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The racing program at Santa Anita Park for Friday, February 6, 2026, features a balanced nine-race card highlighted by a significant Pick 6 carryover of $52,044. This sequence begins in the 4th race and is projected to attract a total pool exceeding $350,000. The day offers a diverse mix of dirt sprints, middle-distance turf routes, and the challenging downhill turf course. Key conditions include a maiden claiming event for three-year-old fillies to open the card and several competitive allowance and starter optional claiming races that serve as the backbone for today’s exotic wagers.
Handicappers should note that the rail on the turf course is set at 30 feet today, which often impacts the path for closers and can benefit those with tactical speed. Many trainers represented on today’s card, including Jeff Mullins, Mark Glatt, and Peter Miller, are currently enjoying high win percentages during the winter meet. Particular attention should be paid to the Pick 6 sequence, where a few strong favorites look like logical singles to anchor larger tickets.
WEATHER AND TRACK CONDITIONS
The weather forecast for Arcadia calls for clear skies and temperatures reaching into the lower 80s by mid-afternoon. These warm, dry conditions are expected to keep the main dirt track fast and the turf course firm. Despite recent rain earlier in the week that restricted some training to the synthetic Tapeta surface, the primary surfaces have dried out completely. Expect the turf to play with its usual firmness, likely favoring horses that can maintain a steady pace near the lead or those with a sharp turn of foot in the final quarter-mile.
TRACK BIAS AND POST POSITION ANALYSIS
Recent trends at Santa Anita suggest a slight advantage for horses drawn in the middle to outside posts in dirt sprints, as they avoid being pinned along the rail in the early stages. However, in route races on the dirt, the rail has remained competitive for horses with tactical speed. On the turf course, the 30-foot rail setting often makes it difficult to pass several horses on the far outside, rewarding those who can secure a ground-saving trip just behind the leaders. The downhill turf course traditionally favors those who can navigate the crossover smoothly and maintain momentum into the stretch.
1st Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 12:30PM
Pace Analysis
The opening race features a modest field of maiden claiming fillies. The early pace is expected to be honest but not blistering. Flamingo Star (3) has shown the most interest in being forward in previous starts and likely tries to clear the field early. Pantages (1) and Sugar Reign (6) both possess enough natural speed to stay within range, ensuring the leaders are pressured through the opening quarter.
Key Contenders
Flamingo Star (3) is the primary interest here as she cuts back to a more suitable sprint distance. She found a mile to be slightly beyond her reach last time out but has shown the necessary speed to handle this six-furlong turf trip. Her experience against similar company gives her a conditioning edge over the newcomers.
Secondary Choices
Pantages (1) is a first-time starter who has been training forwardly for her debut. She comes into this race with a very fast workout on the tab and possesses a pedigree that suggests she will relish the turf surface. If she can overcome the disadvantage of the inside post in her first start, she will be a major threat. Olivia (2) also warrants consideration based on her consistent training patterns leading up to this event.
Longshots
Sugar Reign (6) has shown flashes of ability in the morning and gets the benefit of the outside post, allowing the jockey to survey the field before committing to a path. While she needs to improve on her prior efforts, the field is shallow enough for her to land in the exotic placings.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
The strategy for the opener is to focus on the class and distance relief for the top choice. Flamingo Star is the logical win candidate, but the first-time starter Pantages offers enough upside to warrant an exacta box. If Pantages is bet heavily, the value shifts back to the experienced runner.
SELECTIONS
Win: Flamingo Star (3) – 45% confidence
Place: Pantages (1) – 30% confidence
Show: Olivia (2) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Sugar Reign (6) – 10% confidence
2nd Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 01:03PM
Pace Analysis
This dirt sprint should see a contested lead between Solo Gano (1) and Thirty Two Chunk (5). Both horses prefer to be on or near the lead to be effective. Uncle Chilly (4) will likely sit just behind this pair, waiting for the leaders to tire. The pace should be brisk, which could potentially set the race up for a closer like Hondo Crouch (2).
Key Contenders
Uncle Chilly (4) represents a top-tier trainer-jockey combination and is coming off a series of strong efforts where he finished second in two of his last three starts. He was recently claimed by a barn that excels with new acquisitions. His latest speed figure is the best in the field, making him the horse to beat. Thirty Two Chunk (5) is another strong contender who has been running well for a high-percentage barn and possesses the tactical speed to challenge throughout.
Secondary Choices
Hondo Crouch (2) made a massive late run to just miss in his last start, which was his first race in over a year. He is entitled to improve with that race under his belt and would benefit most if a duel develops between the speed horses. Singlemore (3) is consistent and rarely runs a bad race at this level.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
This race looks like a battle between the two favorites. The angle here is the high win percentage of the trainer for Uncle Chilly first off the claim. A straight exacta with Uncle Chilly over the speed and the closer is the most logical approach.
