What’s better than a day at the races? Santa Anita Race Track provides 6 hours of entertainment for just a few dollars, majestic views of the San Gabriel Mountain range, fresh air, beer, fresh carved deli sandwiches, beautiful million dollar horses and of course 5 foot tall jockeys. You don’t have to know horses and jockeys to have fun at the race track. Plus, there is a center field open area with several picnic benches, playgrounds and eating facilities that’s good for families and large groups (it’s only open on weekends).
We use to come here as kids, the fam would pack a cooler and head out to the track. We’d play on the jungle gym and swing sets all day long while the parents gambled away our college money. Today was a bit more refined as we payed the $5 main entrance fee plus the extra $3.50 for access to the club house. Slightly less crowded, with seats right on the finish line, make the additional Club House entrance fee worth it. On certain days you can even pay an extra $5 a person to get your own box seat. Check with the attendant to find out.
Sirona’s on the ground floor level.
Food choices on the club house level include fresh carved turkey or roast beef sandwiches and clam chowder. Or have lunch at FrontRunner. Overlooking the finish line, they serve contemporary California cuisine. Prices range from $6.00 to $24.00. There is a huge restaurant/bar called Sirona’s in the general admission area that serves salads, sandwiches, stone oven-baked pizzas, juicy half-pound burgers and desserts. Prices range from $6.00 to $10.00.
The Chandelier Room at the Turf Club
For $20 you gain entrance to the turf club. You can sit in the old school Chandelier Room or sit outside in the The Turf Club Terrace overlooking the track. Menu items include Fried Ravioli and Mozzarella Marinara dusted with Parmesan Cheese and Italian Herbs or the Fettuccini with Garlic Shrimp and Scallops with Crisp Pancetta and Garlic Cream Sauce. Prices range from $8.95 to $16.95.
Two long shots came in for me on Monday’s presidents day event at the track. I picked them because I liked their names, along with their recent work outs and handicapping info that is available to everyone. In Race 7, Mymomawzafandancer, a first time starter ridden by long time winner Alex Solis, was a fairly good long shot at 22-1 and paid $47 for a $2 bet. Then in the 10th race, how could I not go with Paparazzi Charm? A horse from New Zealand, had been off the circuit for 9 months and was back on the turf after several solid recent workouts. It came in at 33-1 odds and paid $70 for a 2 dollar bet!
I’m already itching to get back. Racing is through April 21st. Don’t miss the KROQ microbrew fest on the infield March 1st (again on April 5th.) Sample ice-cold microbrews from over 20 local breweries. Races are Thu-Mon. Santa Anita Race Track is located in Arcadia off the 210 freeway at the Baldwin exit. Parking is $4.
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