I used to be the Queen of finding cheap motels less than 20 minutes from the track. The old standbys-
Cocca's Motel- in Malta, rt 9 off exit 13S, used to be $99 a night. Drive-up motel with about 12 rooms. Wouldn't be surprised to hear the rates remain as there's now an auto speedway across the road (LOUD.)
McGregor Inn- rt 9 Wilton, nothing fancy but usually has rooms last minute.
Landmark- a bit further north up 87, South Glens Falls. Quite nice, w/ race-enthusiast owner.
Community Court- right on Broadway, annoyingly over-priced but still on the relative low-side ($179.)
Stay away from Thorobred Motel, the only one that really grossed me out. Better to drive past and see if Locust Grove has any rooms.
Good source of motel info-
http://www.saratoga.org/visitors/whe...oga-motels.asp