They say good things come in small packages and the package this meeting at Del Mar fits that bill as they have dropped Monday racing because of tough economic times and will squeeze in a full roster of quality action Wednesday through Sunday starting July 22.

We are just days away now from one of the greatest meets of the year and before getting into the human behaviors that are musts, let’s go over what one should avoid and embrace during the seaside stand.

Do get to the track as early as possible. With so many sights to see, both human and equine, show up early, find a spot where you can relax, and start studying. And if you have a chance to get to the morning workouts, you will have an automatic leg up on the competition.

Do not bet strictly off Hollywood Park form, as it can be a fast way to lose a big part of your bankroll early on.

Do pay strict attention to where the winners are coming from on a daily basis. Don’t be shocked if the grass course plays a little deep early in the meet. You will be able to get a grip on the surface opening day as the traditional stakes, the Oceanside, is split just about every year.

Do not overplay speed on this Polytrack. On opening day last year, of the 5 main track races run, 3 winners came from at least 2 lengths off the pace, one was virtually dead last and the winner of the nightcap went wire to wire.

Do give South American bred runners a long shot look. Year after year they seem to thrive at the seaside. Do give the barns of Darrell Vienna, Peter Miller, and Bill Spawr extra consideration. Vienna has been hot as a pistol of late, he won with his first 6 of 16 at the Hollywood Park meeting and the average winner paid over $17.

Don’t get caught up in the chalk fiesta and jump on all the short prices you’ll see. Some of the younger fans that are in mass at this meet, just want to cash tickets. Some don’t care if the price is 3-5 or 3-2. They just get a thrill of cashing. That’s why short prices abound.

Don’t focus on the speed and only the speed. Since the bias changes so quickly at this track, day-to-day and even race-to-race, know that a rally wide bias will show up sooner rather than later. Early in the week, the track could play a bit slower but as the week goes on and the major stakes come into view, the surface should tighten up and get quicker.

Do break out the option play this meet. You have to be able to adapt and be flexible as the winners on the opening day last year ranged from a year and a half layoff winner, a winning debuter, a Golden Gate shipper, a second time starter and a runner coming back in 13 days and adding the blinkers.

Don’t be scared to take a shot with Northern California shippers. Art Sherman has had big success here over the years and Steve Miyadi, a high percentage guy, will be double live with everything he sends south.

Other value trainers to watch for include Eddie Truman, Dave Hofmans, Barry Abrams and Roger Stein.

As far as riders go, it’ll be Joel Rosario and Rafael Bejarano fighting it out for the title but pilots that give longshot bettors a great run for their buck include Jose Valdivia, the recovering Martin Pedroza and Joe Talamo.

Don’t you dare leave the track without trying a margarita. There is no better way to soothe a tough beat or celebrate a trifecta hit.

Last but not least, don’t rush out to beat the traffic. When the final sounds of Bing Crosby are blasting throughout the track, take a minute to take it all in. With the pretty people in no hurry to sit in the parking lot waiting for the throng to disappear, you can take this guarantee that there will be some human superstars lingering that you will not want to miss.