Unlocking Winners 2017 Trip to Saratoga

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Hello Unlocking Winners readers! To help everyone make plans and keep track of the details for the 2017 Trip to Saratoga, I have created a forum topic where we can keep everything in one place. Let me know if you have any questions, and let me know if you encounter any issues with the forums! They haven’t been used much yet, so this will be a good test to see how they work. :) When writing comments, you should be able to check the “Notify me of follow-up replies via email” box to receive an email whenever anyone replies to your comment.

[Lee Ann Thorsgard]

Let’s do this! Saratoaga 2017……..woo hoo!

[mz (Marisa)]

Thank you, Keelerman. We can start the discussions rolling about when, where to stay, who might be coming, etc.

Maybe we should just start with picking the dates?

I’m more for a non-big race couple of days, since it will probably be easier to find a place to stay (especially if we can sort of “take over” a hotel floor or something). And it can slop over into a weekend for those who would want to stay.

Comments appreciated.

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Good thoughts, mz! With that in mind, I just checked the weekend dates for 2017 to give everyone an idea of what dates might be ideal. Assuming the schedule is the same next year as in 2016, here’s the lineup:

Opening day: July 21
Opening weekend: July 22-23
Jim Dandy weekend: July 29-30
Whitney weekend: August 5-6
Fourstardave: August 12-13
Alabama weekend: August 19-20
Travers weekend: August 26-27
Closing weekend: September 2-4

If shooting for a weekday leading into a weekend is the plan, there are plenty of options — I believe the Curlin Stakes for 3yos would be scheduled for July 29th, so that could be a nice feature on a weekday.

[Lee Ann Thorsgard]

I agree, my husband is not in to crowds. This will be the first time we have ever attended the races together,

[Betty]

Looking forward to this but I’ve not been there so can’t offer any help about where to stay, eat ect. But I really hope I get to go.

[JJ the TV Watcher]

I’m theoretically good with any date option, although my sister’s medical condition means I can’t plan too far in advance. Another major consideration is that next year is the Great American Eclipse, which will pass across the middle of the United States on August 21, so the days on either side of that are out for me – you have to get as far south as Kentucky to see totality.

I would definitely want to take in at least one major stakes day, but it would be fun to extend the visit to include some slower days where you can see the two-year-olds making their debuts and don’t have all the hustle-bustle.

The NYRA website has links on ticketing – that’s going to be the least of our concerns methinks, certainly if we avoid Travers weekend. Prices are quite reasonable. And I quite like the idea of making reservations for at least one day at the Fourstardave sports bar, which is part of the track but gives you somewhere to relax when you’re tired of standing at the rail or walking ring.

Choosing hotels will be the toughest thing methinks, as there is a huge premium charged for being in the city during the meeting. Then again, I’ve always wanted to stay at one of the old bed and breakfasts and pamper myself for a night or two. The three main options are: Saratoga (convenient, expensive, limited availability), Lake George north of Saratoga (inexpensive, rustic), Albany or Schenectady (generally inexpensive, close to airport if people are flying in, not that far from the Spa but don’t get the atmosphere).

Don’t forget to leave some time in the schedule for a few hours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which I love (even if I think they really need to do more with the Hall of Fame section than the simple plaques there right now.) More videos and interactive stuff so you can see the honorees in action.

Sorry for babbling. Got to much sun while sailing today!

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Great thoughts, JJ the TV watcher! Thanks for sharing all of that! This will be great to keep in mind when the time comes to make the arrangements.

[Lee Ann]

I have never been to Saratoga or surrounding area, but I have lots of time so if you need me to do something please let me know. :)

[Lee Ann]

For those who don’t know, it’s me “Charlotte”.

[marc rogala]

high :)

[DeAnne]

Hi All-Akita Girl here. If I’m able to go, it would have to be before Aug 20th, as that’s about the time I go back to work (I work at a middle school).

[JJ the TV Watcher]

Nice article about Saratoga and things to do here http://www.nytimes.com/1994/08/05/arts/at-saratoga-even-losing-horseplayers-feel-lucky.html?pagewanted=all Its 20 years old, but a lot still seems the same.

