Hammersly: How I'd play Santa Anita on Sunday, March 29

The first two races Sunday see short fields with lots of question marks. Race 3 is a maiden race that looks fairly chalky as favorites LARRY BIRDSTONE and DERBY GLASS lead the way, so you may have to wait a bit before you can dive in with both feet. It may prove to be two turf races that provide you with some handicapping linchpins later on the card.

Race 5

Q’ VIVA is poised for a win. The 4-year-old daughter of Tribal Rule has run just one dull race in her last six starts, that coming when she was asked to route. Her sprints, be they on turf or synthetic, have been smart. Today, we’re on turf, and she’s shown that she relishes the hill, having finished second in three of her four starts on it. She’s been freshened a bit and looks spotted for action.

She can be used in-race with JAN’S SPIRIT (big maiden-claiming winner on dirt last time out, was claimed by hot trainer Richard Baltas and is bred for turf) and KANTINA KOWGIRL (a good third last time out in a race just like this).

While race 4 and 6 are tough to get a firm grip on, Q’ Viva may provide you with a single in the pick three, allowing you to spread in those other two legs.

Race 7

CIRCLING came from Ireland with proven form (Group 3-placed), but in her U.S. debut here March 7, she blew the start to be far back early. Even after she bettered her position going to the far turn, she then had to swing out very wide coming into the lane. Still, she powered home to be a strong third. That was a super first try in the U.S., particularly with all that trouble, and she looks to be sitting on a win.

In-race, she can be hooked with FRESH FELINE (a good second, just in front of Circling in that same March 7 race) and GAS TOTAL (a French import who has worked well for her U.S. debut).

As far as her multirace appeal goes, it’s considerable. If she’s your single, then race 6 can see you spread among maiden claimers (DIXIE DAME, SWEET SILVER) and also in the tough Santana Mile (race 8), where you can use MAJESTIC CITY, GALICADO, ROUSING SERMON, APPEALING TALE, and BLUE TONE. For pick four purposes, YOUNG AND HUNGRY is a solid ‘A’ in race 9, but you can also employ FOREVERLY, TIZZING, and BEST TWO MINUTES. Regardless, Circling is the key.