The main track was kind to forwardly placed runners Wednesday at Del Mar, and the surface was quicker than summer. With mild temperatures and cloud cover throughout the morning, expectations are for the same in the four dirt races (all sprints) Thursday.

On turf, the rails will remain at the outermost 30-foot setting. All three grass route races Wednesday (rails at 30) were won by the forwardly placed runners. The rails will be down Friday and Saturday.

Thursday preview …

Race 1 – Ladybug (6) has an up-front running style; she will have the jump on late-runner Luminoso (2). They are the principals in this turf mile for 2yo maiden fillies. The favorite Sappho (5) ran okay finishing second in her U.S. debut, but her turf sprint was only okay.

Race 2 – If the speed-friendly profile continues, Jes Jaa (2) can be gone in this claiming sprint. He is 5-2. Expect him to go shorter, as the most probable winner on the card.

Race 3 – This turf mile for 2yo maiden fillies is a split of the first race. G3-placed Goodthingstaketime (6) was pre-entered in the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf, but did not make the cut. A closing sprinter in Ireland; 5-2 odds is no value. In this “anything-goes” race, potential bomber D D’s Lute (5) should be forwardly placed with blinkers on.

Race 5 – Be Mine (4) is favored in this N1X turf allowance. Her workmate recently was Formal Dude, who finished eighth Wednesday in a maiden race. That does not flatter Be Mine, the correct favorite but one that does not “have to” win. Salsita (7) and Girl Downstairs (9) are must use.

Race 6 – Trainer Jeff Bonde is holding a hot hand. He starts dropper Troublesome (1) in this claiming sprint for 3-year-old fillies. First-time claim tag, has run well fresh, blinkers on, upset candidate at 6-1.

Race 7 – He Will (9) had a brutal trip finishing fourth last time in a stronger race than this $75k turf stakes. With clear sailing, he should win. Eckersley (8) has an upset chance at 8-1. He runs well fresh, like the course and will be flying late.

Race 8 – Divulge (3) can win this maiden-20 sprint with a front-running or pace-pressing trip. The dropper will be positioned in front of stretch-running favorite Bardstown (4).

First post Thursday is 12:30.