Five days remain at Del Mar, including Thursday …

Race 3 – Maiden turf routes are baffling – favorites this meet are just 3-for-17; six winners paid more than $20. Perhaps the first leg of the pick six, $62.5k maiden-claiming turf route, is deeper than favorite Paddy Jean (1). Her runner-up finish last out might be enough, but others have a shot including two trained by Jim Cassidy – Vegastruck (8) and Tiz Bailee (9). Sweet Treat (4) goes long as a potential pace play. It’s a deep race.

Race 4 – Braddock (8) finished second last out in a similar N2L claiming sprint from which the winner and fourth-place finisher returned to win. Hank the Tank (3) is a must-use based on speed figures, while Pick One (2) has upset potential first off the claim. Jack Carava is 8-for-21 “f.o.c.” the past year.

Race 5 – Zuzanna (7) is the most probable winner on the card, up in class to $50k claiming at a mile on turf. She was claimed by Carava from a $40k turf route win last out; her effort was validated when the second- and fifth-place finishers returned to win. Single.

Race 6 – Maiden 2-year-old fillies bred in California go six furlongs; longshot Smiling Tigress (5) is better than her first two starts indicate. She is due for some luck. Her debut was merely a prep, second time out she broke awkwardly and did not have a good trip. Her third start was scheduled for Aug. 4; she got loose in the post parade and scratched.

Smiling Tigress continues to show speed in workouts, and has a shot to steal it at 10-1 in the program. Second-time starters Sing a Solo (1) and Super Patriot (3) also figure.

Race 7 – Speed has been holding better in turf sprints, which is fine for Lajatico (5). She is sharp, fast, the speed of the speed, and up in class after a crushing N2X win 15 days ago. If she runs two alike, she wins as the 3-1 second choice. Stakes winner Long Hot Summer (4), a closer, is the 2-1 favorite.

Race 8 – Also-eligible Empire Ruler (13) is favored in this maiden-20 mile. If he does not draw in, then 10-start maiden Gato Dolce (4) or eight-start maiden Cool Hunter (6) look like the ones to beat. Bow and Arrow (5) and House of Troy (9) also figure in a competitive finale.

First post Thursday is 2 p.m.