Things to ponder before wagering Thursday at Santa Anita …

Race 1 – Did the downhill profile change? Until the final race Sunday, 12 of the last 14 turf-sprint winners rallied from behind. However, Sunday’s last-race winner wired the field. The profile-query applies to this N1X filly-mare turf sprint – A Little Bit Me (3) and Giant Mongolian (7) on the pace; Angel Allie (1) rallying from behind.

Race 2 – Class dropper Captivate (2) seems a standout in this maiden-50 route, yet first-time gelding Tidal Effect (5) is the program favorite. Captivate at 3-1 is an overlay.

(Late change: Tidal Effect scratched, Captivate likely to be heavily favored.)

(Additional change: Captivate also scratched, at 10 a.m.)  

(Additional late change: Super Terrific scratched, leaving field of four.)

Race 3 – Two key scratches from this $6,250 claiming sprint. Program favorite Southern Treasure (7) and second choice Shaula (2) are out. That puts Easter Fever (4) and Kiss My Lulu (9) on the lead at five and a half furlongs.

Race 4 – Turf to dirt can be a difficult transition, but not for Phil D’Amato-trained maiden-claiming runners. D’Amato won with four of his last six turf-to-dirt maiden-claimers; the angle applies to favorite California Breeze (1) in this maiden-20 for fillies and mares.

Race 5 – Another turf sprint will test the profile, which was closers-friendly until Sunday. Allaboutmike (5) is this handicapper’s tepid choice, but his up-front style could be compromised by the profile and by speedsters K Thirty Eight (7) and sharp-working comebacker Eddie Haskell (2). Wide-open race; the one-two program favorites are Eric the Torjan (9) and Moonlight Drive (6).

(Race 6 late change: program favorite Stringent is scratched.)

Race 7 – Little Scotty (9) could shake loose in this N1X at a mile and a quarter on dirt, but two upset candidates lurk. Van Cortlandt (7), a turf horse, worked well on dirt April 16 in toe grabs. Seau (3) has been running well with wide trips. Van Cortland is 10-1; Seau is 6-1. They can only win if 5-2 favorite Little Scotty stops.

First post Thursday is 12 noon.