Feelin' Saratoga

I don't know how many Saratogas there are in the U.S., but there's only one to me and it's 25 miles north of my house. A straight shot up I-87 to the best horse racing track in North America...and that's coming from someone who's never been to another track, so there.

I think I'll roll up to 'Toga' for opening day on July 23rd blasting Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" because that's exactly what I'll be doing.

For those who haven't been to Saratoga, a lot of what makes it special is its suburban feel, tucked back in a neighborhood where the local residents repurpose their lawns as parking lots for a fee.

Personally, I like to get on Wright Street where it originates because it flows right into the nicest entrance of the park.

I park my car inches from the last person to park there and pay the attendant who wishes my wife and me good luck. She carries her purse and the Times Union while I cart the rolling cooler with lawn chairs resting on its top.

Cars roll by slowly, drivers avoiding the flow of human traffic, contemplating parking prices. You can tell it's going to be hot as you walk down the street, bubbling with hope, knowing that although you have 100 bucks now, there's no way you're going home with that much because it's boom or bust, just like always.

A block from the entrance is where it all starts. You've already noticed women a plenty bearing skin, flashing giant sunglasses, fashionable hats and jewelry while the men puff cigars and project successfulness.

A traffic guard motions us to cross the street. Kids run in between adults up the sidewalk while vendors push kids handicapping picks, ice cold beverages, newspapers and professional handicapper picks, all for a fee of course.

To the right behind a fence are dozens of televisions trucks with satellite dishes. In front is a garden of jockeys holding banners of famous winning horses from various races. You usually see a familiar face or two while waiting to enter, or if nothing else, a few characters. You get tickets for general admission or the clubhouse (for a slightly greater fee) and proceed through the gates.

What makes Saratoga unique is that the horses wait before the race in a paddock that's just 100 feet away from where a large portion of the patrons are seated. And the horses and jockeys access the paddock by walking along a fenced path that cuts through the middle of the grounds, giving fans ample opportunities to get the jockey's autographs.

There's alcohol, pizza, hot dogs, barbeque, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade to be consumed. If you want a great view of the final stretch of a dirt race, go to the rail a few minutes before it starts and claim your territory. It's a rush to see your hourses dueling it out in the final furlong from 10 feet away.

I always profess that upstate New York is an awesome place to be in July and August. The fact that this timetable conincides with the track season is by no means a coincidence.