Free: How I'd play Santa Anita for Sunday, June 14

To play, or not to play, that is the question Sunday at Santa Anita. As always, the decision hinges on price.

BANDIDO TOO would be worth backing in race 1 if he started at his 8-5 program odds. That probably will not happen. The controlling speed in the maiden-40 sprint, he figures to be hammered closer to even-money, which would make the opener a pass race.

PICA is not the most likely winner of race 2, a $40,000 claiming filly-mare turf sprint. Rather, favorite DISSENSION is the most likely winner. Pica, however, is speed at 6-1. That is a fair price for a “longshot” front-runner. If she is bet down, it is another pass.

FIGHT THRU stands out in race 4, a Cal-bred maiden race at one mile. He is 9-5 in the program. That price is not likely to be offered. Fight Thru probably will start at even-money or less. That would make race 4 a pass.

BUYMEABOND made the Horses to Watch list after a compromised trip last out. He has an upset chance in race 5, a $32,000 claiming turf mile. Buymeabond, 10-1 in the program, is an also-eligible. If he gets in and starts at 8-1 or higher, he is worth a bet.

BEN’S DUCHESS is a vulnerable favorite breaking from the rail in race 6, an N1X for fillies and mares at six and one-half furlongs. From March 20 through Friday, the rail is 0 for 36 at the trip. The higher-odds alternatives include BLACK BETSY, MY FIONA, DR. FAGER’S GAL and FRENCH PRESS.

PEPNIC is not the most likely winner of race 7, an N2X/$62,500 claiming turf sprint. The favorite TOLEDO EDDIE is the most likely winner. Pepnic however, is a downhill specialist in sharp form, listed at 6-1. That is a betting number. Anything less, it’s a pass.

That is the plan Sunday at Santa Anita, where race-2 front-runner Pica, race-5 also-eligible Buymeabond and race-7 contender Pepnic are the most attractive price plays.