The Spaaaaa!
Say it. Go ahead, we’ll wait.
The Spaaaaa!
Makes you feel better just by saying it.
Again. Louder this time.
The Spaaaaa!
There’s only one thing better than watching and betting on Saratoga racing with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet, and that’s actually being there. Cool breezes, tall trees and come-as-you-please vibes whisper ‘sweet summer escape.’ Horses gently traverse an extended path that leads to a majestic paddock that provide fans with up-close views that just aren’t available at many other tracks.
Jockeys, on extended walks to the paddock before and returning from the track after races, mingle with fans, sign autographs, dispense goggles and pose for pictures. The Spa Backyard Picnic Area is legendary for providing racegoers with an affordable place to gather, gamble and gander…but you’d better get there early. Entrance lines and mad dashes toward prime seating areas are a Saratoga staple.
The Meet
If Keeneland is ‘Racing as it was meant to be,’ Saratoga is ‘Racing at its best.’ Part of what makes a Saratoga visit outstanding is that much more than racing is involved. And the racing is sensational. Saratoga best bet days feature the Whitney (Sat. Aug. 7) and the 2021 Travers (Sat. Aug. 28), but anytime is the right time to visit (see Saratoga 2021 stakes schedule). The entire town comes alive for the racing season Thursday, July 15 and through Monday, Sept. 6.
The Meals
Reminders that you are in a racing destination are plentiful throughout the town as you perform your Saratoga handicapping—and that alone is a pretty unique experience. Outstanding restaurants can be found from wire-to-wire. One of our personal favorites is Solevo Kitchen and Social that delivers a mean ‘just like momma used to make’ Italian meal. Hattie’s Restaurant has outstanding fried chicken and, as one reviewer put it, “…just the right combination of funk, flavor and spice in terms of food, staff and décor.” Prime, located just outside of town, is the spot for a steak dinner and more…especially, if by ‘more’ you mean a round of golf at beautiful Saratoga National Golf Club. The course is public, but it’s manicured and plays like a private track. Before booking a tee time, though, you may want to hit a superfecta. Late Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Eddie Gregson once described an expensive restaurant as having, “Big mutuels!” The same can be said of a round at Saratoga National; but it’s worth it.
On the Go
Racing fans can enjoy everything Saratoga has to offer during a morning meal on The Porch of the Clubhouse at Saratoga Race Course during training hours. Breakfast is held daily from 7 to 9:30 a.m.—first come, first served, no reservations. Adults $20, under 12 kids $12. No breakfast on Saturday, Aug. 28 or on Monday, Sept. 6.
Saratoga also invites fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour available from 7:30 to 9 a.m. departing from the Clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes—first come, firsts served, lasting 45 minutes. No tours Sat., Aug. 28 or Mon. Sept. 6. And the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is located across the street on beautiful Union Avenue from the racetrack entrance.
If you’re beginning to get the idea that The Spaaaaa! is a special place to ‘go racing,’ good! It is. We visit annually and immediately begin the countdown toward the next season during the car ride home. No doubt, you’ll feel the same!
And for Saratoga picks all season, stick with the team at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Jeff Siegel has you covered daily, plus Eddie Olczyk, Jon White, Jeremy Plonk, myself and more provide Saratoga free picks.
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