Plonk on Oaklawn

[smuthg]

I'm pretty biased because I consider Oaklawn "my home track" and affectionately refer to it as "my favorite place on Earth" but I thought this article was pretty spot on...

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/hor...emy&id=3829074

[Theatrical]

I hadn't been to Oaklawn in over 20 years until last year when my husband and I went to see Zenyatta. We had a terrific time (capped off by my girl winning, of course!) and plan on going back if she ships in again.
One thing I thought was rather interesting. For those who know that track, they know parking is at a premium, especially on big days. The surrounding neighborhoods are ready to oblige your parking needs by allowing you do so in their front yards. We drove up to one house and the older gentleman was sitting in a rocking chair on his front porch. He kindly showed us where we needed to be and all for $10.00.

[pointman]

Since 2004, I have gone to Oaklawn for the Arkansas Derby day as my fiances parents are members of the Jockey Club. I think it is a great race track and the Jockey Club itself is really nice and a great place to watch the races. I have not been fortunate to be there any other day, but Derby Day is always a great day at the races. Now, if only I can figure out how to handicap that track I will be in much better shape this year as the Arkansas Derby has really been the race where I have made money.

The Plonk article is an interesting read and other racetracks could certainly benefit from some of the approaches that are taken at Oaklawn. Good article.