Sabi Sands's breeding points her out

ARCADIA, Calif. – Menacing weather ahead of an abbreviated three-day racing week brings uncertainty to the Friday card at Santa Anita. A pair of turf miles for California-bred maidens, races 1 and 5, could move to the main track if the rain forecast is accurate.

Meanwhile, two potentially significant races for 3-year-olds attracted small fields. Race 2 is a route for maiden special weight fillies, and race 3 is a first-level allowance for statebred sprinters. Both have five entrants.

Notwithstanding a recent runner-up finish by Spooky Woods, the filly to beat in race 2 is Sabi Sands. Bred to run a distance of ground, Sabi Sands stretches out to one mile after sprinting in her first two races and enters as the most probable winner on the card.

The tepid favorite in race 3 is Elwood J, whose career stalled after a conspicuous debut victory last summer. He finished off the board in two subsequent starts but perked up last time with a creditable third in a similar California-bred sprint.

Showers were expected Thursday. According to Weather.com, there is a 100 percent chance of rain Friday in Arcadia.

KEY CONTENDERS

Race 2

Sabi Sands, by Lemon Drop Kid

Beyers: 65-58

◗ She finished a closing fourth in both sprints and is likely to appreciate the one-mile distance of this maiden race.

◗ In addition to a distance sire, Sabi Sands also has a long-distance female family. Her dam is a sibling to Juniper Pass, a two-time Grade 2 marathon winner at Santa Anita in 2011 (San Luis Rey, San Juan Capistrano).

◗ Keith Desormeaux trains Sabi Sands, purchased as a yearling for $450,000. Kent Desormeaux is her regular rider and will be aboard Friday.

Spooky Woods, by Ghostzapper

Last 3 Beyers: 75-52-65

◗ She began her career losing three times as the favorite and then ran the best race of her career last out, finishing second while ridden for the first time by Flavien Prat. He is aboard Friday.

◗ The race Spooky Woods exits was low-rated, and the half-length margin of defeat is deceptive. The winner, Mopotism, was confidently ridden and probably could have won by more.

◗ Jerry Hollendorfer trains Spooky Woods, who was purchased for $250,000 at a sale of 2-year-olds in training in March.

Race 3

Elwood J, by Vronsky

Last 3 Beyers: 71-55-55

◗ Bred by Old English Rancho and partners, the gelding was named after the farm’s late owner, Elwood Johnston.

◗ Elwood J should get a pressing trip from post 3.

◗ Hollendorfer trains Elwood J, whose rider is Prat.

Pampers n’ Boots, by Papa Clem

Beyers: 71-57

◗ His runner-up debut was followed by a win in a California-bred maiden race.

◗ Victor Garcia trains, and Agapito Delgadillo rides.