It’s been wet this week at Santa Anita, but skies are clear Friday. Hours before 1 p.m. first post, speculation is for a “fast” track that tends to play quick following rain. As for turf, handicappers can analyze without prejudice. The course recently favored speed, but that was before this week's rain. Also, the temporary rails move Friday to the outermost 30-foot setting. The course is likely to have some “give,” and horses will be racing over fresh ground due to the rail setting. The turf should play fair. Friday preview …

Race 1 – It might have been a mistake by this handicapper to select stretch-out Sybil’s Kitty (2) in this maiden-50 turf route. She should make the lead, but unsure if she can carry her speed nine furlongs following just one dirt sprint. Second-time starter Dulverton Darling (3) ran well in her debut around two turns, and trained well since. Sapori Girl (4) will rally late at a price, while program favorite Kittyhawk Lass (5) could give her rider his first win of 2019. Seems like a wide-open race.

Race 2 – Oliver (1) is rounding into form, third start back, and at 4-1 in the program he is poised to upset favorite Toothless Wonder (5) in this sprint for 3-year-olds.

Race 3 – Calbred maiden 2-year-old fillies, second-time starter Vegan (8) looks tough adding Lasix following an okay runner-up debut. Trainer Doug O’Neill with juvenile second-start favorites at five furlongs or less: 7-for-12 the past five years. This Is the One (4) is training very well for her debut according to workout analyst Andy Harrington. Popular Appeal (1) is quick from the gate according to trainer Jeff Bonde.

Race 4 – Mile turf for 3-year-olds, a total scramble. Of Good Report (6) is top choice at 3-1, with no conviction. Looks like a “spread” race.

Race 5 – This handicapper plans to gamble on Wilshire Dude (1) in this $20k claiming route. He is believed to be better than his last start suggests. Listed at 6-1, will settle for 4-1. However, one must respect 10-year-old veteran Muchos Besos (7), last-out winner who can string together top efforts over a series of races.

Race 6 – Zuzanna (6), owned in part by TVG racing analyst Kurt Hoover and longtime friend Brian Ferguson, seeks her third straight in this first-level allowance. The field is light, former $8k claiming filly Zuzanna can win again if she runs as well as she did last out. Zuzanna is listed at 5-1, same price as interesting European import Pride’s Gold (5). Probably should include both. Program favorite Catoca (4) is an underlay at 3-1.

Race 7 – Link to Daily Racing Form advance: https://www.drf.com/news/overachieving-11-year-old-soi-phet-tops-eclectic-card?type= Dark Vader (2) is the top choice, while a longshot to consider is back-class Blackjackcat (3), who has shown increased spark in recent wakeup works according to clocker Harrington.

Race 8 – Last chance for Powder (1?) Beaten favorite four straight, favored again dropping to $10k claiming. Tough gal to trust, but the best and fastest horse in the field.

First post, 1 p.m.