[Barry Craig]

I was looking in to this yesterday. It seems to me, now is the time to prepare. I feel you need to know how many people will attend, to start. There are all kinds of promotions and bonuses to consider. I would be more than happy to help. I have a friend with the Girl Scouts who is great at this kind of stuff, and she offered to help me. As for me, price is a real consideration.

[Barry Craig]

There are so many of you that do so much for the blog, I’m submitting myself for your consideration, as coordinator of this event. All feedback is welcome.

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Thank you very much, Barry Craig! I appreciate it! We’ll definitely need someone to keep track of all the details and help keep things in order, and if you’re game, that sounds great!

[mz (Marisa)]

Thanks, Barry. I would appreciate someone coordinating bc we are going to have to try to stay on top of this if we hope to have it all planned. (Can you tell I am Type A?)

IMO, we can all fool around at Saratoga, with the racing, the eating, the sight-seeing and the adult-beverage worshipping — for those who want — only as long as we have the “where to stay” all worked out.

/mz (I am Marisa)

[John]

Thanks for offering to do this Barry!
trackjack / John

[DeAnne]

Appreciate that Barry. And thanks for the article JJ.
*Akita Girl*

[John]

Thanks for doing this -Keelerman.
I like the idea of maybe a Thursday or Friday at the Spa and those who want to stay for Saturday’s big stakes can. The last weekend (Labor Day weekend) has generally smaller crowds and the temps. may be milder. Agree for this group to stay away from Travers weekend. JJ, the Fourstardave bar sounds great but we would have to co-ordinate reservations. Another option would be to grab a picnic table or two, or three, or four…..in the backyard.
As JJ mentioned the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is right across the street- walking distance. In ’05, our small group met at the track early, had breakfast on the apron during workouts, did a 45 minute tour of the backside, walked over to the Museum and then back for the races.
As JJ posted, accomidations/prices are literally all over the map. We may want to think about doing our own lodging and then meeting at the track. Trying to stay all- together may be difficult.
My suggestion with our diverse group would be to keep it simple, at least for the one day at the track together.
Great to hear everyone’s ideas. I’m looking forward to “A Day at the Races”, where -Keelerman’s Kids can “Let It Ride.”

[John]

John’s post above is from ‘trackjack’. A John/Jack post.

[Magnoliagirl (Andrea)]

Thanks for this Keelerman! I like most of yout thoughts Trackjack/John! I prefer later in the season mainly since I will be broke and trying to get over a wedding on June 10 but I will go along with the crowd. I’m so looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great time!

[Betty]

After we get a definite date we might try to coordinate planes in— so all us flyers don’t have to rent a car. Someone (think it was JJtv that the closest major airport is Albany. So much to do, and I am excited. Magnolia, if you could get to Atlanta, we could fly together. Usually Atlanta flights are among the cheapest because of the high traffic here.

[Lee Ann]

Have to fly Delta!

[Magnoliagirl (Andrea)]

I’m pretty sure Southwest has a direct flight New Orleans to Albany but if not I will definitely fly with you! I’m thinking we need to book a date pretty quick and start making reservations.

[mz (Marisa)]

I will be driving in from Toronto but I’m not sure if the Albany Airport is on my way. Probably not. Otherwise, I would offer to pick up if I passed by and someone had landed. Still lots of time to work out these things, though.

[Magnoliagirl (Andrea)]

MZ, I’ve been looking at Trip Advisor top 10 Saratoga Hotels, I scrolled down to the lower hotels and found the Design Motel rented by people that failed to make early reservations, comments went like this ” I would not wish this on my worst enemy”, “Seventh Circle of Hell” and my personal favorite ” I think I’m going to be sick”. We can’t wait too long, if this is like Mardi Gras people are booking a year an advance. Wonder if Mary Lou will be out of town any of the weekends, a nice mansion works for me!

