Hammersly: How I'd play Santa Anita for Sunday, March 1

Sunday’s card at Santa Anita has some big, competitive fields, always nice to see as that can lead to overlays, value and thus, opportunity. There are a couple runners on the card who have appeal.

Race 6

When dealing with low-level claimers you’re handicapping condition more than talent. IT’S AINE is the in-form horse. The 5-year-old mare looked super blasting similar (including some of her foes here) Jan. 31. Trainer Paul Aguirre saw fit to claim her and she since came back with a bullet four-furlong work (46.60 seconds) here Feb. 22 to show she holds her edge. You won’t get rich on her in the win pool, but she could prove the key to your in-race and multi-race wagers.

Race 7

HOUSEMAKER invades from England, where she was a fine second in her only two starts. That proven turf form (which also came at this type of trip) makes her look tough here in this maiden turf event. It’s most encouraging, too, that leading rider Rafael Bejarano takes the call in a race where there are a number of entrants from other barns for which he frequently rides.

Like It’s Aine in race 6, she doesn’t figure much of a price for the win, but like that runner with a big field here Housemaker can prove key for your exactas and trifectas, and with some other tough races on the back end of the card may be pivotal for your late pick threes and pick four, and maybe even your pick six. (This selection is based on this race staying on turf as there’s a threat of rain for Sunday).