Review of The 2021 Saratoga Meet
As expected the the 2021 Saratoga meet did not disappoint. Actually, it reminded us that horse racing in Saratoga is alive and well. As reported in the Daily Racing form's post, with a total handle over 800 million dollars and an average daily attendance of 26,000, horse racing is doing well in Saratoga Springs.
Meet and Personal Highlights:
Favorite moment
Jalon Samuel earns his first Saratoga win on August 12th aboard longshot Take It Off. He went to the lead and never looked back, and the crowds reaction along with his smile in the winner's circle was priceless.
Wow Factor
Trainer Steve Asmussen set the all-time record for most training wins, but more impressively won 5 Graded 1 Stake races at the meet tying Todd Pletcher's 2010 record.
My Best Predictions of the Meet
- Echo Zulu would win on opening day -- keyed A HUGE 700 DOLLAR PICK 3 and caught her at 4-1 on opening day winning at 5.5 furlongs -- everyone else caught by the next to last day of the meet when she won at 7 furlongs at odds of 3-5.
- Prior to the opening of the meet predicted that Kentucky shippers would dominate on the dirt. And for the first three weeks they did just that! Pletcher and Brown almost shutout through first four days of the meet and Mike Maker was leading trainer until mid-August.
- After the first day, I predicted Luis Saez would win the 2021 Saratoga riding title.
Breakout Performance
Trainer Rob Atras was winning at a 30% clip until late in the meet. He saddled the biggest upset winner in a Stakes race at the meet when his horse Maracuja be trainer Todd Pletcher's Malathaat at odds of 27-1.
Jockey Ricardo Santana, rider of the aforementioned Maracuja for breakout trainer Rob Atras, had a breakout meet with 35 wins and 5 graded stakes wins. It's great news to hear that Ricardo will continue on the NY circuit.
Best Place for Dinner
It was a tie between Solevo and 15 Church even though it was during the August heatwave both meals did not disappoint.
Best Place for a Taco
Taquero Taco and Donuts on the corner Putnam between the public library and Caroline Street -- by far best Taco and donuts in Saratoga
Best Place for a donut
Taquero Taco and Donuts on the corner Putnam between the public library and Caroline Street -- by far best Taco and donuts in Saratoga -- they do not open until 11am so no morning donuts.
Odds and Ends
This summer I made seven trips through Saratoga in 5 different cars - Mazda, MMW , Ford F 150, Jeep Wrangler, and Nissan Pathfinder.
I stayed in four different hotels: Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hamption Inn, and Saratoga Hilton -- listed in order of preference, atmosphere, location, and friendliness of staff. Friendliness of staff and atmosphere trumped location.
During my visit to the track, I sat in the
- Grandstand, reserved seat
- Clubhouse, reserved seat
- The Stretch - high-top table
- The Stretch - box
- Turf Terrace.
Of these places, The Stretch was the most fun at the high-top table
and the Turf Terrace on the finish line was the best place to view the races. A special thanks to Caitlyn Dunne at the people at My Racehorse for helping me procure tickets in The Stretch and the Turf Terrace.
Best Bets During 2021 Meet
The first two weeks had my best winning tickets and finished off with a few cheap Pick 4's and Pick 5's. The Saratoga Meet offered great racing and even better wagering opportunities. Looking forward to next year. But, currently looking forward to the Belmont Fall Meet and Breeders' Cup at Del Mar.
So, this is the end for my 2021 Saratoga meets post! Next week, I make my first visit to Belmont Park.
