Day at the races--Aqueduct vs. Belmont?
 

I was thinking about perhaps doing a day at the races tomorrow as a sunny Saturday activity. I have been to Belmont before (for the Belmont Stakes), but I have never been to a racetrack otherwise.

As a Manhattanite, I don't have a car and will have to rely on public transportation. It looks like Aqueduct might be easier to reach by public transportation. So my questions are: 1) Am I correct that Aqueduct is easier to get to, and 2) For a racetrack, is Aqueduct a nice place to go? Is it equivalent to Belmont, or is it perhaps seedier?

Thanks for any input.

Matt

I didn't think you had a choice - I don't believe these two tracks are open simultaneously.

Belmont is a much more attractive venue.

Wait until after Memorial Day and go to Monmouth Park on the Jersey Shore instead.

That said, I'm not sure they have started racing at Belmont yet. It might be Aqueduct by default.

Actually I just did a little more research and found out that tomorrow is the "Wood Memorial" at Aqueduct. I've actually heard of that race. So it looks like Aqueduct is the way to go...

You can;t go to Belmont - it's not open yet. Only one of the three tracks - Belmont, Aqueduct (winter) or Saratoga (August) is open at a time.

You may well be disappointed. Aqueduct is nothing like Belmont - in fact- its a dump!

Oh really... maybe it's not the best idea after all then. Guess I'll sleep on it.

Just hop on the A train (toward the back of the train is best )to Far Rockaway, goes directly to Aqueduct/North Conduit station - not more than an hour from midtown Manhattan. You can get into the clubhouse for $2. It is not that seedy at all. Enjoy the many good races on Wood Memorial Day,
Mara