Although average field size Sunday at Santa Anita is just 6.6 starters per race, the card might include one or two nuggets worth backing. Preview …

Race 1 – Justin’s Quest (4), runner-up three straight, looks tough in this maiden mile. However, stablemate Paladar (3) trained super since being claimed for $50k last month by Richard Baltas. Daily Racing Form workout analyst Toby Turrell wrote this about the Feb. 17 work by Paladar: “Eye-catching team drill working under a tight rein by Rosario while in company with Justin’s Quest. This caps a big series of drills. RATING: B+” Justin’s Quest is 6-5, Paladar is 6-1.

Race 3 – The inside post produced 6 winners from the last 9 hillside sprints. Bettors who like Madaket Sunset (1) do not need worry about post. ’Sunset returns to preferred footing as the reasonable favorite. But this starter allowance is deeper than the favorite. Operandi (2), Sheza Chattykat (3) and Gypsy Blu (4) also have won races on the hill. So, it’s a “spread” race.

Race 4 – Lots of speed in this sprint, $20k claiming starter. The race could set up for route-to-sprint Mistressofthenight (3). This handicapper prefers presser Baby Ice (5) and last-out N1X winner No Wine Untasted (1), whose trainer Eric Kruljac is 10 for 31 since late October. Program favorite Uno Trouble Maker (6) is up against it on pace, speed and class. Will be surprised if she goes favored in her first try against older.

Race 5 – Stylin Ocean (5) could win this turf mile for Cal-bred maiden fillies, but 2-1 is a short number for a filly with possible distance limitations. A couple intriguing new shooters include second-time starter Kitty Boom Boom (6), who worked well since her okay third-place debut, and first-off-the-claim Goodtingscominpink (7), who is bred for turf.

Race 6 – Top choice Sheer Flattery (2) is a reasonable favorite in this $40k claiming mile. However, if Very Very Stella (4) reproduces her autumn form, 6-1 odds would be a gift.

Race 8 – Five entered the $100k Spring Fever for Cal-bred filly-mare sprinters, even-money Show It N Moe It (1) and 6-5 second choice S Y Sky (3) stand out.

Race 9 – Trouble-prone Combat Zone (1) may only need a clean trip to win this turf mile, $50k maiden-claiming. However, Jeff Mullins first-off-the-claim Aussie Fox (2) posted a big half-mile workout Feb. 18 under his new rider Joel Rosario. In the Daily Racing Form Santa Anita Clocker Report, workout analyst Turrell documented the drill: “Removed the blinkers. Vintage Mullins move when finishing with loads left (in) the tank. RATING: B+”

First post Sunday, 1 p.m.