After getting murdered for 2 plus days of wagering it seemed, I finally had something brewing in the finale of my inaugural Spa experience. No way the 5 could lose and 3 steps before the wire I saw him start running in quick sand it seemed. After my previous days, I felt lucky to get the tri but if only......sounds like others had the same thought Saturday evening. I was a loser at the windows and a winner in every other respect on the trip.
Of course, all week I told my friends about Liam\'s Map as the play of the Whitney. Then, my opinion was cofirmed by TG and the ROTW writeup. The track wasn\'t playing to speed, my handicapping had been atrocious for 2 days and I played against him since I couldn\'t make a good decision with my brain spinning and sizzling on the Spaaaa. (maybe it was the spring water richiebee made me drink out of the Saratoga fountain??) When he ran an unbelievable race only to lose (as was well documented on the board Sunday), all I could think was this seems appropriate. At least the last race gave me faith I could almost find a 20-1+ winner still......almost
As for that first Spa experience, it won\'t be my last. A few observations (no handicapping tenets here):
1. Richiebee was an awesome host to show me around the place and introduce me to Frank D., TGJB, Roger from AZ (who I would like to talk to again--pm if you see this), Michael D., and Uncle Bill (?) I\'m presuming. Hoping richiebee is doing well.
2. Frank D. was way younger than I expected after all the talk of weather, the amount of time dedicated to racing, and most notably his complaints like an old man about things in racing. Boy was I wrong. Struck me as a classic New Yorker with a future in acting...like he was straight out of a movie. Reading his Saratoga posts have been nothing short of spectacular.
3. TGJB wants the board to get in order and I don\'t blame him. As he has said and posted, if only some of the people that post some ridiculous stuff would read the board as well.
4. Prime was a fantastic meal for our group, thanks to the board for the recommendation. The outdoor setting before and after sunset along with a great meal with wonderful friends was worth the price. Sorry richiebee, I know the restaurant talk bugs you but others deserve to try it if they get the opportunity.
5. New Yorkers. The social cues and interactions were eye opening all 3 days outside of the track. I struck out swinging on a nasty curveball from a beautiful blonde that owned a horse that ran today at the Spa. I could handle that. As for the guys, I wasn\'t used to the fact that every guy in New York that you don\'t know is a wise@$$. I\'m walking out of the track and asked a guy who was with his gf about a street. He told me \"yeah, I know where it\'s at.\" I said \"oh good, where?\" He replied as he continued to walk without hesitation \"On your phone.\" As he kept walking, I told him with my bad knee in tow, let\'s throw down right now you lowlife %^:&##*#*. He just kept walking.....
6. Hall of Fame induction. Mr. Vanderbilt\'s eloquent speech, the Antley\'s acceptance, the owner of Xtra Heat\'s comedy, and King\'s jokes (he told me and a friend a few more in the hotel elevator Saturday morning) made for an unforgettable event. Durkin co-MC\'ed it and took shots at CDI, Trump, and the HOFers as if he was running his own \"Giggles Club.\" If you can catch the video of King somewhere, you will laugh I promise at least a few times. Here is Antley\'s video and acceptance if you are interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNNatLya-0k Last, a group of 7 including two women made it near impossible to make the TG Seminar and I was pretty bummed about it. Next year, it is a definite number one priority for the trip. If you haven\'t made it to the Spa, get there!!! If you have and you go regularly b/c you live \"close,\" enjoy every moment b/c you are very, very lucky!
