Betting races Sunday at Santa Anita? Of course. Preview …

Race 1 – Backing favorites every race is a slow path to pari-mutuel ruin, except for favorites trained by Simon Callaghan. The past year, Callaghan is 25-for-49 with favorites, a 51 percent win rate that produced a $2.25 return for each $2 win bet.

Callaghan starts favorite Classy Tune (6) in this filly-mare N2X turf sprint. If she repeats her third-place comeback, she should win. However, last-start runner-up Causeway Carolyn (5) also ran fast in her comeback while Tooreen Dancer (4) has worked very well for her comeback. Bottom line: Classy Tune most probable winner; this handicapper will also include Causeway Carolyn and Tooreen Dancer.

Race 2 – Baby Gronk (7) is solid in this Cal-bred maiden sprint, based on his highly rated runner-up comeback. Want a crazy longshot? According to workout analyst Andy Harrington, Going Away Party (1) worked super April 23. Second-start maidens often improve a ton; this one is 20-1 in the program.

Race 4 – Key scratch: Conquest Flatterme (3) is out.

Race 5 – The knock on first-time starter Smiling Angelo (1) is the inside post. It is a tough spot, sometimes, for a rookie. But he has been working super for trainer Phil D’Amato, whose stable is rolling. Righteous Wave (5) finished seven lengths clear of third in his comeback. He is a reasonable alternative.

Race 6 – Another maiden-claiming race on turf, as the Santa Anita racing program becomes increasingly similar to Gulfstream Park. Tell Me More (4) is the horse to beat in this maiden-50 turf mile, as trainer Peter Miller tries to end his streak of six consecutive losing favorites.

Race 7 – Miller-trained Bobby Axelrod (4) is the chalk in this MSW sprint; his debut was a solid runner-up finish. However, first-time starter Aurora d’Oro (5) is all the rage. He has been working exceptionally well for trainer Doug O’Neill. Expect his odds to drop below 5-1. Also expect him to give the favorite a battle.

Race 8 – Isotherm (5) at 5-1 is an attractive turf-sprint gamble in the G3 San Simeon, The hard-pulling 5yo should appreciate the distance cutback. Have to confess, however, I have been wrong about Isotherm in three straight races. This is the last chance for my “obsession horse.” Until next time.

(Late scratch: Conquest Tsunami is out, softening the pace for the mare Coniah.)

First post Sunday is 11:30 a.m.