Of these 4 tracks I have never visited...

[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.