[Barry Craig]

I haven’t been able to get a 2017 calendar from Saratoga. We need to decide a date. Looking at Keelerman’s approximate calendar, I’m thinking Jim Dandy or Whitney weekend 2017. Let’s say Thu. – Sun. I’ve tried looking at rooms, but the reservation calendars do not go beyond 07-31-17. I know it will be difficult to accommodate everyone. Can I get some feedback? Thanks for your time. Also, Keelerman, I do not see a “notify me” box on this page.

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Hi Barry Craig! Thanks for mentioning that! I did some experiments and realized that only registered users of The Turf Board can see the email notification checkbox, and since I don’t have The Turf Board set up to allow readers to register (like on Bloodhorse.com), only I can see it. Sorry for the confusion!

[Eric Rickard]

Go every year. To book a hotel in the city , you must book as soon as possible. It does cost, but what does not.
Just let me know the dates and I am in.

[Barry Craig]

You bet, Eric. We can’t seem to generate a lot of interest. I’m at a loss. I thought it would be something popular with the bloggers.

[marc rogala]

This site has the best Saratoga trips very inexpensive and they leave from Madison Sq Garden and Belmont park have gone many times it’s a great way to get there

http://www.grandstandtours.com/

[DeAnne]

Hey Barry, I talked to my friend (neither of our husbands care to go to race tracks…well, not horse races) who would be going with me. Our vote would be for Jim Dandy weekend (Thurs-Sun). We have a big dog show in our area the falling weekend, so I know that weekend does not work for us. Let’s see what everyone else says works for them.
*Akita Girl*

[Betty]

Works for me too but whatever everyone decides. I do hope we stay in a nice place without too much driving. Its fun to explore this kind of town walking.

[mz (Marisa)]

I am fine with Jim Dandy weekend, as long as we can find a place for the Thurs and Fri before as well.

BTW, I am ver fine with then, considering that I will also be expecting pre- and during- birthday presents: picking up my tab. So are you very sure you all want to add that expense to the costs of this trip?

[Lee Ann]

MZ you and my daughter would get along great. She is all about the “pre”, “post” and of course the Birthday celebrations.

[JJ the TV Watcher]

Jim Dandy weekend works for me. I’ll be driving down so I can help pick people up at airport.

I checked out some of the hotels during my last visit though didn’t have much time. Reservations needed well in advance but not being taken yet for next year. Must say that the bed & breakfasts near the track are really gorgeous – would be fun, though in the $200+ range per night. Wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to get a hotel in the Lake George area about half an hour north of Saratoga: lots of options and significantly cheaper. Depends on if we’ll have enough cars to shuttle everyone.

Things to do:
* Hall of Fame
* Breakfast at Saratoga
* Backstretch tours (available during breakfast)
* Siro’s for dinner (though they also serve breakfast and lunch, which is handy if you’ve come early to see the workouts)
* Shopping on Broadway – very cool

Suggest booking a table for at least one day at the Fourstardave – a sport’s bar in the lower carousel at the track. Can dash out to the rail to watch the races live or just stay inside when you’re tired.

[Betty]

Did you notice any hotels (nice) within walking distance? I was checking and there are no reservations online available for August as yet. The Carousel idea sounds great. And I do realize that all the nice walking distance hotels are expensive but, no cab fares, no waiting, no stuck in the boonies until someones car goes (assuming each one of us doesnt get a rental car) I saw an Embassy Suites online that looked nice and had a good rating but can’t quite figure out its proximity to the track. Thanks for checking, as far as prices I would say look at this years race time price and add 10% but that is just a guess. We’ll need to get confirms,you said 1 hotel lost yours.

[JJ the TV Watcher]

Hi Betty! The closest places to the track are the bed and breakfasts on Union Ave. Most of the hotels are on Broadway, which is about 10 blocks away at the closest point. The northern end of Broadway is the trendier part of town with a nice shopping area, a few nice hotels. The Pavillion Grand is a very nice hotel just off Broadway, could be pricey though. The middle section of Broadway has more hotels, some of them quite seedy, some quite nice. The Saratoga Casino hotel is fairly close to the track to the southwest. All told, there are about a dozen places within walking distance.

If you widen the distance to the track to a couple of miles, there’s another dozen or so hotels to choose from. Again, the quality ranges dramatically, as do the prices.

