Wish List: Track Visits

Tweet I've been fortunate over the past few years to knock a few tracks off the wish list, but now it's time to document what should be the priorities over the next few years to complete a circuit of the major (the Kansas, Kentucky and UCLA's)and mid-major tracks (the Butlers and Gonzagas if you will). But in order to know where we stand on track visits, we'll have to put down where we've been....so here goes in order of Space Invasions:


Completed Track Visits: Saratoga, Woodbine, Gulfstream, Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, Monmouth Park, Fort Erie, Pimlico (simulcast only), Presque Isle Downs, Keeneland, Santa Anita and Aqueduct. 2009/10 has been a good year as we nailed 3 new tracks (KEE, OSA & AQU).

Wish List (in order of priority, not necessarily when they will happen):

1. Del Mar. After experiencing the beauty of Santa Anita, the desire to see Del Mar increased three-fold. I've never been to San Diego and the luxury of every day being 72-75 degrees is very enticing. It looks like a great track to watch the races...where the Surf meets the Turf. Difficulty level: High. Runs during Saratoga meet and requires a West Coast trip.

2. Arlington. Chicagoland, great turf racing and a serious grandstand. I hear the morning workouts are not to miss also. I love Chicago and haven't been there (other than passing through O'Hare or Midway) in several years. Difficulty level: Easy. Flights easy to come by and fellow TBA compadres Wind Gatherer and the ZATT man are locals that could show me the way.

3. Fair Grounds. Oh when the Saints.... Are you sensing a pattern here? San Diego, Chicago and now, New Awlins? Well, that's soon to come to a screeching halt at #4 (just kidding Sue). Lots of history here (so I've read), great Cajun jockeys/trainers and food to die for. Difficulty level: Moderate. Little tougher flight arrangements, potential Space Gal veto depending on my travel companions and need a week to prepare for the spicy food/drinking activities.

4. Lone Star Park. What, you say? Well, it's been good enough for the Breeders' Cup to hold it's annual soiree in 2004, right? One Texas based blogger has given us plenty to pine for down yonder....and who doesn't like margaritas? Difficulty level: Moderate. Client located in Austin, home of the Chuggin' Monkey, not too far away, with a little planning and foresight this could come together.

5. Meydan. Dubai World Cup. Sheikhs and geeks. This one's on the long range plan. Difficulty level: Off the charts. Analogy: Playing golf and 300 yards away from the pin, looking for a yardage marker to see if you can reach the green and you finally find a sprinkler that says - Just hit the ball.

6. Oaklawn Park. Man, if I could swing April 9th, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Real race fans, I hear, attend the Oaklawn meet. If I wasn't an accountant, this one could be had in a couple weeks. Difficulty level: High. Spring meet during my busiest time. Tough to get to from a logistical standpoint. 17 hours away so driving not a real option.

7. Hollywood Park. California. Sunshine. Cushion Track. (Well, 2 out of 3, isn't bad). Difficulty level: Really High. Could be a condo site next time I book a flight out west.

8. Delaware Park. Paddock looks beautiful. Some solid racing on certain weekends. Couple big races I'd like to take in someday (Del Cap and Del Oaks). Only horse I ever owned had her only race here and came in dead last. Difficulty level: Moderate. Not a bad drive. Potential side trip from a family vacation on Jersey Shore someday.

9. Laurel Park. Great turf course. Great city to visit (Baltimore). Maryland Millions Day is on "the list." Difficulty level: Low. Cheap flights on Southwest from Buffalo. Relatives in B'more. This one will happen.

10. Hialeah. Could have actually knocked this one off last month but ran out of time. Only quarter horse track on the list, but you know why it's here. Flight of the flamingos is a must see. Difficulty level: Low. Brother-in-law homestead and direct flights available.

Honorable Mention: Finger Lakes (c'mon it's 60 minutes down the road), Mountaineer (to see La Chica Rica, of course), Beulah Ellis Park (nicknamed the Pea Patch, I'd have to see it just because of that), Charles Town (night racing is intriguing), Tampa Bay Downs (love their track tweeter), Calder (could wear my Don Johnson blazer), Hawthorne (Chicago lite) and Pinnacle Race Course (quick drive through Canada - plenty of donuts/coffee available).

Who'd I miss? Where am I off my rocker?