Hammersly: How I'd play Santa Anita on Saturday, April 4

It’s Santa Anita Derby Day, meaning more races than usual, and thus likely more options than usual. That said, a couple of maiden races start the day, the opener looking like a difficult maiden claimer and race 2 appearing to be dominated by heavy chalk NEVER ENDS, so you might have to wait a bit to find some price potential.

Here are a few horses who may prove worthy to be your linchpins for in-race and multirace wagers and a look at the pick four.

Race 5

GOT EVEN might be set to bounce back at a price as he may be the controlling speed. The 6-year-old has done his best work here (four of his five wins). Yes, his last two weren’t all that hot, but you can be a bit forgiving about each. First, on Feb. 7, he was asked to sprint, went fast early, and paid the price. Well, he’s better using his speed routing. He tried that last time March 6, when returned to a route, but again used up too much fuel early and faltered. He may not have to go as hard early to make the top, and he’s at his best when clear, using his speed, going two turns on this track. He can be used with BIG TIRE (closed so well for second sprinting here March 7, his first start in more than six months, and may be better at this longer game) and DAY OF FURY (chased the pace in that same March 6 race that GOT EVEN exits and has come back with some strong works).

Race 6

ODIN appears to have figured things out for trainer Eric Kruljac. After a narrow miss on dirt at Los Alamitos on Dec. 20 (ran second, beaten a head by today’s foe ROLO TAMACI), he moved to turf, ran second to the up-and-coming Forest Chatter (who came right back to beat winners), and then finished full of run to beat maidens down the hill here Feb. 16. It’s his first time against winners, but he’s obviously at home on turf, acts as though today’s added ground will play well for him, and has shown that he can sit and finish, which might be key in this race, which appears to have quite a bit of speed signed up. He can be used with ZINVOR (just missed to the unbeaten Richard’s Boy down the hill March 13, but he is a 3-year-old facing elders), DEPUTY HEAT (a winner of two of his last three, with his March 8 win being flattered as the second and third finishers came right back to win), and TURN ON THE PUMPS (routinely in the mix while playing this game at this level).

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The late pick four (races 8-11), with its guaranteed pool, is attractive. A somewhat-limited play (again, there is plenty of other action on the card) could include the following:

Race 8

BOLO ran splendidly to be third in the Grade 2 San Felipe. It was not only a race he needed, but it was his first dirt start. With that under his belt, he can turn the tables on DORTMUND, who beat him that day. DORTMUND, of course, is the one to beat. He’s unbeaten and might be the best 3-year-old male in the biz. He’s a must-use, but if you can beat him, that could lead to a big payoff as he’ll be singled on many tickets. (2)

Race 9

HAVANNA BELLE blew the start in her U.S. debut and ran on well. A better start can be the key, and it’s noteworthy that leading rider Rafael Bejarano stays with her. ENTRECHAT looked super in blasting maidens here Feb. 14 and might be this good. SPANISH QUEEN was away slowly in her turf-route debut here March 6 but powered home to win going away like a comer. SPIRIT OF XIAN finished strongly to be third in her U.S. debut here Feb. 14 and is scary. PRICE EXHIBIT won nicely here Jan. 25 and surely has the quality. (5)

Race 10

LONG HOT SUMMER ran splendidly in defeat here March 19. Not only was that her first start on turf, it was her first start in seven months. She figures fitter and tougher. EASTER FEVER continues her good form, and a bullet March 31 says she holds her edge. JENNA’S FAITH impressed in winning her debut, and it’s no small matter that Bejarano takes the call. (3)

Race 11

WINNING PRIZE missed a prep for the Grade 1 Kilroe Mile when it was washed off the turf, then came back in the Kilroe Mile to be a respectable fifth. This spot isn’t as tough, and now he’s had his race. PURE TACTICS continues his strong form. He comes off a sprint stakes win, but note a smashing win in the Lure on this course and at this trip Oct. 26. TALCO can blast home, and maybe this (a mile) is his best game. COUNTY LINEMAN likely needed that sprint return and could be poised for the upset. (4)

That ticket of 2 x 5 x 3 x 4 at a 50-cent base wager costs $60.