If you’re in the mood for some light gambling, a laid-back afternoon of mild entertainment, and yes, a little math, get thee to the racetrack. It might just be the cheapest, best form of entertainment in the city, if you do it right. For a bachelorette party, I once took six girls (in heels, Derby dresses and floppy hats, of course) to bet on the ponies. As track newbies, we paid $34 a person for the lunch buffet: meat platters, personal table TVs, old-man waiters and all-you-can-eat chocolate mousse. And a big pane of glass separating you from the action. To properly enjoy the races, you need to smell the horses, hear the rumble of hooves as they round the corner of the track, and eavesdrop on the guys who really know their fillies from their geldings. What do you have to fork over for that experience? The answer is nothing. General admission is free, and minimum bets are $2. There, you’ll sit in the grandstand seats, line up at the betting terminals and study your racing booklet as you try to glean the difference between betting to win, to place or to show. Don’t let the $100,000 purses intimidate you; I chose my horses on their names alone, and emerged a mere 50 cents in the hole. Thanks, Jon Bon Jovi Sky and Psychotherapy.
Pro tip: the TTC now has a drop-off right in front of Woodbine Racetrack (555 Rexdale Blvd.). Take the 37A Islington bus from Islington station.
