Three turf races Friday at Santa Anita (3, 5, 7) have been moved to the main track. Scratches, changes and track condition are pending. Meanwhile, a quick preview …
Race 1 – Gold Arrow (4) “should” win this MSW mile based on her runner-up sprint debut and a two-turn pedigree. A 4yo by Medaglia d’Oro, Gold Arrow is a sibling to G1 winner Battle of Midway. The knock? Maidens that stretch out from a single sprint debut often are undervalued, and 8-5 is no bargain on the most probable winner. Multi-race wagers probably should include six-start maiden Waze Ready (2), two-turn runner-up last out.
Race 3 – This mile starter allowance moves to dirt, which complicates matters. Madaket Sunset (2) is favored based on turf form, same as second choice Foxtail (3). Princess Leia (5) has “wet” dirt form. She is a must-use at 12-1. Expect her odds to drop.
Race 5 – Another mile turf race that moves to dirt, it’s a maiden-50 for 3yo fillies. Class-drop favorite Enlisting (4), by Candy Ride, should handle the main track. She drops from MSW and remains the top choice.
Rae 6 – Solid cast of $25k claiming sprinters go six furlongs, favorite Conqueror (5) is legit based on his last-start runaway in a $20k claiming route. Best Two Minutes (1) meets easier, will rally late, and is worth consideration at 5-1.
Race 7 – Scheduled for the hill, this N1X sprint for Cal-bred fillies and mares will be run on the main track. That benefits Chasin Lucas (9), a blinkers-on speedster that was entered in the event of a surface switch. Her stablemate Judicial (4) should run better second start back; program favorite Donut Girl (6) returns from a long layoff with a light work tab. Will consider her vulnerable first start back at six and a half.
Eight-race card, first post 12:30.