One week from today, Bolt d’Oro and McKinzie are expected renew their rivalry in the Santa Anita Derby, on one of the most widely anticipated programs of spring. But today, the Great Race Place plays a supporting role behind Dubai and Gulfstream Park. Short preview of Saturday at Santa Anita …

(Late-breaking news: McKinzie expected to miss Santa Anita Derby. Check drf.com later for details.)

Race 1 – Droppers at low odds can be traps. That is the dilemma regarding stakes-to-claiming Milton Freewater (4). This sprint does set up for the closer, listed at 7-2. The favorite Rick’s Dream (2) is one of four front-runners and pressers.

Race 2 – Cardiac (6) gate to wire at 4-1? He looks like lone speed in this $32k claiming (restricted) turf mile.

Race 4 – Cat Burglar (5), workmate for Dubai World Cup runner-up West Coast, is the pick to repeat in the $75k Santana Mile, though stablemate Dr. Dorr (1) is favored. Dr. Dorr’s N2X sprint win last out was validated Friday when the horse he beat, Ten Blessings, returned to win and earn a 98 Beyer. The scratch of Air Vice Marshal makes this a four-horse field.

Race 5 – Maiden 3yo fillies on the hill. Tiz Toffee (11) is working very well for her California debut. Her trainer Phil D’Amato is 10-for-36 this month. Tiz Toffee has been working in company (outworked) by graded winner Spectator. No disgrace.

Race 7 – Beau Square (9) offers value at 4-1 in this N1X/optional $40k claiming sprint. The downhill course is playing fair; stretch-runner Beau Square is drawn outside and will be rolling late under Corey Nakatani.

Race 8 – Pampers n’ Boots (8) looks like the most probable winner on the card in this N2L claiming. It’s his first try at the bottom level. His odds will drop from 7-2, due to the scratch of program favorite Milhaud.

Race 10 – El Tovar (9) drops from open N1X to Calbred N1X. He is entered for the $40k optional claim tag.

First post today is 12 noon. Looking forward to April 7, Santa Anita Derby Day.