First post 12 noon Saturday at Santa Anita, where Triple Crown winner Justify will parade between races 4 and 5. The marathon card also includes a $160k carryover in the pick six. A preview of pick six races 7-12 will follow, after this preview of races 1-6 …

Race 1 – The downhill played fair the past few days; front-runner Katherine (6) is not likely to benefit from a bias in this N1X/optional claiming turf sprint. No matter. The speedster can be long gone at odds lower than her 6-1 program price. Katherine is this handicapper’s “best bet.”

Race 2 – Favorites are 9-for-26 this meet in races with five starters or less; median payoff $5.40. This five-runner N1X sprint includes favorite Ike (2) and Graycaster (5). Will go out on a limb and take sharp claiming winner Graycaster at a big, fat 2-1. Caveat: Graycaster stablemate Italiano (1) has worked super for his comeback.

Race 3 – Another turf sprint, $32k claiming, with Moonlight Drive (6) rallying from behind, trying to catch Incensed (5) on the lead. First-time gelding Excitations (7) has likely improved since the ultimate equipment change.

Race 4 – A maiden facing winners, Tiz Toffee (7) is the speed of the field and the one to beat as the 2-1 favorite in this starter allowance dirt sprint.

Race 5 – This $25k claiming starter allowance turf mile is deep. Tough it Out (1) seeks his third straight, same as Any Questions (9). As for My Man Chuckles (8), can he get the trip? He is 0-for-4 around two turns, beaten favorite twice.

Race 6 – David Jacobson and Martin Pedroza are the third most-productive trainer-jockey combo this meet, 6-for-23. They team with Junior Gilliam (6) in this $12,500 claiming starter allowance. Sharp form, sharp figs, vs. front-running favorite Big Champion (8).

(Pick six carryover preview on races 7-12 will be posted later.)