[JJ the TV Watcher]

Specifically on the Embassy Suites, its 1.3 miles from the racetrack according to the maps on hotels dot com. It was one of the places that caught my eye on my walkabout of the Broadway area around Congress Park.

[Barry Craig]

Hey, JJ, I called them today and I’m waiting for a response.

[Magnoliagirl (Andrea)]

Jim Dandy Weekend( soon to be known as Mz’s Birthday Bash) works for me. I’m in agreement with Betty I want to be close to nice restaurants, bars and the track. Thanks for your observations JJ, hope you had a great trip.

[DeAnne]

mz, you kill me, lol. JJ, thanks for checking things out for us.
*Akita Girl*

[Barry Craig]

Good morning, all.

It looks like the date will be Jim Dandy weekend, July 30-31, 2017.

I have the following who are interested. Please confirm, if possible.

Barry +1 [yes]
Charlotte +1
Akita Girl +1
Betty S.
mz
JJ the TV Watcher
Magnoliagirl
trackjack
Eric Rickard
Trudy
Curlin08
Keelerman ?
arliss?

Thank you, for getting this out on the blog. There are others, it would be great to hear from. We’re still in the planning stages, so any feedback is appreciated.

Best regards, Barry Craig

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Thanks for compiling this, Barry Craig! As trackjack mentioned, the dates for Jim Dandy weekend are actually July 29th and 30th — I made a typo on my comment with the projected weekend dates. :) Sorry about that!

But yes, it looks like Jim Dandy weekend and the two days prior are a popular choice, so let’s move forward with that and see what happens!

As for me, I’d say there’s very small chance that I would be able to make it since summer is such a busy time of year and I’m unable to make plans this far in advance, but I’ll help coordinate things as best I can and make sure it all goes smoothly.

[Barry Craig]

Hey, K. It wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t there. What was your Jim Dandy weekend like this year?

[JJ the TV Watcher]

Hi Barry, I’m definitely in. Can’t wait to see y’all.

[John]

Thanks JJ for doing all that footwork on your visit to the Spa. I like your idea of looking at the Lake George area for those who want to. I will be driving and can shuttle 4 more ‘cappers and /or help with transportation from Albany airport.

Barry Craig: I’m in for Jim Dandy weekend in 2017. Only hitch would be if the family wants to do our Canadian fishing trip the last week in July. My granddaughter’s 15th birthday falls during that week and she does not want to celebrate her BD at a fishing lodge as she has done twice now in the last three years.
Mz–Nothing against Canada but I’m sure you understand teenagers! LOL! We’ll probably do our fishing trip a week or two earlier.

Would also suggest to carve out Thursday or more likely Friday as our one day together at the track only because of the crowd size on Saturday but I’m open to all suggestions.
trackjack / John

[John]

Hi all, just to clarify the dates for The Jim Dandy weekend in 2017:
Thursday through Sunday would be July 27-30, 31st is a Monday.

Thanks,
trackjack

[Betty]

Thanks, Barry, I am in unless something really unforeseeable should happen this is priority as of now. So I think we arrive Thurs and go home on Sun evening??? I am excited to meet all of you that I have become friends with thru the website, and Keeler, I know everyone would be thrilled to meet you.

[Barry Craig]

Hey, Betty. I was disappointed with Creator in the Jim Dandy, were you? We’re allotting Thu. – Sun. I’m not sure if everyone will stay four days. The only thing I really know, is everyone attending Saratoga on Fri. for sure.

[Betty]

Hi Barry, very disappointed, in fact a few disappointments out of the weekend races. I still like him though, he came back after similar in the Derby. Friday probably the perfect day for a get together. Thursday too tired from travel and Sunday packing, checking out,Sat the big race. I hope all of us can make it and maybe some new people too. Glad to have Mary Anne.

[DeAnne]

Hi trackjack, how bout we all meet up on Fri. morning. I plan on leaving early Thur. morning and it looks like it’s an 8 1/2 hour drive for me.
*Akita Girl*

[John]

Hi Akita Girl–that is my plan also at this point. Drive early Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the races and return Sunday.
trackjack

[Magnoliagirl (Andrea)]

Hi Barry Craig,
I confirm myself and hubby (if he behaves).

