Bernier: How I'll play Santa Anita for Sunday, Jan. 29

Sunday's feature at Santa Anita is the ninth and final race on the card, the $75,000 Clockers' Corner Stakes going down the hill. I'll focus on the final two races and play a late double, keying a horse in the finale.

RACE 8

Speed has been of the utmost importance going two turns on dirt at Santa Anita for some time now, and when dealing with a group of non-winners of two races lifetime, it becomes even more vital. Both ALWAYS NEVER (4) and RED CAR MAC (6) possess the best early foot in the race, and if the track profile holds up, they should be tough to run down. Always Never stretches out in his second start off a long layoff for Mike Puype, and today blinkers are added. He may not have the same natural speed that Red Car Mac does, but Flavian Prat should be able to secure the perfect pressing trip just off Red Car Mac and loom turning for home. As for Red Car Mac, he's far from the most trustworthy runner; however, he's shown off his early foot in the past and the drop from a $40,000 starter allowance to the non-winners of two lifetime level should help his cause. With aggressive rider Martin Pedroza at the helm, you can be assured this one will be sent to the front out of the gate.

RACE 9 - CLOCKERS' CORNER

MOONLIGHT DRIVE (9) exits a strong effort in the Mathis Bros. Mile going two turns on Opening Day, however Bob Baffert historically hasn't done very well turning horses back on turf (FORMULATOR FACT: Past Five Years, Turf, Route to Sprint: 1/14 (4 ITM), $0.28 ROI). STORMY LIBERAL (10) is a logical contender and arguably the most likely winner of the race. His most recent try down the hill was strong, and it took the incredible Bettys Bambino to run him down. A replica of that effort makes him very tough here. TRIBAL FIGHTER (11) is a bit of a nutty horse when he hits the crossing going down the hill; in each of his two most recent tries, he drifted out severely when crossing from the turf to the dirt and back again. There doesn't appear to be a ton of pace in this race, and there's a scenario in which Tribal Fighter is either outright on the lead or sitting just off a target. He's my key horse for this play.

THE PLAY

Daily Double: 4,6 / 11