Noticed you were asking about Preakness parking. I've been parking on the street in the surrounding neighborhoods for the last 15 years. Not the best place to be walking around but as long it's not dark you should be ok. There will be tons of people walking to and from the track so there isn't much to worry about. I've been parking on Manhatten Ave, which is a small side street about 3 or 4 blocks from Northern Parkway, which runs right alongside the track.

Check it out on Mapquest to get an idea of where it's located. Use the intersection of Manhatten Ave and Pimlico Rd for Baltimore, MD to find the spot. Easy in and out and easy walk to the track.