Attended the races yesterday (Wednesday) at Monmouth Park...Some observations:
- As far as the physical plant is concerned. typical Breeder\'s Cup configuration...multiple corporate tents, different entryways (outside turnstiles being set-up for Saturday), no valet parking, etc., similar to the past BC\'s that were held at the \'old\' Gulfstream Park.
The clubhouse looked like it had a new coat of paint, (I had a table in the terrace restaurant, looked like it had new carpets/paint, etc..). It appeared that NOTHING was done or upgraded to the grandstand, which appeared particularly dreary (although this was partly due to the rotten weather).
They were also charging Breeder\'s Cup prices for non-Breeder\'s Cup racing!
(ex. $10 charge for Clubhouse admission, $10 for an Absolute on the rocks, etc..)
I guess there was a reason why the place was EMPTY. There couldn\'t have been more than 2000 people in the entire place. Also, if anyone has seats on Saturday check the seating charts...75% of the seats are open to the elements (rain).
- As far as the racing went IMO it was a poor card, as compared to previous \"Pre-Breeder\'s Cup racing (ex. past cards @ Belmont, Gulfstream, etc.)
The turf course appeared in excellent shape (although a bit \'tall\') There was only one race run on it but it didn\'t look like it was firm to me. Also they have gotten rain all last night and the forecast is basically for steady rain from now through early Saturday this afternoon. IMO there is NO way that this turf course is going to be anything better than good, with soft/yielding more likely.
As far as the dirt course was concerned, being close/near the front (preferably the 1-2 path) had a BIG advantage. Only one race was one by anything remotely resembling a closer (New info, just watched Thursday\'s first race, 21 3/5, 44 2/5, the horse that stalked won, the horse that set the splits ran second... need anything said????).
Hope this helps.