It’s Where the Turf Meets the Surf…wave after wave…again and again. Opened in 1937 by Bing Crosby and pals, a more enjoyable afternoon at the track cannot be found anywhere west of the Mississippi. In fact, some would argue that to ‘go racing’ at Del Mar is the most fun a person can possibly have outdoors. While that boast might be a bit of a reach, it’s difficult to dispute that for a racing fan a summer afternoon at Bing’s seaside oval is something that must be experienced because, as we were recently reminded, life’s way too short.
The once-sleepy town of Del Mar, no longer is a tiny, coastal train stop relying on a seasonal influx of racing fans for sustenance. Like other parts of San Diego county, Del Mar now is a vibrant seaside destination, jam-packed with outstanding hotels, restaurants and assorted activities.
If there’s a better view from a racetrack grandstand than the one that’s offered just off the corner of the Del Mar facility, you’ll need to inform us about it (Santa Anita’s majestic San Gabriel’s aside). Watch sparkling Pacific Ocean waves massage Dog Beach sands as horses thunder around the track’s final turn. Cool ocean breezes invigorate body and soul. Don’t know that they help in picking a winner, but they certainly don’t hurt.
The Meet
Racing there begins Friday, July 16 and concludes Monday, Sept. 6 with the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity. Throughout the meet, the overall emphasis when handicapping Del Mar is on grass racing for sophomores with the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks (Aug. 21) and Grade 2 Del Mar Derby (Sept. 4) as the meet’s top divisional attractions. The track’s marquee summer afternoon includes a battle engaging 3-year-olds and upward in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic (Aug. 21) at one mile and one-quarter on the main track. The card also includes the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile, the Grade 2 Torrey Pines and Grade 3 Del Mar Handicap—a total of five graded stakes races among Del Mar best bets of the season. See the complete Del Mar 2021 stakes schedule.
The Meals
The local restaurant field is just as deep and strong. One of our favorites is Fidel’s, a local Mexican restaurant. The wife says that the nopales (cactus) dish is ‘To die for’—and, yes, she really talks like that. Tony’s Jackal is just around the corner from Fidel’s and is also solid south of the border food.
Red Tracton’s, across from the track on Via de la Valle, is a popular ‘big food’ spot that attracts a racetrack crowd, including horse owners, players, and a trainer or two. Steaks, chops and prime rib are main fare. Seafood is the star at Trulucks La Jolla. The Brigantine, or ‘The Brig,’ overlooks the racetrack and has some tasty tacos. The Poseidon is a great spot to enjoy fine food and drinks on a beach patio as the red sun disappears into the mighty Pacific. The entire San Diego/Del Mar area restaurant roster is so deep that there’s really not a bad meal to be had anywhere.
On the Go
Hotel accommodations are available to suit every bankroll from the ritzy L’Auberge in the heart of the town to an affordable Motel 6 in Carlsbad. Yours truly has sampled both at various stages of mutuel wagering successes or failures.
Of course, lining the coast are beautiful SoCal beaches hosting more tanned, fit bodies than even a good stick shaker can shake a stick at. And, there’s also golf, tennis and spas galore. Hot air balloons fill the evening sky over the San Diego Zoo and Legoland for kids and the Belly Up Tavern for adults who like to shoot a game of pool while downing cocktails before and after the races.
Del Mar or Saratoga? It’s really a personal call. Personally, I love them both. I’ve spent way more time in Del Mar and have so many rich memories of the previous facility and great experiences in the town where patrons used to stand three deep at the bar in Bully’s while waiting an hour and a half for a table.
The modern grandstand is comfortable for those betting Del Mar, and the vicinity has exploded to include food, lodging and attractions galore. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the rejuvenating power of the ocean air. It’s worth breathing in some of that while watching the world’s best race to the finish.
And for Del Mar picks all season, stick with the team at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Jeff Siegel has you covered daily, plus Eddie Olczyk, Jon White, Jeremy Plonk, myself and more provide Del Mar free picks.
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