Yes it's only about nine and half months away, but if you're from New Jersey, live in Monmouth County and consider the Travers a poor man's Haskell then it's not early enough to be planning to get to the BC. And I'm excited!
First, after some deliberation and talking to Ruben from Average horseplayer I like the new format. Overall, it's a great idea that hopefully will keep the ball rolling for our sport. Friday will create free press for Saturday's races, and I'm hopeful to see a pick 6 carryover (if that's possible). That is the we're a real sport take us seriously ball by the way.
Next thing to worry about though are the tickets. Like Lonestar Monmouth will not have "day of" seating. You have to have tickets to get through the door. And no tickets are not yet available, but you can sign up to recieve an email from Monmouth. I'm maxing out every credit card I have to get my hands on 4 of the cheapest tickets possible.
Now, what you've all come here for. The best way to Monmouth Park. Well, I'd be lying if I told you there were no back ways to Monmouth. There are.
If you are coming from Manhattan take New Jersey Transit, it's a no brainer. The trains are clean, and on that day I wouldn't be surprised to see some special services. They leave Penn Station New York (not to be confused w/ Penn Station Newark). If you want to spend a little extra and enjoy your commute even more look out for Ferry Service. It's definitely more scenic and if it's a nice day you'll be outside on the sea. There's a high speed ferry that goes from a couple of points along the Jersey Shore to downtown and midtown Manhattan.
If you are coming from South Jersey and you're on the GSP (garden state parkway) the regular exit is 105 for 18/36 and Eatontown. That might be a zoo. You might consider getting off earlier and getting on 35 N a little earlier, look at Google Maps and try and avoid the 5 miles before it gets to 36E. Taking 36 North and coming from the other direction might not be a bad idea either. (36 is a weird road as it can go North and West all at the same time)
Coming from the GSP North. Well that's the way I'll be going, and I'll post this now, but don't look for me to post this again with only a week to go. Get off at exit 115 make a left then a right on Bamm Hollow Rd it will turn into Oak Hill Rd, Get on 35 South (go through Red Bank, this can be a little slow, but check google maps for a way around it), Then make a left on Branch Ave, that turns into Oceanport Ave and then you are there. I also might go further East and take 7 Bridges, but we'll see how it goes.
Ok so there it is Alan. Your one time easy back route way to Monmouth. I do suggest to everyone to figure out their Route in advance, stay away from the 18/35/36/GSP mess that is Eatontown unless you plan on being at the track early. I also won't be surprised if they do some shuttles from the Mall and close a lane on 36 all together. New Jersey traffic can be a pain, but it wouldn't be NJ without it. |