To Keelerman,
Is there anything we could do to help you make this work? We really want you there!

To Trackjack/John,
Wish I could offer advice on the teenager situation but I’m fresh out of ideas, hoping you get it worked out.

Thanks to all working on this, it’s much appreciated!
Andrea

[mz (Marisa)]

I am in unless weird things happen (because ya never know) but I am looking forward to this great (couple of days early) birthday present to myself!

I will know soon if I might be bringing a friend. She’s not a TB person and owns a dog but still nice nevertheless.

In Saratoga is nice but price is also a consideration, especially if we are trying to stick together in a bunch. I will be driving in from TO and my car can seat 4 plus me so I can ferry in and about Saratoga — but I am not sure that Albany Airport is anywhere on my way (for pickup purposes). I will check.

It’s really gonna happen! We need T-shirts!

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

T-shirts! Now there’s an idea! At the very least, they could commemorate the occasion, and maybe serve as identification for different groups of people meeting up for the first time. :)

[mz (Marisa)]

I forgot to say:Thank You very much, Barry, for coordinating like this.

Also Keelerman — and we really need you because aren’t you going to be the one we will be making the most fun of? Also, if you’re not there, who’s going to play Dad to us 13yos? (15yos?)

[Maryann Fitzpony]

I’m going to say I’m in. I should be a new woman by then. The problem I have is I really don’t like to fly and I’ll have to rent a car as I don’t my old truck would make it. Also is the Saratoga Casino hotel within walking distance of the Spa?

[Barry Craig]

fitzpony, I believe the Saratoga Casino is like 1.3 miles away from Saratoga Race course.

[Betty]

Not sure but many of the nearby larger hotels probably have shuttles or courtesy cars that run often. That’s been my experience in Kentucky at Churchhill and Keeneland during Breeders Cup. You might want to check out the price of your chosen hotel parking though. Some have a huge daily rate which I hate to pay if I’m not going to be using it. Will be flying so not a problem for me but for some driving it could be.

[Magnoliagirl (Andrea)]

Hi Fitz (Mary Ann),
I liked the “old woman” whoops I mean the former woman or whoever you were before. Glad you are joining us!
Andrea(Mags)

[DeAnne]

Hi Barry,
Confirming for myself and my friend.
*Akita Girl*

[DeAnne]

Hi Betty,
Thanks for mentioning possible parking charges at hotels.
*Akita Girl*

[Barry Craig]

Has something happened to the Unlocking Winners blog, it is closed. Where is everyone blogging at?

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Hi Barry Craig! Last week’s post is staying closed, but I just posted a new one analyzing the Whitney Stakes — here’s the link! http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/unlocking-winners-handicapping/archive/2016/08/03/will-frosted-be-beaten-in-the-whitney.aspx

[DeAnne]

I don’t know Barry, I guess everyone is waiting till it opens back up???
*Akita Girl*

[Lee Ann]

That’s funny we have Lee Ann*Charlotte, Deanne*Akita Girl and Maryann*fitzpony. :)

[DeAnne]

:o)

[John]

The BH logo has changed. The website has maybe undergone some changes and the IT people need to reset things. I’m sure they’ll get this straightened out soon.
trackjack

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Hello everyone! Unlocking Winners is back now with a new blog post — here’s the link! http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/unlocking-winners-handicapping/archive/2016/08/03/will-frosted-be-beaten-in-the-whitney.aspx

Naturally, I have talked myself into playing against Frosted. :)

[Ann Ferland]

I would love to join you all in Saratoga. I was only there once, on a drive back to Lexington from visiting the hubby’s family in up-country Maine. We were on a scenic route and going over a high railway causeway, the car’s muffler was damaged. We got tied up at a local repair shop, but they didn’t have a replacement; we needed an urban area with larger scale auto service , so we stopped in Saratoga. Hubby dropped me at the track and went to change muffler. Got to see the nice filly Persian Tiara win the G3 Seneca Hcp over 11f of dampish turf over the boys; this was a habit of hers, as she had won the G2 Dixie in the spring and would run second in the DC International in the fall.

