Free: Santa Anita preview for Saturday, April 27, 2019

It’s a different vibe at Santa Anita, which reopened March 29 after racing was suspended for nearly a month. Since reopening, Santa Anita trimmed its schedule to three days per week, field size declined to 7.59 starters per race, hillside racing has been suspended, favorites won 42 percent of all races and the main track is playing slower than ever.

Closing day at Santa Anita is June 23. Los Alamitos opens June 27 for a three-week all-dirt meet, Del Mar opens July 27. Meantime, here's a preview of Saturday's card at Santa Anita.

Race 1 – He Will (4) is a dodgy favorite in this $40k claiming turf mile. Winless since 2017, declining figures, beaten favorite two of his last four. Buckstopper Kit (7) is reunited with his favorite rider; Dallas Skyline (2) has been off since August 2015. Gee, think he might need one?

Race 2 – Another dubious program favorite in Empress of Lov (5). She won a route early in her career, but wasted an easy front-running trip two back in a similar spot. She is the default pick in this $16k claiming route for fillies and mares. All six entrants have a shot.

Race 3 – Favorites are virtually unbeatable at five furlongs on turf: 9-for-10 this season. However, tough to trust the 7-year-old mare Rocky Policy (2). She drops to $40k claiming off a last-place comeback. Kentan Road (1) is speed on the rail, European import Hergame (4) is working well. She is “live” for her U.S. debut.

Race 4 – Although all six in this mile and one-eighth N2X allowance have a shot, favorite Surfing Star (6) would be tough to beat if he reproduces his autumn form.

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Race 5 – The reliable, consistent Brandothebartender (4) should be tough to beat in this $100k stakes race for Cal-breds at a mile on turf. Standout at 5-2? Yes.

Race 7 – Three in a row for Twentytwentyvision (9)? He won twice this meet at a mile and one-eighth on turf, and moves up in class to N1X/optional $40k claiming first start off the $25k claim. Major Cabbie (1) at 12-1 is worth longshot consideration, second start back after a better-than-looked comeback in a downhill sprint. He finished well, and galloped out super. The lightly raced 4-year-old may have found a home on grass.

Race 8 – Paradise Woods (8) is a total standout in the G2 Santa Margarita Stakes. If she starts at her 9-5 program price, it would be a massive overlay. Suspect her odds to be much lower. If the improving Lemoona (6) transfers her turf form to dirt, perhaps she can complete the exacta.

Saturday summary: Reliable favorites include Brandothebartender in race 5, and Paradise Woods in race 8. Upset candidates include Hergame in race 3, and Major Cabbie race 7.

First post: 1 p.m. PT