SANTA ANITA

following a solid runner-up finish last out. He did benefit from a ground-saving trip, but he finished well and was nearly three lengths clear of third at the wire. That was his first try at this level. A similar effort might be fast enough. MINER’S LIGHT drops from allowance company to race for a claim tag for the first time. His races in summer 2017 would crush this cast, but his three starts this season have been somewhat disappointing. He could wake up on the class drop. MR. TWINERY broke a step slowly last time in his first turf route, raced three-wide throughout and went evenly. With a clean takeoff this time, he might be the one to catch. LAUREN’S LADD also drops in class.

SIXTH RACE

Based on his impressive maiden win last out, EASTER MORN is the one to beat in this Cal-bred N1X sprint. He did win with a perfect trip positioned third behind a pair of dueling leaders, but the trip was the product of his speed and versatility after breaking from the rail. The lightly raced 6yo has made only three starts; no reason he will not fire right back. MAKE IT A TRIPLE returns to the dirt surface on which he trounced $16k claiming N3L foes two back with a figure six points higher than the top choice. ‘TRIPLE is quick; he will duel early. A fast pace would benefit NATIVE TREASURE, a 10-time winner that will roll from midpack.

SEVENTH RACE

Comeback dropper JOHNNY RAY was gelded following his debut last summer at Saratoga; he drops into a Cal-bred maiden-50 for high-percent layoff trainer Blake Heap, who has won with 6 of his last 13 starters off six months or more. TWO HAIL MARYS also returns from a layoff, dropping for the first time into a maiden-claiming race, with enough speed to set or press the pace. WRITE ME A SONG finished in the money all three starts on synthetic at Golden Gate. This is his first on dirt. SCHOOLEY goes route to sprint, turf to dirt, special-weight to maiden-claiming.

EIGHTH RACE

RIVER BOYNE, flashy maiden winner opening day followed by a dominating N1X win last month, is poised for his first stakes win. The import from Europe improved each successive start; he flew home in 23 seconds last out to win by nearly three lengths. With regular rider Flavien Prat scheduled to ride Derby candidate Solomini at Oaklawn Park, Joel Rosario picks up the mount on RIVER BOYNE. Sharp colt in top form can move up the ladder. He does face a formidable rival in PUBILIUS

SYRUS, already a two-time stakes winner. ‘SYRUS produced more speed than expected last out, winning a turf sprint with a big number. His three previous turf routes included a stakes win, maiden win and G3 runner-up. ‘SYRUS is the most accomplished turf horse in the lineup. HECK YEAH is undefeated, albeit vs. California-breds. He gets the class test this time. The horse he beat last out in the California Derby came back last week to score a sharp allowance win. LA LA LAND looms the upset candidate, stretching out following a promising third-place U.S. debut on the hill.

NINTH RACE

Absent division leaders Unique Bella, Abel Tasman and Paradise Woods, the consistent and reliable MOPOTISM inherits likely favoritism in the Grade 1 Santa Margarita. She shows up every start, runs virtually the same mid-90s speed figure most every time and repeatedly showed her versatility. She can press slow fractions, or rally from behind. Though she finished nine lengths behind the winner last out, MOPOTISM actually ran very well; she “won” the battle for second by outfinishing a rival. Against this seemingly modest field, MOPOTISM can bang out her first G1. MISTRESSOFTHENIGHT is not “fast enough” based on figures, but the Midnight Lute filly scored a confidencebuilding N2X win last out and has always been held in high regard. The nine-furlong distance is farther than she has tried, and the hike from N2X is challenging. But the filly is in top form, and merits longshot consideration from off the pace. FAULT won her California debut in a G2 turf race; this field of main-track fillies and mares might be easier than the field she just beat. She fits on class; the challenge is footing. MENDED and LA FORCE finished in a photo with the top choice in the G2 La Canada. Shipper BISHOP’S POND adds pace.

TENTH RACE

COIL ME HOME is sitting on a maiden win following an improved second start. He pressed a strong pace, made the lead in the lane, and finished second behind the talented Surfing Star, who returned to finish second in a strong allowance race. BABY GRONK had a tough trip in his debut last summer. He bobbled and was away dead last, zoomed forward to midpack, chased the pace and faded. The gelding has more speed than he was able to show his only start. Claimed for $50k by Bill Spawr, he returns in a state-bred special- weight, and with a clean takeoff is likely to be involved in the pace scenario. SOUL OWNER debuts with fast works for a stable that does not normally work them that fast. Looks like this guy can run some; progeny of Jersey Town win more than their fair share first out. FASHIONABLY FAST finished only a half-length behind the top choice last out in a promising debut. ‘FAST might be ranked too low by this handicapper.