Santa Anita: The Grade I, $1 Million Santa Anita Derby at 1 1/8 miles

#1 Offlee Wild Boys (30-1): Enters off two sharp allowance wins at Golden Gate over the Tapeta surface, and though he drew well here, he’s unproven over conventional dirt. Well-bred runner should get the trip, but this is a huge step up in class; longshot.

#2 Indian Winter (10-1): Had quite a following after his local sprint win in the San Pedro, but nothing went right out of town in the Turf Paradise Derby, when he was fractious at the gate and rank in the early stages. Should be better with that run behind him, and it’s nice to see that he’s returned home and has been working well for this assignment, so maybe he can surprise. The price figures to be much better today, and with the two big scratches, this field is wide open; won’t fault anyone looking this way.

#3 Mr. Commons (8-1): Looked good winning his dirt and two-turn debut in a 1-mile allowance in February, and now takes the next logical step to see where he stands. Versatile sort should sit a nice trip and he drew well, but with Shirreffs and Smith calling the shots, it’s unlikely you’re going to get fair value on a horse that still has a lot to prove; mixed signals.

#4 Silver Medallion (7-2): Looked good winning the GIII El Camino up north over at Golden Gate, and now he’ll try conventional dirt for the first time. Sire Badge of Silver was a talented runner but was better suited to middle distances, so you’re allowed to wonder if 9 furlongs will be his best trip. Still, there’s not a ton of quality in here and he’s definitely got talent; would be no surprise.

#5 Comma To The Top (5-1): GI-winning juvenile hasn’t progressed in two starts as a 3yo, and he got beaten up pretty good in the local GII San Felipe last time out. That was his first start on dirt so maybe he can improve, but he likes to run on or near the lead, and the engine will be a crowded car in this field; tough to endorse on top.

#6 Midnight Interlude (20-1): Baffert colt looked awesome running off to a MSW win early in the meet, and if there’s a speed of the speed play, then this is your guy. Takes a huge step up in class, but these 3yo’s are capable of improving overnight, so just maybe he’ll be up to the task, but wiring this crew won’t be easy; know him early but not sure about late.

#7 Quail Hill (30-1): Finished third in the Grade II Robert Lewis over the track and distance in February, but was distanced in the San Felipe last time out, so the jury’s still out as to where he fits. The San Felipe was a weird race in that it was suicidal early, but that should have only flattered this colt’s late charge and yet he couldn’t make a dent in the lane. Adds blinkers today and that should have him closer, but still not sure he’s good enough; passing.

#8 Premier Pegasus: SCRATCHED

#9 Anthony’s Cross (4-1): Took the Lewis over the track and distance when blinkers were added, and that gives him a huge leg up on the rest of his rivals today. Love that Harty freshened him after that win, as he now enters fresh and ready to catch some runners that have been going nonstop for most of the year. Has a nice stalk-and-pounce style that should be a perfect fit in a field that has a ton of early speed, so look for him to sit right off the leaders and make his move entering the far turn; gets the call to double up.

#10 Bench Points (10-1): Distant third in the San Felipe after settling early and passing some of the tired runners in the lane, but that was his first two-turn start, so he can surely build off of it here. Cal-bred is 4-for-5 and wants to beat you and has answered every test he’s been given so far. Yet another that should be sitting in midpack and will be flattered by the early pace, so thinking he’ll have a big chance to make a run through the lane; major player at a nice price.

#11 Jaycito: SCRATCHED

Selections:

#9 Anthony’s Cross

#10 Bench Points

#2 Indian Winter