Here's the low down from a Pimlico regular:
Unless you bought top dollar seats--and I mean seats around the owners & trainers or in the tent, buy the absolute cheapest ticket possible that will get you outside onto the apron.
There is an area right on the finish line that is TOTALLY accessible to the public. It's the regular winner's circle that's on the apron. It's slightly raised above the ground, around 2 feet or so, and surrounded by a chain link fence. This gives it the appearance of being totally off-limits. Plus, it's right below the owners/trainers box.
The guards come by and clear the standing room area by the finish line around when the Sir Barton is run. I asked one of them where is the closest place I could stand and he pointed me to the old winner's circle. There were no crowds and it looked "private". You'll have the best view--a little above the crowd and RIGHT ON THE LINE.
And yes, top of the stretch is the WORST. You spend a ton of dough to sit in a crappy folding chair on the concrete. As the day goes on, it's mayhem and more than annoying. For parking, the neighborhood people "sell" spaces in their driveways and yards. For around $20, it's more than worth it....otherwise you walk miles. Food is AWFUL....again, the neighborhood people sell BBQ. Anything you bring in has to be in a clear cooler. No glass, no hard liquor. Check the Preakness website--they're really specific about it. But be sure to bring in anything you need to drink or eat. You DON'T want to eat Preakness food. And for betting, go straight to the automatic machines. Teller lines are around 20 minutes some times.
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