The main track Wednesday at Del Mar was one of the slowest of the meet, yet winners were logical. Rally-wide trippers had the edge, two winners set the pace inside and both turf races (rails 24 feet) were closers ridden by Flavien Prat. Thursday preview …

Race 1 – The turf rails remain at 24 feet. Prat is reunited with trouble-prone Clearly Gone (2), whose maiden win two back under Prat was sharp. This handicapper took 11-time winner Cleverly Beverly (4); favorite Streak of Luck (3) seems an underlay at 5-2.

Race 2 – This N2L claiming route centers around favorite Majestic Design (6), coming off the race of her career in her first dirt route. If she reproduces the highly rated maiden-claiming win, she wins. Trainer Richard Baltas started the meet 0 for 21, but won 3 of his last 12 including a race on Wednesday. If the favorite misfires, this is anyone’s race.

Race 3 – Looking for longshots at Del Mar? Look at turf routes. Favorites are 4 of 28, the median win payoff is $14 (half higher, half lower). Ten winners paid $20 or more, only seven paid under $10. Tequila Blanco (5) is the one to beat in this maiden-claiming turf mile, based on Santa Anita turf form. The bad news? Tequila Blanco is the favorite.

Race 5 – Popular Kid (2) scored an impressive rally-wide victory opening day, but it was on a dirt track that produced several rally-wide winners. His turf form is less imposing (0 for 10). Respect his form, but wonder if ’Kid can run two alike in this starter allowance turf mile. Multiple turf winners Lewis Vale (5), Mithqaal (4) and Tough It Out (7) enter with no questions regarding footing, while longshot Aztec Warrior (9) is first-time Prat.

Race 7 – Gate to wire at five furlongs on turf? Three of the seven turf sprints this meet were won gate to wire. That is the style 6-1 speedster Sigur Ros (3) will employ in this N2X turf sprint. If he falters, stretch-running favorite Eric the Trojan (2) could win. Two of the last three turf sprints were won by closers. 'Trojan is trained by Jack Carava, who is 0 for 63 since late March. That's uncharacteristic for the normally reliable trainer.

The eight-race Thursday card begins at 2 p.m.