Free: How I'd play Santa Anita for Monday, May 25

My planned wagering strategy Monday at Santa Anita is divided into two parts – an “action bet” early and serious wagers late. “Action bets” are for the sake of action, with little expectation of significant long-term profit – betting for the fun of it.

Only four starters remain in the Grade 3 Los Angeles Stakes, a six-furlong sprint that goes as race 3. Five Palms and Spirit Rules scratched. The program favorite is WILD DUDE (4); the expected pacesetter is DISINCTIV PASSION (5).

I prefer SAN ONOFRE (6), who should get a great trip pressing the pace from the outside post. San Onofre should win. But he is listed at 8-5 in the four-horse field. Obviously, value is limited.

My action bet is a double from San Onofre in race 3 to KNOCK EM FLAT (5) in race 4. Knock Em Flat is the program favorite in a $25,000 claiming route otherwise short on speed. He should be gone at 2-1.

(Note: If the pick six carries to Sunday, Knock Em Flat would be a single in the first leg.)

As for the serious wagers, both are prices.

Race 7 is a $25,000 claiming sprint for nonwinners of two lifetime. The favorite is PUBLIC POLICY (12), whose runner-up finish two back would make him tough to beat. I expect SECRET COMMAND (8) to outrun his odds first start since November.

Secret Command returns in a claiming race, ineligible to be claimed via CHRB rule 1634. The “no-claim waiver” is usually a bullish signal.

The horse’s connections gave Secret Command time to freshen (more than six months), and don’t want him to be claimed first start back.

Secret Command might not be fast enough to defeat Public Policy, but at the discrepancy in odds, it’s a shot worth taking. Secret Command is listed at 8-1. I will play him at 6-1.

Race 8 is the Grade 1 Gamely, a 1 1/8-mile turf race for fillies and mares. My top choice is longshot SMOOVE IT (5), lengths best last time in a Grade 3 turf mile. She finished second. The final three furlongs are worth watching (SA, April 26, race 7).

Smoove It might not be good enough, but the ambitious placement signals she remains in form. Since her comeback, she has three wins and two seconds from five starts.

Smoove It is listed at a surprisingly low 6-1 in the program. I was hoping for double digits. That could still happen.

San Onofre to Knock Em Flat in races 3-4 (action bets), followed by longshot plays Secret Command and Smoove It (win bets, double) in races 7-8 are how I plan to play Monday at Santa Anita.