guys try to drink from the big red spring. Having the best parking spot available locked up for life at the best lot. The best spot to sit is pretty cool too. having a newbie who was a $2 better spend $24 and box a tri in the last race before we went home and cashing for $2400. He said it was the happiest day of his life. In closing, the excitement of bringing someone for the first time, knowing that you have just changed their life. Long live Saratoga !

[Conrad]

How can i possibly handicap now?
I'm all full of nostalgia and tradition, and i've never even been to the Spa.

Gotta get there someday, but i better go by myself (in case i shed a tear or something...wouldn't want anyone seeing that)
It seems that everyone who goes to Saratoga takes the time to stop and smell the roses...it ain't all business.

Good luck this meet