The main track was inordinately slow Wednesday, following off-day maintenance. It was slow, and fair. The turf rails moved to 30 feet; the course played fair. So, what is in store Thursday? Chances are the main track will be faster; turf rails remain at 30. Preview …

Race 1 – Favorites won just one of the last 20 races at a mile on turf (entire meet 3 for 24). Program favorite Buckstopper Kit (2) drops in for a claim tag; must-use Platinum Equity (4) drops and returns to a turf route. Minimal value in a small field, pass race.

Race 2 – Expect that Bitte (5) will scratch, which would make this $10k claiming sprint a five-horse field. Summer win payoffs in five-horse fields: $2.20, $2.80, $4.60 and $8. Gentrified (6), unplaced five starts at Del Mar, is the favorite.  This handicapper’s top choice is Monterey Shale (3). Small field, short prices, another pass race.

Race 3 – A recent runner-up finish by Radish (4) was validated when the filly she lost to, Marjorie E, returned Wednesday to win. That makes Radish the one to beat in this mile turf race for Cal-bred maiden fillies and mares. Radish has eight seconds and five thirds. After 20 starts, she still does not have a win.

Kid Twist could have been referring to Radish when he said this to Doyle Lonnegan in the movie, The Sting. “To win? I said place … that horse is gonna run second!”

Race 4 – Five-horse field, N2X dirt mile. Ike Walker (2) or Lookie Loo (5)? This handicapper took Ike Walker, 4 for 6 at Del Mar.

Race 5 – Another turf mile, maiden-claiming fillies and mares. Ten Count Out (2) was this handicapper’s “grandstand selection” last time when she set the pace at 11-1 and stopped. She tries two turns again, this time for a tag. She might be worth another chance at 8-1. Logical choices at lower prices: Chalky (8) and favorite Heaven Escape (4).

Race 6 – Expect program favorite San Giorgio (5) to scratch. First-time starters All About Trump (2) and Siculo (4) appear “live” in this maiden-32 for 2yos.

Race 8 – Palladium (6) ran well first out, better-than-looked fifth. He worked well since. Palladium is the most probable winner Thursday. He also happens to be the favorite.

First post, 2 p.m.