Handicapping considerations, Friday at Santa Anita …

Race 1 – After two tough trips from the inside, Gia Lula (8) moves outside for this maiden-claiming sprint. She is likely to be bet down from 4-1, but 5-2 would be okay for Friday's “best bet.” Big Base (1), the favorite, will rally. The rail is 1-for-40 in dirt sprints.

Race 3 – Qahira (2) is favored in this N1X mile for 3-year-old fillies, based on a debut sprint romp. Her dam Motel Lass was sired by 1983 Santa Anita Handicap winner Bates Motel. Two turns should be fine for Qahira, right? Well, maybe.

The dam of Qahira, Motel Lass, raced nine times, but all sprints. Motel Lass produced nine runners before Qahira, all sprinters. At a mile or more they are a combined 1-for-19. At less than a mile, are a combined 25-for-99. Maybe it won’t matter. Qahira, by Cairo Prince, might be too fast for her rivals. She “should” win at a mile, but the female side of her pedigree casts doubt.

One more thing about Qahira. The filly she defeated, Slewgoodtobetrue, returned Thursday to win a one-mile maiden race in a sluggish 1:40.91 (given 74 Beyer).

Race 4 – A mile and one-eighth should be ideal for late-runner Sutro (5), runner-up three straight maiden turf routes at shorter distances. She is favored in the middle leg of the Stronach 5. The knock on Sutro is her development stalled; she earned virtually the same figure all three routes.

This handicapper would be reluctant to “single” Sutro. At least two others have appeal at higher prices. Kaydetre (4) has tactical speed and is listed at 8-1; Confidentially (3) is a Tapit filly switching to turf after a decent comeback prep. She is 6-1.

Race 5 – Here’s a weird stat: dirt-route favorites this meet are 1-for-18; dirt-sprint favorites are 15-for-40. Class-drop front-runner Little Scotty (5) is favored in this $20k claiming mile; this handicapper prefers 10yo veteran Muchos Besos (1) at 4-1.

Race 7 – Likely pacesetter Vantastic (9) could be gone as the favorite in this N1X turf sprint for 3yos, but Seven Scents (8) is okay. He has speed, he handles all surfaces, and should be positioned second behind the favorite. At 5-1, Seven Scents is a must use.

Race 9 – A turf sprint for Cal-bred maidens ends the card. A pair of 8-1 shots offer value: second-start maiden She’s a Brewer (1) and route-to-sprint Perfect Ice Storm (8). This handicapper’s top choice is Settle It (2), who might like the switch to turf.

First post, 12:30.