Free: Price plays Saturday at Santa Anita

While four graded stakes attract the most attention Saturday at Santa Anita, the undercard races might offer the best wagering value.

Race 1 – Top choice comebacker Princess Roi (3) routes as if she will like the shorter distance of this N1X downhill sprint. However, the recent maiden win by Ficanas (5) was visually impressive and highly rated. At 6-1 in the program, Ficanas is worth backing.

Race 2 – Final times were slow in five dirt races Friday, and front-runners held the edge. If the speed-friendly profile continues, 12-1 front-runner For the Hustle (1) is worth consideration in this $16k claiming N3L. This handicapper’s one-two: Hey Sequoia (6) and favorite Ferguson (9).

Race 3 – Probably a pass race, but interested in the performance of top choice True Validity (6). According to National Turf workout analyst Andy Harrington, the filly was outworked March 23 by stablemate Foster Boi, expected to be among the favorites next weekend in the Echo Eddie Stakes. A good effort by True Validity would flatter Foster Boi.

Race 4 – Top choice maiden comebacker Honeyfromthesouth (5) is the speed, and she might be gone. However, this handicapper thought the same about her Bob Baffert-trained stablemate Rafal in a maiden race Friday. Rafal finished third at odds-on. For an upset candidate, 12-1 first-time starter Miss My Rose (4) has trained exceptionally well. Expect her odds to be cut at least in half.

Race 5 – Catapult (2) and Next Shares (5) tower over this Grade 1 turf mile. Today, this handicapper will take a stand against River Boyne (6). He had a brutal trip last out, but missed training since and may or may not be as good as the top pair.

Race 6 – Ax Man (2) should lead gate to wire as the favorite in this Grade 2 sprint. Not interested in trying to beat the best horse in the field. Probably a pass race.

Race 7 – It was a mistake not giving Streak of Luck (2) attention in the Daily Racing Form print analysis. She is a legit contender, though Elysea’s World (6) remains the one to beat in this G3 turf route for fillies and mares.

Race 8 – Nero (8) should be long gone as the speed of this N2X dirt mile. The 9-5 favorite is the most probable winner on the card, just like stablemate Rafal was on Friday.

Race 9 – Marley’s Freedom (5) is odds-on to win this G1 dirt mile for fillies and mares, but she’ll have to catch front-runners Selcourt (2) and Paradise Woods (3). They are listed at 5-1 and 6-1, respectively.

Race 10 – Also-eligible Holly Hundy (13) should like the downhill course, but first-time starter Ameerah B (5) is the play at 8-1 in the program. She has trained super on dirt, and as a daughter of Street Boss might be even better on turf.

Good card, handful of price plays. Race 1: Ficanas (5), race 2: For the Hustle (1), race 4: Miss My Rose (4), race 10: Ameerah B (5). First post, 1 p.m. PT.