Sunday was a reminder that handicapping basics (condition, class, speed, pace) trump track profile tendencies. Though speed has dominated Santa Anita downhill sprints, a closer won a downhill sprint on Sunday. Late-runners have dominated turf routes, yet pacesetters won both turf routes. Have the profiles changed? More likely, the best horses are winning. Favorites have won 40 percent, both surfaces. Monday preview …

Race 1 – Evenly matched N2X filly-mare turf milers, the course profile will be tested by a 12-1 pacesetter. Wicked Storm (6) stretches out for the first time, and tries turf for the first time. Longshot chance up front, if she can hold off top-choice favorite Gliding By (2).

Race 2 – Tough to beat Bob Baffert in 2-year-old maiden races; he starts first-timers Coliseum (4) and Metropol (3) in this six and a half-furlong sprint. However, second-timer Harmon (1) ran “BTL” in a debut prep, worked well since, and is certain to improve at a tempting 5-1.

Race 3 – Lead Star (6) drops from MSW and “should” win this maiden-50 route; Saltarin (2) has more speed and higher program odds. Lead Star is 5-2; Saltarin is 4-1.

Race 5 – Summering (4) won both starts, she has both tactical speed and a late kick, and enters the $100k Surfer Girl for 2yo fillies as legit chalk. The turf mile is no walkover. Debut sprint winner Candura (6) should relish the trip; Lady Prancealot (2) blazed a final quarter in :23.05 in her U.S. debut; Miss Bigly (5) is a second-start maiden that ran well in a highly rated race. This is a good test for Summering, but 6-5 is too short for this bettor. My Sweet Baboo scratched.

Race 7 – Yes, favorite Tiz Toffee (1) can win again if she repeats her Del Mar form. She won this starter allowance condition as a maiden, thereby preserving her eligibility. An 8-1 longshot to consider is lightly raced Gypsy Blu (4), who had trouble last out, and worked a bullet half in :45.80 on this track four days ago. Gypsy Blu moves from the rail to post 4; Tiz Toffee from post 6 to the rail. Similar to track profile, post position is a secondary factor. In this case, it is another reason to consider Gypsy Blu at a price.

Race 8 – Much Better (3) gate to wire in the $100k Zuma Beach? This turf mile for 2yos is the male equivalent of the race-5 Surfer Girl. Debut sprint winner Much Better is expected to set the pace, and lead as far as he can. Remember, both turf routes Sunday were won by the pacesetter.

Race 9 – How good is Air Strike (7)? His California debut was MSW smasher at Del Mar by more than six, validated when the third- and fifth-place finishers returned to win. Air Strike should be tough to beat in this N1X dirt route. Cannot imagine anything close to his 3-1 morning line. Expect much lower.

Race 10 – This maiden-40 turf mile is a good spot to take a small shot. Tiz Goldilux (8) sprints like a router, and has never raced at this low level. Her program price is 5-1, which would be good enough.

First post Monday, 12:30.