Favorites are running amok at Del Mar. The chalk went 21 for 45 opening week, a 47-percent win rate largely because of two categories. Favorites won 7 of 9 maiden races for 2-year-olds (all levels); favorites went 6 for 6 in dirt routes (all levels).

As for surface, the main track seemed fair. Other handicappers believe, for part of the week, the outside was best and the inside worst. Until evidence proves otherwise, this handicapper will call it a fair track.

There is no debate, however, about the turf course. The profile flipped compared to last summer. Speed held this year, the opposite of opening week last year when closers dominated. The rails were down opening week of both meets; 18 turf races each.

Last year, only 2 turf races opening week were won by the pacesetter; 4 other turf races were won by horses positioned second or third. Total: 6 turf winners forwardly placed (all distances, levels); 12 winners deep closers.

This year, 5 turf races opening week were won by the pacesetter; 5 other turf races were won by horses positioned second or third. Total: 10 turf winners forwardly placed (all distances, levels); just 8 winners deep closers.

The profile could change Wednesday when the turf rails move to the outermost 30-foot setting. Perhaps closers will be more effective at the revised setting. That idea sounds counterintuitive, because many believe “rails-at-30” benefits speed. But at Del Mar, the course profile has been known to shift when the rail setting changes. From zero to 30 is a big shift. Stay tuned.

Wednesday preview …

Race 1 – Always Believe (6) back in 18 days, or last-out runaway winner Robin’s Love (7) wheeling back in just six? This handicapper prefers “comebacker” Always Believe in this $25k claiming sprint. Robin's Love is the first horse this meet to make two starts. Her win last Thursday was decisive.

Race 2 – Street to Indy (2) will try to make it 7 for 7 by dirt-route favorites. He ran well enough to win both previous dirt routes including last out when he stumbled at the start. Street to Indy gets the call to win career start No. 16 in this maiden-50.

Race 4 – Del Mar turf sprints can be chaotic. Three turf sprints this meet: one winning favorite and two longshots that paid $49 and $150. Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Stormy Liberal (7) is the “best horse” in this turf sprint allowance, but it is not advisable to take a short price in a turf sprint. Law Abidin Citizen (1) at 6-1 might be worth backing at the morning line. Tactical speed, inside post, good figures.

Race 5 – An overlay worth betting is Friendly Steve (8), who had a tough-trip alibi in his seventh-place debut. He moves inside to outside and is listed at 5-1. Good enough.

Race 7 – Hoppertunity (4) is 6-5 to win the G3 Cougar II Handicap. He enters this mile and one-half dirt marathon without a knock, except for price. On paper, he is a low-odds standout.

First post Wednesday, 2 p.m.