The single-ticket jackpot ruined the pick six in California. Except for mandatory payouts, effective takeout exceeds 35 percent (23.68 percent takeout + 11.44 percent (15 percent of net) single-ticket jackpot allocation = 35 percent).

It is tough to beat a game that returns only 65 cents per dollar wagered.

Thankfully, a racetrack remains practical. Los Alamitos opens Thursday. Pick six bettors welcome a return to sanity. No single-ticket jackpot provision at Los Al. No gimmick.

Before he passed away this summer, the track’s general manager Brad McKinzie put it simply when asked about the single-ticket jackpot. “… we didn’t feel it would be beneficial to do a jackpot and take that extra money out of the fan’s pocket.”

Thank you.

The pick six is not easy, and the 25.02 percent takeout at Los Alamitos this meet remains a challenge. But the Los Alamitos rules (70 percent major payoff or carryover, 30 percent consolations) at least offers bettors a fighting chance.

A look at the opening day pick six, races 3-8 …

Race 3 – Alley Boss (5) is going the wrong way. But he drops from $25k claiming to $12.5k, and if he can somehow reproduce his runner-up finish two back, he can win this sprint. If he misfires again, Getoffmyback (4) is the right horse.

Race 4 – Harrovian (4) looks like a standout in this maiden-20 route. Yes, he started 10 times without a win, but he is simply faster than his rivals. He also is favored. Don’t trust the favorite? El Nino Fable (1) drops from state-bred special-weight on turf.

Race 5 – Social Taboo (6) is worth a bet at 7-2 in the program. She had a horrible trip last out under apprentice Laura Werner, fifth in a better-than-looked effort. She gets a beneficial rider change to journeyman Martin Pedroza, and a drop to $20k claiming.

Race 6 – Papa Royale (1), Air Pocket (6) and Our Nation (8) are the principals in this $8k claiming route, non-winners of two. Papa Royale and Our Nation are the favorites, while Air Pocket is listed at 10-1.

Race 7 – Second-time starter Cool Munnings (4) is the speed of this special-weight for fillies and mares. She ran okay first out on turf, setting a fast pace and tiring to fourth. She can be long gone as second choice. The program favorite is Jeweled (5).

Race 8 – A difficult race is this maiden special-weight route for 2-year-olds. First-time starters Draft Pick (1) and Inscom (4) are this handicapper’s tepid one-twos; second-time starters Taranis (7) and So Long Sailor (6) should improve. All?

First post Thursday is 2 p.m.