UpInClass Saratoga meet-up 2019

[tenfurlongs]

The 2019 Saratoga meet opens one month from today. I thought we could explore some dates for possible group meet-ups. Sounds like 'mac el grande' will be there the second week of August, perhaps with others in tow? Who else is planning a day at the Spa, or even better a short stay in the area. I think I can speak for all of us regular track-goers in that we'll do everything we can to help you out with hospitality, and answering any questions that you might have. Overnighting at an Albany-area hotel should still be doable, but act fast especially if you are looking at August dates. The meet has been expanded to nearly 8 weeks this year (July 11th- Sept. 2nd), with dark days being Monday and Tuesday. The early dates in July are traditionally not that crowded even on the weekends.

Here is the Saratoga Stakes calendar link:

www.nyra.com/saratoga/racing/stakes-schedule/

So who is in? If you've never been to Saratoga, you really are missing something special. Here's some motivation to help spur you on...

TW

[grommet]

I should be there for Travers Day this year (I know, not the easiest day to meet)

[spanky126]

If I can pick the right right 6 numbers on our Texas Lotto....count me in and I'll pick up the bar tab and hotel rooms! 

[quickcall]

Grommet, Travers Day is not as intimidating as one might think. A bunch of UICers hang out together in the picnic area, which is not bad. Travers is crowded everywhere anyway. Give us a heads- up and we can make sure we make room for you.

[italianstallion]

TW,

A buddy and I are going to Saratoga for the first time. We are staying in Albany and have a rental car.

We are going to be at the track Aug 17, and the 18th for the Alabama Stakes.

We plan to get to the track early. Can we buy our entrance ticket in the morning or do we need to advance purchase tickets?

Also, do they have WiFi availability for our laptops?

thanks, 

gene

[1hooper]

www.saratogaracetrack.com/faq/

Daily admission can be purchased online in advance or upon arrival. Admission is free for children 12 and under.
Clubhouse admission is $10
Grandstand admission is $7

Is there any Internet connection available at the track?
Yes, there is FREE Wi-Fi at the track

[DoctorDisaster]

advanced Grandstand is $5 Clubhouse is $8
Walk up price is Grandstand $7 Clubhouse $10

[italianstallion]

Thanks 1 hooper and doctor disaster

i really appreciated it

gene

[hezethebest]

Grommet, I agree with what quickcall said. 25 years ago Travers Day was a bit burdensome as one might have to get right in line to make bets for a race after the previous race had just ended lest you risk getting shutout. It's much more comfortable these days if not less crowded on the big day. I would suspect that Travers Day would also maximize your "meet and greet" potential of other UIC folks as there are quite a few of us who never miss it, my streak intact since RUNAWAY GROOM won in 1982. Others have lengthy streaks also and hooper has about 10 years on all of us! I wouldn't hesitate to target Travers Day for a get together with those you'd like to put a face to a name. Hope to see you there.

LL

[tenfurlongs]

Grommet, quickcall and hezethebest represent the two largest UIC contingents at Saratoga on Travers Day. Hezethebest is part of the Condo crew (hooper, gam, jackk88, Steve, etc.) and the infamous blanket. They set up under the big trees near the Union Ave. gate, right by some betting windows. The Albany/Vermont crew sets up along the horse path to the paddock pretty much in the heart of the backyard. We send two runners in with blankets to secure a patch of ground, normally enough for eight people with camp chairs and some coolers. The key to Travers Day in my opinion is to get inside as soon as possible, get a base camp set up, and then spend the next three hours having breakfast and coffee, catching up with old friends, and finalizing key wagers before plunging headfirst into the crowds. Time lost in the morning is never recovered later on.

UIC meet-ups are generally 1) In the relative quiet of the late morning before first post, 2) after the third race at the Big Red Spring landmark, 3) again after the sixth race at the BRS if time allows. We typically watch the 4th race at the BRS, so that gives everybody at least a half-hour to meet-and-greet. Our group also goes back and forth to the blanket/Condo crew between races. Quality information and ideas get shared, and I always take a second look at things I missed ($$). You are welcome to join us out in the backyard for part or all of the day, we can exchange contact info and meet accordingly.

Gene, the same applies to you guys. If you want to hook up on Alabama Day, or that Friday, we'll be around. Send me digits so I can call/text you. Did you get seats, or are you bringing chairs? Always room for friends. Let me know.

TW

[italianstallion]

TW,

I cant find my reply I sent to you 10 minutes ago.

Thanks for the offer but my friend and I cancelled our flights, rooms in Albany and rental car.  Unfortunately, a friend is ill and we have decided to visit him instead. Hooper sent me a great link and I was ready to purchase reserved seats this weekend.

We were looking forward to our first visit. However, we decided to defer until 2020.

I will reach out to you and other UIC members next year.  

Enjoy your experience and hope every one is a winner.

gene