First post is 4 p.m. Friday at Del Mar. Preview …

Race 1 – Is favorite Revenue Virginius (2) vulnerable? Probably not, though she was a vet scratch June 24 and has only average works since. Bet against leading trainer Jerry Hollendorfer at your own peril. Nonetheless, this handicapper prefers dropper Devil’s Beauty (5). No big deal at 3-1. Probably a “spread” race.

Race 2 – Lightning Dove (5) was in the parking lot start to finish last out; she ran well to finish second in a similar N1X filly-mare route. And what do you do with Of Note (8)? Her 14-length claiming win last out at Pleasanton earned an 89 Beyer, tops in the field. She certainly has improved since she was claimed three starts back.

Race 3 – Deep field of Cal-bred maiden turf milers. Thermopolis (4) was only prepping in a sprint last out; he can improve running long. Minimal value at 3-1. Want a 20-1 bomber? The Hunted (7), gelded since raced, still trains like a horse with ability, and historically reliable trainer Richard Baltas is due to snap out of a summer funk. Baltas is 0-for-21 this meet, with one second and four thirds.

Race 4 – Naughty Sophie (6) on the lead, or Twisted Rosie (1) from behind? Probably need to include both in this $20k claiming sprint for 3yo fillies. Twisted Rosie is reunited with Kent Desormeaux, who rode her all three career wins.

Race 5 – Defiantly (3) is no slam dunk. It has been nearly two years since his most recent win. But the last-start runner-up looks tough to beat over a turf course on which he scored both wins. And besides, Baltas is due.

Race 6 – Smiling Angelo (4) could be tough to catch in the $150k Real Good Deal for Calbred 3yo sprinters. The main track got a little quicker Thursday, and there is nothing wrong with speed in sprints. Smiling Angelo can be long gone as the favorite.

Eight-race card, good luck the final two races. First post Friday, 4 p.m.