I have been interested in contest play for a while now, but the DRF folded their contest site just as I was looking to get involved, and several of the others ask for a $50 membership before you even have a chance to audition them. While that’s not a huge sum, it would be nice to know what you’re getting into, and with take out and data costs, we horseplayers need to watch the bankroll drain with every step.

The Saratoga “Low Roller” contest seemed like a good way to get involved and get out of the house on Labor Day weekend.

Pretty simple format – make a $2 win-place-show bet on one horse in five races (out of the first 11 on the card). Here we go:

9:53 AM- hop in the Hummer, on our way to the low roller. We are going to crush it

10 AM -Peter Gabriel on the radio. I take this as a good sign. Grab an iced coffee, black for the ride. I already had two café au lait’s this morning – going to be hyper caffeinated for this.

10:05 on the highway… Let’s go !!!

11:11 Am – stopped for gas and a bottle of water that’s I’ll bring into the track. The water is $1.04. That’s Positive EV on the water. Have found a block of 90s one hit wonders on the radio… First winner of the day!

11:50… Huge traffic back up on the way into Saratoga… Apparently everyone else had the same idea I did today. Ok, it wasn’t THAT bad. As it turns out it’s “sweatshirt giveaway” day. Was a mess trying to park as after the Travers with the long weekend a lot of the regular spots aren’t parking cars. Took a couple laps and grabbed the first one who looked like they had a clue.

The Ludlow St. entrance was a mess, people literally lined up across street and around the block. I walk over to East St . where it’s only marginally better, and watch the first race on my phone while waiting in line. As my friend Al said ‘People love free shit.’ Inside I fjord the sweatshirt line to get to the Fourstardave Bar to register.

12:40 pm – Registration was quick and easy, clear rules sheet issued, and we’re on our way to the Shake Shack for lunch and to make our first play.

Service takes forever, and there’s a little too much mayo in the shake sauce, but the burger is a solid B.

I’m eager to get in the game and identify the 1 horse with Junior Alvarado as having a shot at 10-1. A bomber wins, but the fave runs second as we grab third, but pay just 3.60 to show.

My Galina dropping in from a pair of stakes. Bet at 8/5, goes off at even, and gets run down late, winning a bob for 2nd. Pays 2.60 and 2.10. Well, we won’t be DFL. I thought I might be able to get a quick cash grift at 8/5 to get me back on square footing, but we have one wheel in the sand right now. Maiden claimers next – maybe we can create some chaos.

Chaos ensues. We Run fourth, lose bob for third with 18-1 (off 25-1) Aleph, inside, never really involved for the win. A dirty D. Wayne Lukas horse wins at 23 -1. Nearly impossible to find (rough start in last) but speed figs no where close. Wayne was smiling in the paddock, standing between two blondes. That should have been the tip, ‘cause the Form showed nothing.

3:23. I Like the castellano Morley horse. 30 pct together. Takes over at the 3/8 pole and Wins for fun. Bet at 10-1, off at 7-1, pays 17.40 and 6.70. Of course, didn’t use him in the contest, as I was “saving” last two plays for a bigger hit.

Three plays down in the contest. I have a Balance of 20.10 in 166th place. The leader was at 127.90 before the Castellano race. Would have added 18.10 and moved me into 33rd.

Race 7 – My contest play is Osaka Girl. I bet at 13 drifts to 17. She then dumps Johnny V and runs off. Scratches and I cancel the bet. I thought about using 8 horse Mirabelli Mei with maragh but would have simply been a stab so I pass. Then the 7 flips and runs off. It’s a gong show.

4:43 p.m. –

Contest play , race 9 #9 Jennemily Carmouche for Carlos Martin. Speed figure from last fits. 10-1 ml, now 7-1 w two scratches. Unlucky on the odds but suppose it’s good she’s getting bet a little. And I need two more plays, and prices, so this is one.

She warmed up hard. Wanted lead but didn’t make it. Stalked 3 path, made lead midstretch and surrendered then like a frenchman to finish fifth.

With my last bet due, and already out of it (needing a 40-1 shot to get the contest money ) I simply play Frank’s Rockette to try to bring a little cash home in my pocket).

Guy standing beside me declares Frank a winner at the eighth pole, when Irad and Perfect Alibi re-rallies up the rail to nail us. Thanks, pal.

3.40 to place and 2.50 to show, and we have turned $30 into $14 and 121st place among 223 entries.

I cash out and bail before the last race, as my Pick 3 went down with Frank’s Rockette. Of course the third legs connects to add insult to injury. That would have been a daymaker.

A quick stop at Smashburger on the way home is the consolation prize.

What did I learn from the contest? Well, a few things. My day was over pretty early, as the contest was characterized by someone hitting the first few races and quickly building a $100+ bankroll. I knew I’d have to hit a 30-1 type shot with my third or fourth play to have any shot to win.

Also, I don’t think this is remotely my strength. My strengths are trip note playbacks, wagering strategy/bet construction and turf handicapping (particularly trifectas), and pick 3-4-5 play, little of which is reflected in the $2 WPS format of the low roller. I can’t tell you the last time I made an across the board bet of my own volition. The only times I think it’s effective is on days with huge pools, and even then I usually seek value in other areas.

Will I play more contests ? I won’t be rushing to do so, but I wouldn’t rule it out, either. Perhaps on a more significant race day with a big stakes card (today had a bunch of first-time starter maidens – which is really a weak spot for me as I don’t enthusiastically pursue work out reports – I chose to watch one and gather notes for later races), and also to play a format that allows for a more wide range of bets that plays to my strengths.

Home at 8:38 p.m. Long day, but worth it since rain did in most of the card for closing Monday.