Spring is in the air — and even a little hint of summer for a brief time in the Northeast — and with it comes the changing of the guard as far as live race meets go.

Racing in Southern California shifts from Santa Anita to Hollywood Park starting Wednesday, and seems ready to continue its revival now that Cushion Track has been installed. On the opening day program, no race has fewer than 8 starters. Of course, it is easier to fill eight races a day than nine, but eight full, competitive fields trumps nine smaller fields anyday (note to several other jurisdictions).

Thursday’s card features 2005 Juvenile Champion Declan’s Moon, who hasn’t won since the Santa Catalina.

One of the more anticipated aspects to the opening of Hollywood Park is the return of Friday night racing under the lights. First race post on Fridays is 10:05pm ET.

In New York, Wednesday marks the start of the final week of racing at Aqueduct. Action will shift to Belmont Park starting Wednesday, May 2 with the Westchester the feature attraction.

Keeneland has entered their final stretch, with Friday marking the close of their 15-day Spring meet, the first Spring meet contested over Polytrack. While last fall’s meet produced the first three finishers in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs, there is much intrigue surrounding what impact the Blue Grass - Keeneland’s signature spring race - will have on the Kentucky Derby.

In South Florida, Gulfstream Park ended its meet on Sunday, so now Calder will open on Wednesday, where racing will be conducted through Jan. 2.

In Northern California on Wednesday, Golden Gate Fields begins its final meeting on the dirt track when its 36-day Spring meet commences. Tapeta surface will be installed following this meet.