Competitive 9-race card awaits horseplayers Friday at Santa Anita

A fine nine-race program kicks off the race week Friday at Santa Anita. The competitive slate, which averages 8.6 starters per race before scratches, includes an intriguing 5 ½-furlong maiden heat on dirt with several notable prospects.

Set to go as the sixth race at approximately 6:30 p.m, the maiden race is for 3-year-olds and up and attracted a field of 11. Among the contenders are a pair of 3-year-olds set to debut for Bob Baffert, Middleburg and Parenting.

Middleburg, by Tapit out of multiple graded stakes winner Selcourt, was purchased for $485,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September yearling sale. He has worked seven times for his unveiling, including a bullet four-furlong move from the gate in 47.0 seconds April 8. He will break from the rail under Frankie Dettori.

Parenting, a $750,000 auction buy last year for owner Gandharvi LLC, is by Justify out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Iadorakid. On Saturday, Parenting worked a bullet five furlongs in 59.0 seconds. Installed as the 5-2 second choice on the morning line, he will have Juan Hernandez aboard for his debut.

Also set to debut for trainer John Shirreffs is Fausto, a 3-year-old Mastery colt. Last Thursday, Fausto signaled his readiness with a five-furlong work in 59.80 seconds, which was the fourth fastest of 28 moves at the distance. He will have Hall of Famer Mike Smith aboard for his debut.

First post Friday is at 4 p.m.