The track is fast, turf firm, and it's a bit foggy today at Del Mar as the track kicks off its sixth -- SIXTH! -- fall season (editor's note, RIP Hollywood Park).

An eight-race card to commence proceedings, with the Kathryn Crosby, race 7, the feature. I like SUPER PATRIOT (6) FWIW. She's a course specialist and ran super behind Toinette last time out.

There are a few late scratches:

Race 3 -- number 4

Race 4 -- number 1

Race 6 -- number 6

Race 8 -- number 8 (that was a scratch at scratch time yesterday, but ICYMI, you're up to date now)

Keep on eye on horses trained by Spawr, Hess, Miller, and D'Amato, all of whom have sizeable numbers on-site based on my barn sweep this morning. That could be a big edge. Most trainers are keeping their runners at Santa Anita and just shipping down a day or two ahead for races.