As we head into the third week of the Del Mar meet we are now seeing horses running for the second time during the meet. In some cases that experience over the track should prove beneficial. Race 1 (1) Larocco (ML 4-1); Now in the Ted West barn, she has excuses for her previous two races as there was spill in last and didn’t seem too keen on turf at a mile two  back. Had good runs in three previous races between Feb. 22 and May 3. First-time Ted West, who is 3 for his last nine first off the claim. Will need some pace but she should be happy with the drop and with her late run is a must use in exotics. (3) Avicii (ML 7-2): Takes a big drop in class for her Southern California debut and should find the company to her liking. In her last two races the winners ran 88 and 89 Beyers, which would put them at 1-9 in this spot. Now in the capable hands of Philip D’Amato, if she runs back to her Keeneland races she will be very tough. Experienced dirt runner has tactical speed and if she goes off around the 7-2 morning line should be played. (4) Always a Chance (ML 2-1): Looking to be the first two-time winner at the meet and was very impressive winning on July 16 in a race in which she was claimed by Adam Kitchingman. She showed she can run down Two Step Flor, who figures to be the speed again. A serious player. (6) Two Step Flor (ML 5-2): Figures to be the speed again as she runs for the first time for the John Martin barn. Martin is 5 for 12 (42 percent) with a $3.01 ROI first off the claim in the past six months but only one of those wins has come over a dirt surface. That said, Martin appears to know how to get them ready off the claim and should be respected. The Play: 3 to win at 3-1 or better DD: 1-3-4/3 3/1-3-4 Pick three ticket using DRF Ticketmaker; http://bit.ly/1IHLC2i Race 2 (3) Scarlet Emerald (ML 5-2): Drops from maiden special weight to maiden claimer in her second  start for Peter Miller. Over a sloppy track in her debut from the 1 post she broke in to the rail, rushed up to track the pace, and then tired in the stretch. Given the circumstances I would be willing to give her a better shot in her second start. Over the past three years, Peter Miller is 4 for 9 (44 percent) when dropping horses from maiden special weight to maiden claiming with a $3.06 ROI. On top of that her dam, Jena Jena, was a successful sprinter who ran a Beyer of 104 at six furlongs: (4) Amare (ML 2-1): Philip D’Amato is 4 for 17 (24 percent) with an ROI of $2.55 when saddling first-time starters over the past six months. Out of Flatter and a Forest Wildcat broodmare this filly is bred to be precocious and gets D’Amato’s go-to guy, Tyler Baze, to ride. (1) Mitzi Winks (ML 3-1): Half to Council Member, who earned 352K and ran a 104 Beyer sprinting on dirt. Second dam includes Winning Pact who won the Grade 2 Del Mar Futurity, so there is win early pedigree in the bloodlines. Doug O’Neil fires about 13 percent with first-time starters, which is adequate. Tough post but should be used. The Play 3 to win at 5-2 or better DD: 3/4-5         3/1-6 for half of prime daily double wager Pick three using DRF Ticketmaker; http://bit.ly/1IHOufI Race 3 (4) Know Plans (ML 3-1): This 6 year old gelding is the most consistent turf runner in the field and is likely to run a Beyer in the low to mid 80’s, which will put him right in the mix. Since the race shapes up to have a good pace it should set up well for his late run, making him a strong contender. (1) Tribalist (ML 4-1): Lone turf try was impressive, albeit more than a year ago. He comes back with a steady work tab for a trainer who is 3 for 10 (30 percent) over the last two years with horses coming off layoffs of more than 180 days. Lightly raced with two long layoff lines he was probably well regarded at one time. Lost debut to eventual multiple graded stakes winner Tamarando. (5) Contemplate (ML 5-1): Gamely won his turf debut closing well into a fast pace and splitting two rivals to get up for the win. The race marked a dramatic improvement from his previous races on dirt and suggests that this is his preferred surface. Given his low-profile connections he will likely be a playable price. (6) Saticoy (ML 7-2): Gary Mandella is not particularly known to have horses ready to run off long layoffs. However it should be noted that in the last three years on turf at Del Mar with layoffs of more than 180 days he is 2 for 2 with and ROI of $11.10. Sporting steady works, including two at Del Mar, this first- time gelding may be ready to fire and should be used in multiple win exotics. The Play: 4 to win at 3-1 or better Race 4 (4) The Cleaners (ML 5-2): He may be the speed of the speed and if he gets the lead may not look back. Bob Hess will be his third trainer in his last three races and he gets a horse who has improved with every start this year. Although I question the drop back to 16k after he won when entered for 22.5k, he does seem to be spotted in a condition where he should continue to thrive. If he maintains the form he showed in his three previous starts this year he is clearly the horse to beat.  (6) Finallygotabentley (ML 6-1): Ran against The Cleaners on May 25 and showed some good run late to get up for third.. One of few in here with recent dirt form. If a pace duel develops will be the most likely beneficiary with the ability to capitalize. (8) Jet Warrior (ML 3-1); Favored in all three starts, which includes two wins. Has been working regularly and if he is ready will be a major contender. That said, Jerry Hollendorfer is 1 for 25 with an ROI of $0.42 when bringing them back after a layoff of 180 days or more on the Southern California circuit, so at a short price it may be wise to play against. The Play: 6 to win at 5-1 or better Exacta Box: 4-6