Need Advice RE: Breeders Cup 2009

[JDinSD77]

For a variety of reasons, I've decided to go (nearly) all in for this years Breeders Cup. So here's the poop. I've been to a few B.C.'s live in Southern Cal. Had mixed experiences. Wife's never been to one live. But what I could really use help with is the planning. Do I have to plan and reserve/buy now? I'm just going to list some options and I'd really owe you guys for input.

1) I could go live to Santa. Would definitely go both days. But, do I just drive each day from San Diego(100 miles-2hr drive). If I decide to go with hotel from Thurs-Sun or Mon., do I get the room now. Somewhere right near track, or somewhere within 10 miles since we'll have a car? I know some "near track" hotels have no rooms available, but some do but are awful pricey(double or more than usual). Also, a lot have new internet deals where the best price to lock in is NON REFUNDABLE. I'm nervous about shelling out a lot of money if some circumstance would prevent us from going.--- And what about seats? Do I lock them in now or wait for the hopeful StubHub price drop?
You people who went last year, can you tell me what the B.C. rules are for bringing in food or drink?

2)B.C party in Vegas. Love, and I mean love Vegas(Wife also loves the V). Been many times for B.C. and have thoroughly enjoyed whatever hotel/horse book I've played. So the question here is: do I lock in rates now. Again, some are NON REFUNDABLE. Can I wait until 1-2 weeks out before B.C. and still get good deals. I know some of you have gone to South Point. Some to the Sphere party. I haven't tried either. Was it a good experience to recommend?

I want this year to be memorable, I know that sounds very corny. This one will be more important than any previous year. So how do I make this year the once in a lifetime B.C. experience? I can't empty every penny in the piggy bank, but I'm willing to make it hurt a little to get that special whatever. Sorry for the length of post and thanks for any help given. J.D.

[Lurker]

two cents......

Speak up and don't be shy.

Pay attention here in the forum, the chatroom next door and the spin-off Horsepatties website to the folks who already have group functions in the works, invite yourself for just a minute or the whole day, I'm certain you'll be welcomed.

Despite all the BS that flies in here on a regular basis, there are some really good peeps that renew their friendships in person away from the computer at LIVE racing on special days like BreedersCup and PacificClassic.

It might be just a group photo near the entrance, or somebody might have backstretch access so you can see the horses getting a bath after their early morning workouts, or it might be an exchange of body language handicapping near the saddling area, or it might be a dinner afterwards to tell woulda coulda shoulda stories with your peers, and if the wife comes along too then all the merrier. Whatever level you want to join in it will be a memorable day for sure made better by the friends you'll make, good luck and enjoy!

Looking forward to reading your trip report along with all the others!

[Moegray]

don't think there's any reason to prepay anything - book one of those weekend escape packages at one of the major hotel chains with a 48-hour advance cancellation notice in something decent like the Biltmore in downtown L.A. and drive up through Pasadena and over across Huntington, it's just not that big of deal, Satan Anita has plenty of paved parking and they do an outstanding job with traffic control..

edit - you can bring in as much food as you can carry and any adult beverage you desire as long as it's in a plastic water bottle...

[Syncopate]

In case you're going to be picking up any souvenirs:

If you are interested in anything that's from the Santa Anita Gift Shop on BC Friday-Saturday, you'll be out of luck. Last year the BC had the SA gift shop close for those 2 days so the there wouldn't be any competition for sales. Think it locked up on Wednesday or Thursday & re-opened on Sunday but I forget exactly so you'd have to call the gift shop. That stunk for anyone that also wanted a Santa Anita item from their trip, because like Del Mar, the web store only offers a fraction of what they really have.

If you're going to be staying around for the Sunday races, DON'T buy any BC stuff on Friday or Saturday. It's tempting to get caught up in the moment, but it's also massive price gouging & last year they had a out sale on what was left in stock on Sunday. If you get there early you shouldn't have a problem. All the pins, caps & glasses were still available along with the sizes of most clothing. The BC isn't going to want to pay to ship that stuff back to storage if they don't have to, especially the stuff that is dated 2009.

[Thinkinproblem]

I have to corroborate that view on the souvenirs and it may be worth repeating. Last year was my first trip to SA and the BC. I wanted a souvenir from SANTA ANITA, NOT the breeders cup, because I had never been to Arcadia before. Well, due to the variants of the days that I was down there, and the rental car and the plane flight home, and etc. . . I never did get a chance for my SA souvenir. In addition, the greasy hawkers peddling the BC stuff inside those tents were rude jerks--about as bad as car salesmen.

Nevertheless, I am still considering going back this year because of the chance to see wonderful racehorses and because I do not know when the BC will be back on the West Coast. Perhaps this time I will make time for the Sunday after. Oh well, live and learn.

Santa Anita is an awesome place for racing.

[Dgstan]

BTW - There's some lovely accommodations that Vince and a lot of the other jockeys stay at for the BC and it's the ONLY place that is within easy walking distance to the track. I forget what it's called, but it something like "Chateau Seecks" or "Cottages on the Six". The best thing is that management is too stupid to realize when the BC is, so rates hover around $59. Don't know if it's sold out, but if these accommodations suit you, then there's no better place to stay.

Here's the link:
http://tinyurl.com/lg87t2

[DegenerationX]

BTW - There's some lovely accommodations that Vince and a lot of the other jockeys stay at for the BC and it's the ONLY place that is within easy walking distance to the track. I forget what it's called, but it something like "Chateau Seecks" or "Cottages on the Six". The best thing is that management is too stupid to realize when the BC is, so rates hover around $59. Don't know if it's sold out, but if these accommodations suit you, then there's no better place to stay.

Here's the link:
http://tinyurl.com/lg87t2

Stain they would have to pay me to stay there and provide me a triple locked door and a rifle.

[Fredo]

Ummm, Mr. P4 only stays @ the Courtyard