There is still time to make plans to travel to Del Mar for the big Labor Day racing weekend. In fact, if you fly out today, your luggage might arrive in time for Saturday's Grade 1, $1 million TVG Pacific Classic. On second thought, don't check a bag.
According to track founder and inveterate crooner, Bing Crosby, you can also take a train or a car to where the turf meets the surf. There's also a smile on every face and a winner in each race, but I digress.
Del Mar will be racing five days this week, Thursday, Sept. 1, through Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5. While the stakes offerings are plentiful – five on Saturday, two on Sunday and two on Monday – the anticipated appearance by the unbeaten Flightline in the Pacific Classic stands head and shoulders above everything else.
There are so many questions.
-Will Flightline be able to stretch his devastating speed around two turns for the first time?
-Can this son of Tapit get the American classic distance of a mile and a quarter?
-Where should I eat and where should I go while I'm in Del Mar?
I can only speculate on the first two questions, but I know trainer John Sadler has the utmost confidence in Flightline. The colt has passed every test (OK, there have only been four since April 2021), and I've seen nothing to suggest that the longer distance will be his Achilles heel.
As for the final question, you've come to the right place. Here are my recommendations, all within a 15-minute drive of the racetrack:
Breakfast
Ki's Restaurant, 2591 S. Coast Highway 101, Cardiff, CA 92007. Two-story building on the coast road serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but I'm partial to their breakfasts, including smoothies and juices. Order downstairs, then go upstairs to enjoy an incredible view of the Pacific.
Claire's on Cedros, 246 N. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Just a short walk from the Solana Beach train station (you may need to park in that lot if it's a busy day). Everybody loves Claire's for breakfast, and there's a lot to like, not the least of which are the Benedicts. I always prefer their outdoor seating in back. Tell 'em Larry Collmus sent you.
Ranch 45 Local Provisions, 512 Via De La Valle, Suite 102, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Ranch 45 is located next door to the more upscale dinner spot Pamplemousse Grille and just east of the racetrack's Solana gate. Their breakfast bowls are my go-to items on a fairly limited menu. Order inside, eat outside.
Lunch
Board & Brew, 1812 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014. You won't find a better sandwich, in part because everything is fresh. Highly recommend the house specialty, the Turkado (turkey and avocado). Portions are large. If you can't eat both halves, give me a call.
The Taco Stand, 642 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024. Always busy local favorite (with multiple locations from San Diego to La Jolla and even Las Vegas) features handmade corn tortillas and offers a variety of taco options, including spicy shrimp, cactus, mushroom and of course fish, beef and chicken. Best bet is to find an “off” time away from the noon-1 p.m. rush.
Dinner
Pacific Coast Grill, 2526 S. Coast Highway 101, Cardiff, CA 92007. Oceanfront dining at its best, with outside and indoor tables. Classic, moderately priced menu heavy on fish options. Shrimp dumplings are a specialty on the appetizer menu. Have never left there disappointed.
Tony's Jacal, 621 Valley Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075. I've been singing the praises of the turkey nachos and turkey tacos at this family run operation that first opened in 1946, but the more traditional meals are very good as well. Can be very busy and Tony's Jacal does not take reservations, but the bar menu offers some of the entrees (including the nachos and tacos) if you're in a hurry.
Also worthwhile: Naked Café in Solana Beach for breakfast, Monarch Ocean Pub, Jake's or Poseidon in Del Mar for sunset drinks or dinner. The Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar, which overlooks Del Mar racetrack, has the best fish tacos in town.
Activities: Rent an e-bike for a ride up or down the coast. San Diego Electric Bike in Solana Beach has different rental packages. Hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve, entrance off Carmel Valley Road (Tip: park on Carmel Valley Road to avoid the $15 parking charge.) The more adventurous might try hang gliding or paragliding at the Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla.
Don't forget that post time is 1 p.m. PT for the rest of the meet with Friday's 3 p.m. starts the only exception.
The post Del Mar Summer: A Visitor’s Guide For Pacific Classic Week appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
