I cannot believe what the hell is going on in this world today
I cannot believe what the hell is going on in this world today
WTF ?
I just read about the horrors and I'm shocked. And I thought my FIRST trip to Belmont Day was something, can you believe I went there to beat a hoss named Cannonaro II (forgive the spelling) and did just that on one of MANY beautiful, weather and racing-wise Belmont Stakes Day's that I just LUVED in the past. I cannot write about how many GREAT times I had on Belmont Days in the past and was lucky enough to see many of the most memorable Belmonts of the past. Secretariat (er.. No. I didn't beat that one), Affirmed (LUVED Alydar, bet that one with my heart and not my head
), and just too many more to mention. "Unfortunately, I was in Florida not N.J./N.Y. when I bet on Sarrava in 2001 ( I think I got the year right), but DID have my winning tickets held tightly in my hands on that one, one of the greatest scores of my life. The BESTIST and most enjoyable racing events I've visited, live, in my life were all at Belmont Park. Funny thing - I remember the name of the jockey on Cannonaro (Gustavo Aviles) and not the name of the horse I had that beat him; I think Walter Blum was on the upsetter, not sure bout that. Gustavo was one VERY IMPRESSING dude, sitting on the favorite when they entered the track, sitting upright with brand new black and while silks.
Get this.....
I thought the sixty some odd thousand fans at Belmont on my first Belmont was a bit overcrowded but still very worth the visit. The Spanish flags were flying, the crowd was sooo excited to see a dark horse take on the Triple Crown that year. And the weather was absolutely beautiful that day. The great crowd, waving the Spanish flags were a sight to see and the excitement was exhilarating especially on such a beautiful, sunny day. Cashing those tickets after the big race (my first Belmont) really added icing to the cake.
BUT what's going on NOW? In those days, the WEEKday attendance at the track was greater than weekend stakes cards these days.... I believe hoss wacin is a dying sport. I guess they put their little handhelds in their pocket and decide to SEE THE ACTION, LIVE on the spectacular racing events now. UGH! The good news is that they don't don't know the difference between the horse's ass from it's head and you may be able to beat them.
Well, wish I could help ya, but I'm outdated now and things musta REALLY changed. My thoughts are...
Don't spring for the big bucks with advanced tickets cause if the weather turns sour/raining, you'll be in for one of the most memorable
bummer days of your life, especially if you drive to the track. I also just read that the authorities and racetrack officials are addressing the issue and made changes to accommodate the masses. That includes train station additions or renovations and food/beverage places and betting windows.
To the best of my memory, you will be able to buy tickets at the track to get inside (don't tell me that has changed :facepalm
but you need to get there very early. VERY early. There must still be some area for general attendance I would think. Belmont has plenty of grounds. If there is a way for you to buy your betting tickets EARLY, do that (no more N.Y. OTB? .... another shocker I recently was told about from my cousin in Brooklyn the other day...WHA??? ).
MY advice?
Well, there will be plenty of "Belmont Stakes TYPE" races to go to after the big one this Sat. Take your family to the track on a nice Sat. and you WILL enjoy yourselves for sho. Some of the Belmont horses will be running and the excitement will be the same. KNOWING what happened in the BIG Belmont race will add to that too and you won't get ripped off with the NEW Belmont charges; the prices were the same as regular racing days when I went to The Belmont Stakes day race.
Or...
Just play no. 6 across the board (heavier in the Show spot) at Philly in the last race TODAY
Sorry, bout the long "note". G.L.
