The accent will be on velocity this weekend at Santa Anita as some of the fastest horses on the grounds will do battle in the Grade 2 San Carlos Handicap at 7 furlongs.

A total of 14 speed merchants were nominated for this fixture that last year was won by Surf Cat, who came from third to last to post a 100 Beyer and take the race for the second time. A small but sweet package of 6 will line up to meet the starter.

This stakes has been won by some legends. Native Diver was a double winner, Ack Ack took the 1971 renewal and in a memorable one, Kangeroo Court got up in 1983 after Hall of Fame rider Sandy Hawley fell asleep on the lead.

In more recent years Phone Trick, who only lost once, Flying Paster, who banged heads with Spectacular Bid and the brilliant Kona Gold were also unsaddled after 7 furlongs.

The field this year in post position order shakes out like this.

Star Nicholas has landed starring roles in state-bred company but this is an open fray and he's in a little tough. Backers can point to the fact he took a $77,000 stakes in his Hollywood finale but that was a short field and this is his first Graded appearance. His best assets could be that he has won from the rail in the past and he broke his maiden at this tricky distance.

Say hello to Halo Najib but don't get too friendly. The son of Halo's Image hasn't won in over a year but did get a feel of the Pro Ride strip. Backers will have to hope he runs a Glory Days race. He has been Grade 2 placed in his career and you also have to wonder if his sharp connections had this race in mind all the time. Trainer Mitchell continues to win races in bunches and colt has drilled well since the return. Very interesting.

Yankee Bravo has been hanging his head around the shedrow with the A-Rod thing going on in New York but you can't say he ducks anybody. He chased the best in the West last year when 4th in the Santa Anita Derby but came back to earth when having his head handed to him by Big Brown in the Preakness.

Still, there are some things to like. He graduated at first asking, won again in a layoff situation just over a year ago and the barn is 33% with returnees like this.

Past the Point peaked when chasing Curlin last summer, but that experience may have zapped him, as he has not looked the same since. He has been routing but he did break his maiden at this distance and he is hooking a field with zero speed.

The horse that will have a target on his back is Georgie Boy. He loves this distance, proved last time he can be placed anywhere and still perform and his connection are having a dream meeting this winter. This guy was on the Triple Crown Trail last year but got hurt in the San Felipe and had to be sidelined. With 3 improving Beyers since, it's his race to lose.

Mutadda is a slow learner but once he got his confidence, he really turned it around. He's in the great hands of Tom Amoss and must be given a glance off that fact alone. Only one off effort since 2007 and that came on the wrong surface. Amoss didn't come out here to pad his frequent flyer account.

So how does it roll out in reality? With a paucity of pace in the field, would not be shocked if Past the Point shows more speed than he has of late.

Georgie Boy should sit an absolutely ideal trip either cutting out the splits or sitting second primed to pounce. Contenders sitting in the garden spot include Mutadda and Star Nicholas with the other pair hoping the race falls apart.

The play may be to key Georgie on top only figuring he can control the pace and outcome and hope for a couple of bombs in the minor slots.