My major problem for such a trip is (surprise!!) my health. I still can’t spend much time at the computer because my back and driving causes more pain and tightness. If I can get back to the shape I was in when we arrived in Iceland, I would be fine, if I can use some 5-hour energy to keep me from dragging in the afternoon – I had to use it to drive back from Cincinnati when we were taking the orange doggie up there for her radiation treatments.

Are we going to double up in whatever hotel we choose? We did this on a bus tour I took in Spain and it worked very well. Actually it was just us unaccompanied ladies – the gents were mostly with their wives. Would save us some money.

[Barry Craig]

Good morning, everyone.

Thank you for your confirmations. I’m hoping to hear from the following.

Charlotte +1
Trudy
Curlin08

Pedigree Ann is a maybe.

Please talk about this when you’re on the blog. I will be calling some hotels this week, and will put out info. as I get it. Please look at JJ’s and Trudy’s links, they provide useful info.

Do we need to choose a cutoff time, yet?

[John]

Thanks Barry for keeping all of this on the front burner.

As to a cutoff date, I would suggest to keep this open. There may be some who would love to go but just can’t commit this far out and may not be able to commit until close to that week. I would like to see as many who would be able to, to make it, even if it was last minute. They obviously would have to scramble for lodging but with those of us who would have reservations by then, we may be able to suggest some places.

I’ve stayed in Albany a few times for the Travers including last year. I made resv, at a Best Western right after AP won the Belmont and had no problem.

Cost is an issue for me so I may stay in Albany or Lake George and drive in and I’m willing to shuttle 4 others.

Looking forward to your info as you make some calls and others input.

trackjack

[Barry Craig]

As a follow-up, I replied to several bloggers, this morning, trying to generate interest in our trip.

[Barry Craig]

Maybe, we can have reservations in two places. What is your opinion of the Best Western?

[John]

Hi Barry,
I don’t do a lot of traveling but I have a rewards account with Best Western and IHG( international Hotel Group) which is mainly Holiday Inns. Best Westerns are usually a little less expensive than Holiday Inns.

The Best Western Albany Airport (Wolf Road) is the one I stay at. Nothing fancy with free breakfast. Current price is $130. There is another BW in Lake George, current price $175/nite. The Holiday Inn in Lake George is a resort, very nice and close to $400/nite. Both drives are about. 1/2hr to Saratoga.

I have friends who stay at a place in Lake George they rave about every year when they visit the Spa. I will get more info from them. Price may be reasonable. I’m open to staying together but rates are always a concern.

BTW, there are a lot of places on Wolf Rd near Albany airport. Maybe someone else has a line on them.
Thanks for keeping this going. I think more will be interested as time goes on but we all can only do what we
are able to do.
trackjack

[Magnoliagirl (Andrea)]

That was very nice of you to offer to pick our friend up at the airport. Classy!

[Barry Craig]

Keelerman, is there a way to alter this blog, so that replies are shown in ascending order? If it becomes busy, that would involve a lot of scrolling.

[J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”)]

Hi Barry Craig! Thanks for asking! I agree that it could get tricky to keep track of comments using this forum, so I’ve created a new page (http://www.theturfboard.com/unlocking-winners-2017-trip-to-saratoga/) with a better commenting system that should make things much easier to keep track of.

Starting today, everyone should post their Saratoga comments on the new page rather than this forum. Let me know if you have any questions or encounter any issues!

[Barry Craig]

Keelerman, thank you so much for doing this.

[Barry Craig]

Hey, K., is it possible to have the Popular Posts link redirect to the new page when someone clicks on it. Right now, it still takes you to the old one.

[Barry Craig]

Dear Bloggers,
Keelerman has created a more accessible page for our 2017 Saratoga trip. Please copy or clink this link and place it in your favorites.

http://www.theturfboard.com/unlocking-winners-2017-trip-to-saratoga/

I will still monitor this blog for a while.

Best regards.

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