Yesterday was Halloween in August at the track. A few hundred kids dressed up for a costume contest and trick or treating at various spots around the track. I for one thought that was a terrific promotion to bring kids and their families to the track.
So far, this week has been quieter than usual, I think because of the hurricane. A lot of the nearby areas have been without power since Sunday and are now just getting back to normal. Attendence should pick up as we get into the great weekend. There are now three Grade 1's for Saturday, including the postponed Personal Ensign. I cringe when I heard tv pundits say the race was canceled on Sunday when it was merely postponed. That is what happens when one is married to an English teacher.
NYRA unveils its plans for the slots money improvements to Saratoga today. Dorms, new roofs on the grandstand and clubhouse, electrical and plumbing seem to dominate. I still think that NYRA should take a long look at the retired priest's building on Lake Ave near St Clements. I think that it could be adapted to use by the backstretch employees at a cheaper cost than building new dorms and it is only a short distance from the Oklahoma track. There is also mention of new barns in the annex area along with a three story dorm in that area. I would also love to see wi-fi available everywhere in the plant.
I had only two winners in the paper yesterday and am getting my butt kicked in terms of wins but am only a few dollars out of second place in terms of money won. My average mutuel is substantially higher than the other handicappers in the Saratoga Special. I fully expect to be no worse than second place in terms of money won but will finish last in races won.
I am still trying to get the Clancys to include money won in the paper and have suggested a betting contest among the Special handicappers next year.