Of these 4 tracks I have never visited...

[santana]

Originally Posted by pointman

What is wrong with Aqueduct? Where else can you go to the track with no grass, handicap in the stairwell and be high as a kite with plenty of time to bet the first, sit in any seat in the house and have no lines at the window?

:tro Spent many days way back when, doing just this....and we also played cards between races, in the stairway.

Originally Posted by Cardus

This is unusually unsophisticated for you, Steve.

And this is so normally nerdy for you,Cardvark.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by Cardus

This is unusually unsophisticated for you, Steve.

Well, there was no need for anything euphuistic. I find the place quaint and handsome but regularly uncomfortable by virtue of crowd or weather.

[Bigsmc]

Track and racing experience only, I would rank them:

1. Del Mar
2. Santa Anita
3. Keeneland
4. Oaklawn (have not visited, so I have no opinion)

I spent three days at Keeneland about 8 years ago and once you got past the beauty of the track and paddock area, I didn't get it. I couldn't wait to get out of there by day 3. Every day reminded me of the amateur hour your get at the Derby or BC. Betting lines were long and slow. Food and beverage lines were long and slow. These days, with the ability to wager on your phone, the betting lines would not be an issue, but I much preferred the on track experiences at the Cali tracks over Keeneland.

I know the thread starter did not want to consider the off track environments, but SD > LA > Lex. That does factor into my trip making decisions.

[Calzone Lord]

Originally Posted by Bigsmc

I know the thread starter did not want to consider the off track environments, but SD > LA > Lex. That does factor into my trip making decisions.

San Diego is only a short ride to Tijuana, isn't it?

Indian Charlie loved it so much in Southern California, that he moved to Maine for no reason at all but to escape it.

[Bigsmc]

Originally Posted by Calzone Lord

San Diego is only a short ride to Tijuana, isn't it? YES!!

Indian Charlie loved it so much in Southern California, that he moved to Maine for no reason at all but to escape it.

I don't think I could live there either, but it is fun to visit. Plenty of options.

[GoIrish]

Thank you all for your thoughts. Some very intereting information! I'm no closer to making a decision though. Leaning towards Keeneland... Wondering how I can pull that off with the better half, considering I insist on a Saratoga trip every year and I'm not giving that one up.

[notyep59]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Well, there was no need for anything euphuistic. I find the place quaint and handsome but regularly uncomfortable by virtue of crowd or weather.

you-few-is-tik: some type of literary elegance. Thanks, Steve, for the word of the day.

Originally Posted by notyep59

you-few-is-tik: some type of literary elegance. Thanks, Steve, for the word of the day.

Oh my God.

[Danzig]

surface-wise, i'd say go to oaklawn. but, at days' end, the other three tracks have a lot more on offer than hot springs, ar can ever hope to have.
if you're looking for the best all-around experience, del mar and santa anita would probably be your best bets. i'd put oaklawn last. but it depends on what else you're looking for.
i've never had a bad time at oaklawn-it's after the racing is over that things get tricky!

if you do opt to ever visit oaklawn, i recommend fisherman's wharf for dinner after.