Saratoga Racing – Timeless
Saratoga – to quote a song by Dolly Parton – “Here you come again”. It seems like it was only yesterday that we were racing at Saratoga (or in this instance five weeks) but each year the Saratoga Race Course honors tradition but begins with high hopes and expectations for new excitement. Saratoga Race Course is a paradox- constantly changing, yet timeless – living one foot in one 21st century and one in the 20th (and even adding a respectful nod to the 19th).
However, this year is a little bit different. While it seems wildly inappropriate to suggest that the Belmont Stakes is an appetizer for other races, that observation seems appropriate this year. New York Racing Association spokesman Patrick McKenna expects that “the momentum out of an incredibly successful first Belmont Stakes at Saratoga” combined with more national television coverage on Fox than ever bodes well for the meet. While it remains to be seen whether the four-day meet surrounding the Belmont Stakes will whet or dampen the appetite of racing fans for the full meet, the particularly early start of July 11th may surprise some. The forty racing days run from July 11th through Labor Day on September 2nd.
Despite the high quality of racing at Saratoga, last year’s meet was marred by two high profile equine fatalities on marquee racing days. The memories of those tragedies have not fully faded with novice or veteran fans. It is therefore imperative that the sport improve equine and human safety to protect its social license to operate. The full-throated opposition and persistent largely unsuccessful legal challenges by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association’s to the federal regulation implemented to improve safety under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (“HISA”) is evidence that the magnitude of the problem is not fully appreciated by many in the industry. Whether or not HISA is the answer, maintaining the status quo is very literally gambling with the sport’s future. Let’s hope strides toward equine safety continue to be made whether under HISA or otherwise.
The current length of the meet and number of races run has inevitably led to a decline in overall racing quality and no less than top trainer Chad Brown has publicly bemoaned the number of “cheap races on the card.” Of course, this comes with the territory as there simply are not enough quality horses in enough different barns to card mostly allowance and stakes races. Those like me, who look back at the twenty-four day meets over four weeks with fondness, remember the ultra-high quality of the races every day during those times. But a limited number of races and limiting each trainer to no more than 40 stalls were the driving factor behind those cards. For better or worse neither of those conditions will return soon and there will be numerous races for lower priced horses and less grandiose connections to fill the cards.
Attending the races live at Saratoga is an all-day event and adding to that experience are the unwavering efforts and hospitality offered by the NYRABets crew. Tina Nomikoudis and Donny Nelson for more than a dozen years have fine-tuned their efforts and improved on track amenities for NYRABets VIP bettors. They include seats, Daily Racing Forms, special events and admission to the Curlin Room. The NYRABets crew shows appreciation for bettor’s loyalty in numerous and sundry ways. With a membership growth effort underway this year, NYRABets will offer VIP status to any bettor meeting the criteria with other ADW providers who move to their platform.
As horse players increasingly rely upon advanced technology to handicap races, many find it disruptive to attend live. One accommodation that a veteran and successful horse player has suggested to me would be the availability of small lockers for personal items. That way the tools of handicapping could be left at the track overnight allowing fans to go out directly to experience Saratoga’s restaurants and nightlife. This is a suggestion that is worth pursuing either by the NYRA or a sharp entrepreneur.
From a handicapping perspective remember Saratoga racing is as much about people and connections as it is about horses, just as old friends gather at the racetrack once a year, certain connections aim their best efforts for Saratoga. These include James Bond, David Donk, Horacio De Paz, John Terranova, Larry Johnson, Chester and Mary Broman, Barry K. Schwartz and Reeves Racing. Among the larger outfits, the aforementioned Chad Brown is rumored to have a particularly strong cast of two-years-olds this season, Linda Rice is expected to have entries at all levels and Todd Pletcher simply said to me “We are always excited for the Saratoga Meet.”
I started the column by quoting Dolly Parton and will end by quoting my grandmother – Gertrude Donavan Gotimer – an astute handicapper in her own right, who often said, “If you are lucky enough to be in Saratoga you are lucky enough!”
Saratoga – timeless.