Scratches and track conditions are pending Monday at Santa Anita, where wagering value could be elusive. With perhaps one exception, the holiday card looks chalky. Preview …

(Main track "fast," turf course "good" according to Santa Anita publicity tweet.)

Race 1 – Victor Espinoza’s well-publicized comeback means special-weight dropper Gallantlystreaming (10) could be over-bet in this maiden-50 downhill sprint. Her closing style suits the recent course profile, and she will face a weak field, but this looks like a “pass” race. At program odds of 5-2, Gallantlystreaming is an underlay.

Race 2 – If class-drop-blinkers-on-surface-switch-favorite Hollywood Square (4) handles dirt, this $12,500 claiming sprint, non-winners of two, is history. Like the opener, this sprint is another case where the most likely winner probably will be underlaid. On the other hand, here’s a weird stat: favorites this winter are 10-for-15 at seven furlongs.

Race 4 – Galilean (4) is listed at 2-5 in this $200k main-track route for Cal-bred 3-year-olds. Will be surprised if he gets beat.

Race 5 – Cal-bred 3yo fillies go a mile on turf in this $200k stakes race, and finally there is a price worth backing. Program favorite Apache Princess (9) has won three sprints already this meet, and two-time turf stakes winner Lakerball (8) is solid. Respect both. But the improving Kookie Gal (4) at 4-1 might be the play of the day. Each start better is than the start before, she is proven around two turns, freshened five weeks, with a versatile style and a hot stable. The Peter Miller-trained filly is worth backing at anything close to her morning line.

Race 7 – Oleksandra (4) is fun to watch running on the hill. She has no speed, but an impressive late rally. The favorite in this N2X turf sprint is already 2-for-2 on the hill, she rallied from next-to-last both times. This handicapper is less bullish on Amuse (5) than earlier in the week, while Miller-trained Cordiality (8) drops from a productive Cal-bred stakes. Miller has won 5 of the last 6 turf sprints in which he had a starter. He also starts route-to-sprint longshot Kelly’s Humor (7).

(Amuse and Smiling Tigress scratched, according to Santa Anita publicity tweet.)

Race 9 – If the turf course is as favorable to closers as it was Sunday, then favorite Cupid’s Claws (2) will be tough in this N1X turf mile. Otherwise, potential pacesetter North County Guy (6) is worth a look on the stretch-out.

First post Monday, 12:30 p.m.