Handicapping tips and trends for Sunday at Santa Anita …

Race 1 – How much improvement will Copper Fever (7) produce second time out? Her fifth-place debut was a prep, she trained super since. Andy Harrington, workout analyst for National Turf, wrote this about her April 12 work: “Big spin out of last race breezing like a good thing …” At 5-1 in this maiden turf sprint, Copper Fever is worth backing.

Race 2 – Favorites are 6-for-9 in dirt races this meet at one mile; Not Now Carolyn (6) is 6-5 in this N1X.  If she reproduces her last-start runner-up finish, it’s over.

Race 3 – Sunday could be a big day for trainer Richard Mandella. He starts Copper Fever in the opener, Poetic in race 2 and "live" first-time starter Aunt Lubie (2) in this sprint for MSW fillies and mares. Aunt Lubie, by Uncle Mo, has trained like she will fire first out. Mandella is 0-for-26 since his last win March 3. That is about to change.

Race 6 – It once was among the most prestigious turf races in California. But the San Juan Capistrano is now a G3, $100k novelty. East Coast/Midwest shipper Nessy (2) stands out in this mile and three-quarters turf marathon. Nessy has been running well against tougher company. He is not a secret, listed at 6-5.

Race 7 – Stakes winner Top of the Game (2) is the “best horse” in this N2X/optional claiming dirt mile. He drops from Grade 1, and is entered for the optional $62.5k claim tag. His best race is better than the rest, but the drop complicates matters. Ike Walker (5) is sharp; he was reclaimed last out by Jerry Hollendorfer. Ike Walker is this handicapper’s top choice at 7-2.  

Race 8 – Route to sprint, $16k claiming to $6,250 claiming, jockey Edwin Maldonado to Ruben Fuentes. Put it all together, and I’ll Wrap It Up (6) is worth gambling on at 6-1 in this six-furlong dash. It’s only a gamble. This race is wide open.

Race 9 – Which Peter Miller trainee will set the pace, and which will take back? Miller starts program favorite Red Shelby (2), and this handicapper’s 4-1 top choice Sheza Factor (7) in this maiden-50 turf sprint. Both are front-runners. Probably should take the easy way out and use both. And, assume the stablemates somehow avoid a pace duel.

First post Sunday is 11:30 a.m.