I wanted to get up to the Spa this year. I wanted to take the train up the Hudson for the first time ever. OG had quarters for me, the Flag told me he'd come get me at any station while he was in town and I figured I had a shot to land at the Oak Tree for a cocktail or two. It did not happen. I have worked at several Saratoga meets as a NYRA mutuel clerk and an AutoTote employee years ago but as an old fart now I simply wanted to go as a fan. As a 22-year-old years ago and an all-night drive after a card game in my '61 Rambler (3 on the column) I hit a $40 winner in the first race I ever saw live at the Spa.

I would have hugged hard the regulars by the Tree. I am also certain that I have been by that tree as a common drunk and maybe pissed upon it within the past 40 years but we'll have to let the historians sort that one out.