Saratoga 2017 Aug 18-20 - P&C Gathering!
 

Does anyone know if there is going to be a Pace and Cap gathering at Saratoga in August? I don't recall there being one the last two years. It would be nice to see some of you again as well as meet some new faces.

In any event, if nothing has been organized, perhaps this is the spot to get a ball rolling! Thoughts? :cool:

Jeebs,

Ted has mentioned a P&C gathering at Saratoga this summer, although he hasn't discussed dates or details yet. I plan to attend and I'm looking forward to it.

mick

Let's do it!

Mike

If there
 

I have not been to Saratoga for many years
If we gather I will plan to get there this year

It was a goal I set on Jan 1st

to see the breeders cup at Del Mar
and to make it back east to Saratoga

I live less than 10 minutes from the track from where I live (Ballston Spa). Last year, I established myself in the back of the grandstand - facing the backyard right across from specialty boutique stores set up by local entrepreneurs. There are many tables available for free (unlike the Carousel which now charges for tables) with TVs and betting machines close by. You can even get up and walk to the front of the stands to catch the races. Downside is that heat rises, so it can be downright stifling on a humid day. But it is very laptop/tablet friendly.

I know that in past years, we shared the Festival Tent with Pace Advantage on Alabama weekend. It is the most ideal space since many members do "go live" with their tools and the ability to be undercover and have access to power sources and perhaps Wi-fi tethering (NYRA's Wi-fi, though much improved last year, is still unreliable).

I hope to see you, Bill (and others)... it would be nice to meet/acquaint/form new friendships through a Saratoga gathering.

I was about 50/50 on whether to spend some time in Saratoga this year. This tips my personal inclination towards going!

Should we get some tables again like last times? They are always sheltered, have power, betting kiosks right there. Or will the other locations Jeebs or Charlie B (Gandalf380) accommodate a group, with power and shelter and occasional peace to have conversations?

I had been thinking about Alabama Stakes weekend - our usual: August 18-20. I don't think PaceAdvantage members gather as a formal group anymore, though there are many folks who are members of both groups.

3 tables in the Festival tent (our previous location) accommodate 18 people uncomfortably, 12 - 15 more comfortably. Not sure 2017 pricing (usually comes out any week now - along with reservation requests). Depending on interest,4 tables might be optimal - everyone attending to chip in day by day to cover costs (I can front the $$$).

People can still purchase grandstand seats if they want to spend some time watching races live and some time in the group.

What say you all? If we're a go - I'll send out a general mailing. We could also arrange a Friday evening like we often do handicapping the Saturday Alabama Stakes at the NHPLAY offices or condo.

Ted

I am a "go" if this is a "go"! I am off on Fridays and Saturdays with my new job (providing we are not on mandatory OT), so it would be perfect.

Those are good dates for me and I plan to attend.

Im
 

Count me in

Saratoga pace and cap weekend

OK, I'm in too! August 18 - 20, Friday - Sunday.

I'll do some work on finding the best place for a group to convene. Anyone who is serious about coming, please note it here (or message me privately) so we know how many tables to book in our usual Festival Tent location (or other location on track TBD).

Let's plan on a seminar/handicapping session/pizza party Friday night at the NHPLAY Condo meeting room - location to be announced.

Sounds like an adventure!

Ted

I'm in!

I will try and get there. I live north of the wall so it will depend on whether I am allowed through.

Pook

Ted, I plan to be there, assuming I can resolve a conflicting trip that month. I'll give you a confirmation within a few days. Thanks!

Hey Pook, I am positive Canadian horse handicappers are allowed into the states. :)
Ted for sure! :) :)

Not sure what Trump would have to say about that?
But if you have some Russian ancestry you should be good to go!

saratoga
 

you can count me in

I like this blog because it is about winning horse races and not politics. I am a novice on horse racing but US history, US politics is something I know a lot about and won't embarrass anyone not enlightened with the facts. If you want to comment please privately e-mail me.
Back to horses!

Back to horses!

Pook

Back to horses!

