Three graded stakes and an interesting undercard Saturday at Santa Anita …

Race 1 – A pair of 5-1 shots top this turf sprint for maiden 2-year-old fillies. Proud Heroine (5) set a wild pace on dirt last time, and finished third. National Turf clocker Andy Harrington wrote she “moves like a dead bang turf type.” First-time turf, blinkers off, long gone? Summer’s Indy (4) returns to a sprint and will roll late. The program favorite, for reasons that escape this handicapper, is European import Himmah (9).

Race 2 – A pair of Derby hopefuls are principals in this maiden route. Peace (1) missed by a head last out to Shivermetimbers, who is expected to start next weekend in the G3 Sham Stakes; Restoring Hope (4) wheels back 13 days after a promising debut. Close call between two promising colts.

Race 4 – Six entered the G3 Robert J. Frankel Stakes, led by Chad Brown shippers from Aqueduct. Elysea’s World (4) had a tough trip last time finishing fourth behind stablemate Penjade (1). The favorite and the second favorite in a small field means this – no bet.

Race 6 – Beaumarchais (5) has won four in a row, and could make it five as the speed of this N1X dirt route. Decent price at 4-1. He must hold off program favorite Sheer Flattery (10) and the last-out maiden romper California Street (1).

Race 7 – Rymska (8) is solid in the G1 American Oaks, based on sharp form on the East Coast, where she won three in a row for Chad Brown. Up in class, explosive kick, legit favorite. Longshots at 20-1 or higher, to use underneath in vertical wagers: Kathy’s Song (2) off a big win at Golden Gate; Bernina Star (3), first-time Kent Desormeaux; and lightly raced Coachwhip (10). The bottom line – Rymska looks tough to beat.

(Late announcement: Rymska expected to scratch from American Oaks.) 

Race 8 – In-form Americanize (5) meets comebacker Masochistic (4) in the G3 Midnight Lute at six and one-half furlongs. Stakes winner Silent Bird (1) has worked well for his return. Americanize is preferred, but barely. Minimal value offered on the three favorites.

First post Saturday is 12:30.