FIFTH RACE

HOPPERTUNITY outclasses this Grade 3 field. He is a multiple Grade 1 winner (2014 Clark, 2016 Jockey Club Gold Cup) with $4.3 million in earnings. He scratched from the Santa Anita Handicap last month when the track came up wet; he drops in class and enters as the most probable winner on the card. This mile and one-half distance is his first try beyond a mile and one-quarter. Not likely to be an issue. TWENTYTWENTYVISION is an in-form “back-class” veteran (multiple Grade 1-placed) who spent most of his career on turf. But he has won on dirt (Santa Anita MSW in 2015), his recent form is decent, and other than the top choice this field came up light. NOBLE NICK, winner of the mile-and-five-eighths Humboldt County Marathon last summer at Ferndale, stretches back to a marathon distance with speed to be forwardly placed while positioned right behind the speed.

SIXTH RACE

Two turns could be an adventure for AX MAN, who is running long for the first time after a disappointing fourth in a G2 sprint. Sired by distance horse Misremembered, AX MAN is a sibling to champion filly Indian Blessing and three other stakes winners. Blinkers off, two turns is new, the speed of the field can be gone if he runs back to his smashing debut on Jan. 1. If the pacesetter misfires, trainer Bob Baffert might still win the race with secondtime starter CALL WEST. The latter won an off-turf maiden sprint last out in his debut; he is bred to run two turns. He has speed, but is likely to take back and chase the pace that is likely to bet set by his stablemate. SHIVERMETIMBERS finished second last out to Justify, who was scheduled to start favored Saturday in the Santa Anita Derby. ‘TIMBERS has something the top pair lack. That is, proven form around two turns. DIA DE PAGO was a promising 2yo last summer finishing second in a G2 and fourth in a G1. This is his first start since September, and first try around two turns.

SEVENTH RACE

OISEAU DE GUERRE returned to his preferred style of running (off the pace), and responded with a convincing maiden win last out over this downhill course. The class hike from MSW to N1X can be tough, but the War Front gelding is much improved since he was gelded last fall and transferred to California trainer Michael McCarthy. Up the ladder. MY MAN CHUCKLES won a $32k claiming N2L turf sprint last out. That was two months ago, but he certainly runs well fresh. His win followed a layoff of two and one-half months. Although he did not have much time behind in his claiming win, the race reestablished his affinity for the hill. He won a starter allowance at 14-1 on this course last spring. TINA’S EXCHANGE finished second both previous starts on the hill; he can improve off his comeback race, a dirt sprint in which he pressed a blazing pace and tried. Assuming he rations his speed more effectively while returning to turf, he looms an obvious contender despite the inside post. SKELTON PASS likes this downhill course: a win, a second and three thirds from five starts.

EIGHTH RACE

Looks like enough speed to set it up for OMDURMAN, runner-up by a nose last out for a $6,250 claim tag. He was taken by Gary Sherlock, wheels back in two weeks, and “stretches out” from five and a half furlongs to six. LAMBO LUXX finished a disappointing fifth last out with a compromising trip from the inside post. He runs best rallying from behind; he was involved in an early pace duel last time and backed up. He moves from post 1 to post 5. MESA SKY is in good form, with a beneficial post change to near the outside. ATOMIC ACTION might be ranked too low by this handicapper. The speedster returns from an extended layoff with a series of sharp works, and as much speed as any in the field. He should run his best race first start back.

NINTH RACE

LITTLE BIT LOVELY is a four-time winner on this downhill turf course, and making her first start after being claimed by Jerry Hollendorfer and shortening from a route. First start in nearly two months, this is her race to win from just off the pace. NINE POINT NINE has not started since June, but Vladimir Cerin-trained comebackers often are ready to fire. This is probably an easier spot than the last two times she tried the hill. JOYABLE drops a notch and picks up Kent Desormeaux. Look for her late.