Mike

I apologize to anyone I may have offended, Brian is correct this is not the place for politics.

Mike

Charlie B is in the process of booking some tables for us all. 5 people per table would be comfortable. Tables are $90 each this year (way more than previous years :eek: ) and so a seat will be about $20 each per day! (Still cheap for the group experience though ... :) )

We're going for 3 tables on Friday and Saturday, and 2 on Sunday - based on guesstimates from previous years. That accommodates about 15 people Friday and Saturday, and 10 on Sunday (though nominally each table can seat 6, though not necessarily 6 computers plus papers ...)

So - SOON would be a good time to signal intention to come, so we have a good estimate. If need be, we can get an extra table or more. But I'd prefer not to over-order and eat the cost (versus spending it on the great Clam Chowder).

Folks who attend can pay their share of the table 'at the door', no worries - the costs are covered up front (all part of the service ;) )

Now I am getting excited!

Ted

Thankyou
 

Yahoo
Lets make pace and cap day great

I guess I'd better get my passport renewed. I think I can handle another weekend at the Spa. It will be good to see you again. :)

mission accomplished
 

We have tables for Friday August 18, Saturday August 19, Sunday August 20. So seats are available first come first serve.

How do I commit to my seat at the table?

Does anybody know the quality of wifi at Saratoga? I was hoping to be able to use RDSS on my iPad by remotely accessing my computer at home. It works fine for me at Woodbine. I would assume it should work there too but has anybody had experience with it?

Thanks
Pook

It wasn't terrible last year but NYRA wi-fi is hardly the last word in technology.

I count 8 people in this thread for 3 tables of 5 or 6 seats. You were #1! I think you're committed :)

Ted

Even 3 years ago, wifi was usually pretty good. But like all tech (and some of us humans also) inconsistency is consistent ... ;)

Ted

Well from what you and Jeebs have written I will take a shot with it. If worse comes to worse I will just look over everybody else's shoulders.

Thanks
Pook

Hey, Pook, that's a good strategy, as there will be some great shoulders to look over. I might leave my computer in the hotel. ;)

I have
 

I have a Verizon air card
I think it can handle 5 devices so folks can share mine if the Spa Wi-Fi craps out

Oh cool Bill! Thanks man.

Pook

Me too = another 4 + me. I'll pack a spare old Windows tablet (MS Surface 1) with RDSS 2.1 loaded, in case it's useful.

Ted

I have 4G on my phone that I can hotspot if necessary, but I only do a 6 gig plan my wife and I split. Not sure how useful it would be.

Well, I'm booked. I'll be flying into Albany Thursday morning and flying out Monday night. Looking forward to seeing friends, both old and new. :)

Brooks
 

Me and my dad " Brooks" will be coming up together from Jersey

Dad is brushing up on his dime super skills waiting for his favorite track
Monmouth Park to open .

If anyone is interested in coming a little early?

This August 14 and 15, Equestricon – the first-ever international horseracing convention, fan festival, and trade show – is coming to Saratoga! Equestricon will feature interactive exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, panel discussions, autograph signings, social events, and much, much more.

For horseplayers, Equestricon will feature at least six dedicated handicapping panels. Learn new strategies for your tournament play in the “Tournament Handicapping Workshop, presented by the NTRA,” hear about innovative products changing the game in “Advanced Handicapping Tools and Products, presented by Arlington International,” listen to stories from winning players in “Stories: Big Scores on Big Days, Presented by Kentucky Downs,” and further enhance your contest knowledge as part of other in-depth discussions.

For more information on Equestricon programming or ticket packages, please visit www.equestricon.com

Is Brooks a Methodologist too or does he have his own methods?

Rdss
 

Dad has been a Sartin user just about as long as I have, He learned with validator
He started out just asking me for my top 4 BLBL He learned quickly so we won lots of superfectas together
When he started to pick his own lines, he was hooked.
Dad is big on class, jockey patterns and follows some trainers
He boxes his top blbl horses for some supers, orthe maybe exactas.

He uses the original lines on the top panel and the trip info panel on the second panel