Get real here.
As a few knowledgeable posters stated, Belmont is in Long Island, NY and
is SURROUNDED by OTB's in Nassau, Suffolk, NYC, Westchester(Yonkers) and upstate.(Catskill OTB's and Albany OTB's).
The HANDLE at Belmont was 14M+ million Sat. Churchill doesn't even post handle anymore (yes, I know it closed
)
Sure, NYRA would like attendance at the track for the direct handle, but realistically it is easier and cheaper to go to the local OTB or bet from home. Hollywood had attendance of 7800 on Saturday. And there are NO OTB's in CA.
MON doesn't even post total handle.
A trip to Belmont from No. NJ or Westchester is 100-120 miles, RT and $10 in tolls to start. Anyone who has been trapped in LI traffic would NEVER question why a fan would avoid a trip to Belmont. ..a 60 minute drive turns into a 2.5 hr marathon especially on a SATURDAY....even for ppl who live in LI.
Monmouth is at the Jersey Shore...a big summer vacation destination. MON gets the vacation traffic. Not many people are vacationing in Elmont, NY
And Curlin
isn't the big fan draw some here seem to believe he should be...