Southern California has a horse shortage. Only 43 runners entered seven races Friday at Los Alamitos, where a $22,438 pick six carryover mitigates an otherwise drab weekday card. Los Al deserves praise for maintaining traditional pick-six guidelines (70-30 split) instead of the single-ticket jackpot ruse. Friday pick six preview, races 2-7 …

Race 2 – If handicapping is as simple as speed figures, then stablemates Jump the Tracks (5) and Point Guard (4) should cover this five-running claiming route. They are simply faster than the others.

Race 3 – The only toss in this claiming sprint is the seemingly no-hope longshot on the rail. Otherwise, probably have to use Whirling (2), Fracas (3), Chay Up and Away (4) and Red Stich (5).

Race 4 – Who runs early with favorite Oil Can Knight (1)? On paper, he clears the field and is long gone in this maiden sprint. Oil Can Knight is a potential single.

Race 5 – Topaz Time (4) is the best horse in this claiming route, but she has not started since October and her comeback drills are unimpressive according to workout analyst Andy Harrington. Topaz Time might be vulnerable, in which case dropper Norwegian (2) and return-to-dirt Blueberry Princess (5) must be included.

Race 6 – It’s been a tough few weeks for Jerry Hollendorfer, who was booted from Santa Anita and told he could not run horses at NYRA tracks. Hollendorfer starts favorite Sturdy One (4) in this starter allowance sprint, all she has done is win three straight and 11 lifetime. But this race is no walkover, and three others merit consideration – speedster Angels N Devildogs (3), Duranga (6) and Todos Santos (5).

Race 7 – Two turns was too far for Darpa (8) last out. If the class dropper reproduces her April 26 third in a maiden-50, she should cruise as a single in this maiden-20.

First post, 1 p.m.