Saratoga Race Track
by Kenneth Strong of Ultimatecapper.com
Saratoga Race Track is the most beautiful racetrack in North America. It is also a goldmine for bettors and handicappers who know how to spot track biases and the jockeys who can take advantage of those biases.
The oldest major racetrack in the United States, Saratoga Race Course, as it is officially known, has been home to the prestigious Travers Stakes for 3-year-olds since 1864. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, this summer gathering place for the rich and famous is also affectionately known as the “Spa” and the “Graveyard of Favorites.”
It does live up to its nicknames.
The “Graveyard of Favorites” nickname is a result of numerous historic upsets that have occurred at Saratoga race track. The mighty Man O' War lost only once in 21 starts - at Saratoga Race Course in the 1919 Sanford Stakes. Triple Crown winner and super horse Secretariat lost to an overachieving Onion in the 1973 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga. Belmont Stakes winner Conquistador Cielo was stunned at Saratoga racetrack in the 1982 Travers Stakes by huge longshot Runaway Groom.
Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox was trounced by the 100-1 Jim Dandy at Saratoga in the 1930 Travers Stakes. The latter upset was so memorable that it resulted in a race called the Jim Dandy Stakes - which will always serve as a reminder to horsemen and bettors alike that anybody can win at anytime in horseracing.
“The “Spa” nickname was probably first coined by the rich and famous who have been making Saratoga Springs a home-away-from-home since the late 1880s. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself standing in line at the betting windows beside a movie star or industry icon. These types love the champagne breakfasts offered at Saratoga in the mornings, the polo games and steeplechases in the afternoons and the fancy dress balls and parties that take place on many an evening.
Saratoga is “old money.” It has class.
Saratoga Race Track Betting
From a betting point of view, many of the upsets that have occurred at Saratoga over the years have been a result of the track biases which occur on a regular basis. The unique composition of the racetrack surface combined with the warm, windy and ever-changing weather form a perfect setting for the creation of track biases that show up without warning. Jump on them quickly and you can make a score and get invited to a party before anyone even knows you were there.
Saratoga wagering options are the same as those offered by other New York Racing Association (NYRA) racetracks and include Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 6, Superfecta, Grand Slam and Daily Double.
Of special value to handicappers are the Race Replay Centers located on the First Floor Clubhouse and in the Carousel Mini Theatre. You can gather some excellent trip notes from a horse’s previous races from the Race Replay Centers, yet many bettors don’t take advantage of them – another edge for you.
There are five ATM machines, three on the first floor Grandstand, one in the Clubhouse and another near the paddock. Of course you won't need them at Saratoga racetrack - because you're going to win.
See you at the Spa!
