shanahan -

Like Opening Day, Pacific Classic Day can be a zoo, especially with respect to traffic. My practice on big days is to get to the track before 10:00, when the gates are open for "Early Bird" wagering. Traffic at that hour of the day is a breeze. If you get there early enough, you can watch some horses work. And there's always handicapping to do. They don't clear the place out at 10:00, and the simulcast area is open, so you can watch the races from Saratoga, and bet on them starting with the 3d.

You should be able to find your dining area on the seating map in the online ticket sales area on the Del Mar website. If you're in the sun, you'll want a hat. Good luck.