Race 1 – Continental Divide (2) is preferred, but mare-vs-males comebacker Lostintranzlation (6) merits inclusion. Racing’s cyclical nature is illustrated by recent stats of Kent Desormeaux, who rides ’Divide, and Joel Rosario, on Lostintranzlation. Since late February, Desormeaux is 1-for-36. Same time frame, Rosario is 18-for-63.

Race 2 – Speed is an asset, but only four of 24 dirt sprints since Santa Anita resumed racing were won by the pacesetter. Still tempted to back 6-1 front-runner Tough It Out (5) on the re-claim by Hector Palma. Top choice Conquest Cobra (6) figures for a great trip positioned second.

Race 3 – Withholding Info (4) should win this N1X filly-mare route. Also, tonight, the sun should set in the west.

Race 5 – Coil Me Home (2) faces a speed-figure deficiency relative to the favorites, but this six-furlong N1X sure sets up for his closing rally. Coil Me Home is listed at a tempting 5-1. The high-figure favorites are stablemates Soul Streit (5) and There and Back (7).

Race 6 – I am “obligated” to support 12-1 first-time starter Dieci (13). She is the first runner produced by My Brite Caroline, whose Feb. 12, 2012 allowance win helped key the biggest score of my career. Based on objective handicapping however, Jack’s a Diva (11) should be tough.

Race 7 – Deep closers win more than their share of nine-furlong turf races, which is one reason Starting Bloc (5) is top choice in this N2X. But similar to the race-2 sprint dilemma, tempted to back 10-1 front-runner Dream of Valor (4). He could be loose.

Race 8 – This G3 sprint for fillies and mares looks wide open. Gary Sherlock trains 5-1 top choice Show it N Moe It (9), the field’s lone Cal-bred. Bob Baffert trains second and third preferences Emboldened (8) and Dream Tree (7).

Summary of potential overlays: Tough It Out, race 2; Coil Me Home, race 5; Starting Bloc, race 7. Nine-race card, first post 1 p.m.