Bernier: How I'd play Santa Anita for Saturday, Feb. 27

Saturday’s card at Santa Anita is a relatively quiet one, with just one stakes race. The Sensational Star is the sixth race, and I’ll play a series of daily doubles linking races 6 and 7.

RACE 6

The Sensational Star is a stakes event for California-bred runners going down the hill, and the race goes through FOREST CHATTER (7). Forest Chatter is a perfect 5 for 5 going down the hillside turf course at Santa Anita, and his running style almost always ensures that he’ll be ready to pounce as they cross over the dirt track turning for home. He figures to be tough to beat in this spot, and I’ll use him in my doubles. AOTEAROA (3) will likely go overlooked and could offer solid value. While his lifetime record doesn’t shine, his most recent effort down the hill was one of quality. If Drayden Van Dyke can get him into a nice position mid-pack, Aotearoa should be in prime position to make a run – if he’s good enough.

RACE 7

The true “blue collar” runners will sprint 6 1/2 furlongs in Saturday’s seventh, and I’ll key in on two horses. BASMATI (3) is an obvious contender; his most recent form indicates he’s as sharp as he has ever been, and he possesses the early foot necessary to stay within striking range of the pacesetters around the far turn. Look for him to turn in his usual solid effort again. CARLOT COWBOY (8) turns back to one turn after unsuccessfully trying to route against a starter allowance field. This gelding has consistently been at his best when going one turn throughout his career; if things heat up on the front end and begin to fall apart, this Papaprodromou trainee will likely be ready to pounce. At 8-1 on the morning line, he’s intriguing.

THE PLAYS:

7 / 3 if probable payoff is $26 or greater
7 / 8 if probable payoff is $62 or greater
3 / 3 if probable payoff is $26 or greater
3 / 8 if probable payoff is $146 or greater