Saratoga Bound !!!

No tournament this week, instead am heading to Saratoga Springs for a couple of days to bet the horses live.

“From New York City you drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue and go back 100 years,” is a very appropriate quote from famous sports writer Red Smith. Driving west from the Boston area the same experience. From the Atlantic Ocean through the Berkshires and into the Adirondacks, the leisurely drive takes you back to the charm of the early 1900s.


We stay at the Brunswick Bed & Breakfast which is located on Union Ave directly across the street from the famed Saratoga Race Course. Kirk Nichols is a great inn keeper who makes everyone feel welcome and cooks a great breakfast. The B&B also has a great porch with rocking chairs for partaking in an adult beverage after a day at the races.

We will start each day with a walk across to the track for morning work outs. Get a cup of coffee and a copy of the current Indian Charlie ("We never let the truth get in the way of a good story") or the "Form" and sitting in one of the owners boxes in the clubhouse is a great way to start the day. Watching the workout riders getting instructions from the trainers provides insight into the concept of "works" which most people only see as numbers in the form.

Its then back to the Brunswick for breakfast and some morning handicapping on the porch. You may also be lucky enough to get Neil's POD (Pick Of the Day) which is guaranteed to hit at least 1 out of 10 times!!!!

Back to the track around 12:30 either to the clubhouse, grandstand or the picnic area. Each has its pros & cons but I enjoy the picnic area the best as you can reserve a table when you go to the workouts and then enjoy the shade of 100+ year old trees as you watch the horses travel the path to the paddock before each race or watch the races on the TVs posted on towers throughout the picnic area.

After a successful day at the races (or not) back to the Brunswick porch for some adult beverages and discussions with the other guests.

Great restaurants are nearby with a short walk to downtown or a short drive to the surrounding area.

Back to the porch, sleep, repeat !!!