Saturday's Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships have altered post times and programs across the country. Before all eyes turn to Arlington Park, a number of tracks have special offers, handicapping seminars, and other events in honor of some of the year's best racing.
Calder Race Course
Calder will offer seven live races starting at an extra-early 10:00 a.m. for the beginning of its Tropical-at-Calder meet. The eight Breeders' Cup races will follow.
Admission gates open at 8:30 a.m. and Calder will offer FREE admission up until 10:00 a.m. At 9:15 a.m. the track will offer a handicapping seminar with Bobby Neuman and Ron Nicoletti. Later, fans can bet directly into Arlington's wagering pools, including the Pick 6.
Guests wanting to spend the day in Calder‚s clubhouse dining room on Oct. 26 are encouraged to make their reservations early and can do so by calling (305) 625-1311, ext. 3268. Calder corral seats for Breeders‚ Cup Day will go on sale beginning Oct. 19. Located on the first, second and third floors, corral seats are only $2. Tickets can be purchased at the second floor reserved seating booth.Advanced wagering at Calder on the Breeders' Cup races begins on Friday. Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs doesn't begin its live season until Sunday, but it's using the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championship as a jumping-off point. The live meet runs from Oct. 27 through Nov. 30. Churchill will open on Oct. 26 at 9:30 a.m., with the first post at 1:20 p.m. Admission to the track is $2. Parking is free in the Longfield Avenue Lot. For dining reservations call (502) 638-3925. Meadowlands & Monmouth Park
Both tracks will offer advance wagering on Breeders' Cup races on Friday at 1 p.m. Meadowlands will open at 9:30 a.m. (ET) and admission is $1 to the paddock, grandstand, and clubhouse levels. Admission to the teletheatre is $2 additional. The track also has a Value Pack Giveaway. Meadowlands will carry 20 tracks for simulcasting, beginning at 10 a.m. First Breeders' Cup post is 1:20 p.m. In-house television monitors will offer handicapping hints all day long from Brad Thomas, Jim Mazur, and Sam McKee. The live Meadowlands card starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information call (210) THE BIG M.Gates at Monmouth open at 9:30 a.m. Admission is free. The third floor clubhouse admission is $1. For dining reservations and information call (732) 222-5100.Sam Houston Race Park
Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. (local time) at Sam Houston on Oct. 26 for simulcasting. Broadcasts will begin at 11 a.m. (CST) and include two stakes races beyond the Breeders' Cup events. The Winner's Circle restaurant will have a special buffet, plus the main grandstand, Player's Lounge, and the Jockey Club will be open on Saturday.
The track will hold a handicapping seminar at noon with Reid McLellan and Martha Claussen.Advanced wagering begins on Friday. Thistledown
Among Thistledown's special offerings on Oct. 26 is a brunch buffet for $37. The brunch is from noon-4 p.m. and tickets include tax and tip. For information call (216) 662-8600. The track will open at 9:30 a.m. with the first live post at 11:45 a.m.
Advance wagering begins on Friday.