SELECTIONS
Win: Uncle Chilly (4) – 50% confidence
Place: Thirty Two Chunk (5) – 25% confidence
Show: Hondo Crouch (2) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Singlemore (3) – 10% confidence
3rd Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 01:32PM
Pace Analysis
In this compact field of five, the pace is likely to be measured. Wild Like the West (2) has the tactical speed to dictate terms if necessary or sit just off the lead. Ramayana (1) usually stays close to the front and will not let the leader get away. Expect a slow early tempo followed by a fast finish over the final three-eighths of a mile.
Key Contenders
Wild Like the West (2) holds a slight edge in an incredibly competitive field. She has shown a high level of talent in her young career and seems to be moving in the right direction. Ramayana (1) is equally dangerous with a win and three second-place finishes in four career starts. She rarely beats herself and will be right there at the wire.
Secondary Choices
Peanutbutterbombe (3) has a nearly perfect record, with her only loss coming by a narrow half-length. She fits perfectly with the top two and could easily win if either of the favorites regresses. Heaven’s Bolt (4) has the potential to improve but faces a tall task against the top three.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
With such a small and talented field, there is little room for error. The play here is a small win bet on the top choice and using the top three in a trifecta box. The lack of pace could make this a tactical affair, favoring the horse with the best late kick.
SELECTIONS
Win: Wild Like the West (2) – 40% confidence
Place: Ramayana (1) – 35% confidence
Show: Peanutbutterbombe (3) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Heaven’s Bolt (4) – 5% confidence
4th Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 02:02PM
Pace Analysis
The pace in this one-mile dirt claiming race should be moderate. Resemblance (2) is a pressing type who likes to sit just off the early leaders. Speed Grazy (7) also possesses tactical speed and will likely be prominent from the start. Maniatic (1) might try to use the rail to establish a forward position early.
Key Contenders
Resemblance (2) is seeking a third consecutive victory and looks to be in career-best form. He was claimed by a leading trainer last out, which usually signals intent to keep the winning streak alive. His ability to track the pace and move when the jockey asks makes him a reliable anchor for the start of the Pick 6.
Secondary Choices
Speed Grazy (7) nearly defeated the top choice in their last meeting and remains a clear threat. He has been consistent and should get a good trip from the outside post. Maniatic (1) is another runner who was close in his last effort and appears live at this level.
Longshots
Pass the Baton (3) has the experience to grab a piece of the purse if the favorites falter. While he hasn’t won recently, his speed figures are competitive enough for an underneath spot.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
This race starts the Pick 6 sequence. Resemblance is a logical single for smaller tickets, but using Speed Grazy and Maniatic as backups on larger tickets is a safe way to proceed. The recent claim on Resemblance is the strongest angle here.
SELECTIONS
Win: Resemblance (2) – 45% confidence
Place: Speed Grazy (7) – 25% confidence
Show: Maniatic (1) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Pass the Baton (3) – 10% confidence
5th Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 02:33PM
Pace Analysis
The downhill turf course usually features a fast opening quarter as horses sprint for position before the turn. Certitude (2) has the speed to be near the front, while Tahini (3) and Young Love (4) will be stalking from mid-pack. Expect a contested lead through the crossover.
Key Contenders
Certitude (2) is in peak form and appears to be one of the most likely winners on the card. The cutback in distance to the downhill sprint should suit her perfectly, allowing her to utilize her natural speed without tiring late. Young Love (4) is a gutsy performer from a top barn and has won half of her career starts. She will likely be the main challenger in the lane.
Secondary Choices
Fast Giselle (6) is a veteran of the hillside and can often find a way to get a piece of the action at a price. Schilflied (5) has the talent to compete but needs to show more consistency to beat the top pair.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Certitude is a strong win candidate and a potential single in multi-race wagers. An exacta with Certitude over Young Love and Fast Giselle provides a solid structure for vertical bets.
SELECTIONS
Win: Certitude (2) – 50% confidence
Place: Young Love (4) – 25% confidence
Show: Fast Giselle (6) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Schilflied (5) – 10% confidence
6th Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 03:03PM
Pace Analysis
This sprint is dominated by the blazing early speed of Liam Smith (4). He is expected to go straight to the front and dare the others to catch him. Sendit Mo (3) and Fumano’s Magic (7) have enough speed to keep him honest, but Liam Smith appears much faster than his rivals in the early stages.
Key Contenders
Liam Smith (4) is the best bet of the day. His last race was outstanding, winning by a significant margin while showing true grit. He is making his first start for a new trainer who is notoriously effective first off the claim. If he runs anything like his last effort, he will win this race easily. Sendit Mo (3) has posted two strong efforts in a row and is the most likely candidate to benefit if the top choice tires.
Secondary Choices
My Boy Stan (5) disappointed in his local debut but that was in a much tougher stakes race. He showed good form in Florida and is expected to bounce back with a much better performance today. Straight Buzzin (6) won his debut in impressive fashion and has the upside to improve further.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
Liam Smith is the standout and should be used as a single in the Pick 6. For vertical wagers, a cold exacta of Liam Smith over Sendit Mo and My Boy Stan is recommended. The class drop for My Boy Stan makes him an interesting horse for underneath spots.
