All Things Saratoga 2008
 

(If this belongs in the "Get Togethers" thread by all means, please move.)

It's about the time, isn't it? Sixteen days and counting. It seems like every year this board perks up just at the mention of the Spa - any why not? It's where I fell in love with racing. I figured, why not a catch all thread for things Spa related as we gear up for Opening Day. My first opening day since 2005 I believe.

I'll start with a golf question. The group of guys I head up with Travers wants to play while we're there this year but I've never played anywhere in the area. Anyone have any experience with what courses to play, deals, maybe even what to avoid?

Going to try and play on a weekday morning, like a Thursday or Friday.

I like the State Park course quite a bit. No reason to overpay anywhere else. If you want a little quicker round, try Saratoga Lake GC, which is a bit quirky but still fun.

I don't know where you are coming from, but if you don't mind going north of Saratoga, I would recommend either Hiland or Kingswood, both about a half hour north of Saratoga. They are nice layouts, and on a weekday morning, the pace of play should be decent, and you should be able to reserve a tee time if you call in advance. Down in the Albany area, the best public course is probably Orchard Creek.

In Saratoga, the Saratoga State Park Course is a good bargain, but it is tough to get a tee time. Saratoga National is a tough track and pricey (over $100 per round), but also the best conditioned "public" course in the Capital District area.

Kelso wins 1965 Whitney

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...33/1/index.htm

Buckpasser wins '65 Travers

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...8930/index.htm

I am particularly partial to the mini-golf course behind the Saratoga Mall. I am a little worried that my friend's 10YO son will have caught up to me this year. In my defense he is the best 10YO athlete in Saratoga.

A great, lengthy piece from 1968, "The Mafia at Saratoga."

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...1804/index.htm

Do they simulcast the T-breds from the Spa down the road at the harness track ?

I heard the Albany otb was nice for playing the Spa too.

Onion beats Secretariat in Whitney

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...7658/index.htm

Slew and Affirmed prep for Marlboro at Saratoga.

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...3982/index.htm

I think we'll probably try to play in the area, but these are good places to check out and present to the rest of the crew. Thanks.

Lengthy great piece by W. Nack -1988

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.c...7650/index.htm

Slew lost a race in between.

I'm pretty sure they do. They simulcast about every other track in the country.

Yes he did. And that's why he paid $6.20 in the Marlboro/

Andy - i know some in saratoga who may disagree with the above statement, are you sure you know ALL the top 10 yr old athlete's in Saratoga??

the state spa course is by far the best value and closest to the track , it is a nice mix of holes with some tough greens

No, but if you knew who I was talking about you might agree.

possibly , make sure if you want to beat him don't concede any putts

It is my goal to make children cry. I concede nothing.