Feast, or famine? There was no middle ground opening week at Los Alamitos, where 50-cent pick five payoffs were either crumbs or colossal:

Sept. 7: $4,128.30

Sept. 8: $60.30

Sept. 9: $138.05

Sept. 10: $18,653.10

With that in mind, here is a $20 pick five play Thursday for the sake of action.

Race 1 – The five and one-half furlong diet continues. Five of the eight races Thursday are five and a half; 20 of 34 were at the abbreviated distance in week one. The opener is $6,250 claiming, non-winners two. Tribella (1) worked well for new trainer Art Sherman; Magical Lucy (3) has speed and drops.

Race 2 – A maiden-20 for fillies and mares at six furlongs has three main contenders including Ramona Lover (1), third last out vs. similar; and Seaquet (3), a 12-start maiden in the money three of her last four. The favorite Pretty Expensive (7) hit the board both starts, but she is not quick. As the 2-1 favorite, toss. And yes, she could win.

Race 3 – Five and a half again.  Five of the six entered in this $16k claiming non-winners of two have a shot. The ticket will use all except the apparent no-hoper on the outside.

Race 4 – Same distance. Song of Ekati (4) is quick, Mining Diamonds (6) has the top figs in this $50k claiming starter allowance.

Race 5 – At one mile, it is a virtual marathon. I’malreadythere (6) is a single as the 3-1 third choice on the morning line. He faced better and ran well, he handles dirt and should get a cozy trip right behind the speed.

Pick five (50-cent minimum), $20 total:

Race 1: Tribella, Magical Lucy (1, 3)

Race 2: Ramona Lover, Seaquet (1, 3)

Race 3: La Galy, Tuscany Beauty, Fabulous Lady, Lady Cloud, Just Bookin (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Race 4: Song of Ekati, Mining Diamonds (4, 6)

Race 5: I’malreadythere (6)

First post 2 p.m.