SELECTIONS
Win: Liam Smith (4) – 65% confidence
Place: Sendit Mo (3) – 15% confidence
Show: My Boy Stan (5) – 10% confidence
Alternative: Straight Buzzin (6) – 10% confidence
7th Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 03:33PM
Pace Analysis
A competitive turf sprint with several horses possessing tactical speed. American Glory (7) and Tessuto (2) will likely be prominent early. Proudly Hailed (4) and Smart Code (3) will be looking to close from just off the pace. The rail setting should benefit those who can stay within two lengths of the lead.
Key Contenders
American Glory (7) is coming off the best race of her life and appears to be peaking. Her tactical speed should allow her to overcome the outside post. Tessuto (2) is another runner who benefits from a high-percentage trainer first off the claim. He was a disappointed favorite last time but is well-positioned to make amends today.
Secondary Choices
Smart Code (3) is a hard-knocking veteran who always gives his best effort and is frequently in the money. He is a reliable choice for exotic wagers. Enterdadragon (6) has shown promise and could be a factor with a clean trip.
Longshots
Vancougar (1) has the benefit of the rail and a top jockey, which could lead to an upset if the pace up front becomes too frantic.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
This is a wide-open race where several horses have a legitimate chance. Using American Glory and Tessuto as the main keys in exacta and trifecta wagers is the preferred approach. American Glory at a slight price would be the value play here.
SELECTIONS
Win: American Glory (7) – 35% confidence
Place: Tessuto (2) – 30% confidence
Show: Smart Code (3) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Enterdadragon (6) – 15% confidence
8th Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 04:03PM
Pace Analysis
Runamileinmyshoes (4) has the natural speed to lead this field. Our Moonlight (1) will likely use the rail to stay close. The pace is expected to be controlled, which heavily favors the horse that can get to the front and relax through the opening half-mile.
Key Contenders
Runamileinmyshoes (4) has been claimed in three consecutive starts, with the most recent being for $50,000. This high level of interest from local trainers is a major endorsement of her current form. She is a very live contender and should be tough to catch if she clears the field early. Our Moonlight (1) finished a strong second recently and has the pedigree to handle the mile distance.
Secondary Choices
Time to Shine (3) is consistent and fits well with this group. Crossanna (5) has the ability to surprise if she can find her best form from last season.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
The strategy here is to trust the trainers who have been chasing the top choice. Runamileinmyshoes is a strong win bet and a key for the late Pick 4 and Pick 6. A straight exacta with the top choice over the rail horse is a high-probability play.
SELECTIONS
Win: Runamileinmyshoes (4) – 55% confidence
Place: Our Moonlight (1) – 25% confidence
Show: Time to Shine (3) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Crossanna (5) – 5% confidence
9th Race – Santa Anita Park – Friday, February 6th, 2026
Post Time: 04:33PM
Pace Analysis
The finale is a long turf route where the pace is often slow. Uncle Evco (1) and Precision (2) will likely be near the lead early to take advantage of the rail. Six Magpies (5) and Prince Dolce (6) will be looking to move in the final stages.
Key Contenders
Precision (2) has the class to handle this group and should get a perfect ground-saving trip. He has been training well and appears ready for a top effort at this distance. Silly Rabbit (4) is another contender with consistent turf form that makes him a player in the late stages.
Secondary Choices
Six Magpies (5) is a veteran with plenty of experience in these marathon turf races. While he is older, his best races are good enough to win here. Prince Dolce (6) has shown improvement in recent starts and should be included in exotic wagers.
Longshots
Grandisimo (7) will be a longshot from the outside post but has the stamina to hang on for a minor award if the pace is slow enough.
Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles
The last race of the day is often the most chaotic. The best approach is to go deep in multi-race wagers or stick to a simple exacta box with the top two choices. Precision looks like the most reliable runner in a field with many question marks.
SELECTIONS
Win: Precision (2) – 30% confidence
Place: Silly Rabbit (4) – 25% confidence
Show: Six Magpies (5) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Prince Dolce (6) – 15% confidence
JOCKEY NOTES AND INSIGHTS
Kazushi Kimura continues to be the dominant force at the current meet, showing great versatility on both dirt and turf. His ability to get horses into a comfortable rhythm early, as seen in his recent stakes win without blinkers, makes him the go-to rider for trainers John Shirreffs and Mark Glatt. Emisael Jaramillo remains one of the best gate riders on the circuit, which is particularly important in today’s sprint races. His aggressive style fits perfectly with horses like Liam Smith and Runamileinmyshoes. Juan Hernandez and Mirco Demuro are also in excellent form, often providing the winning difference in tight turf finishes.
TRAINER NOTES AND INSIGHTS
Jeff Mullins is currently one of the hottest trainers on the grounds, particularly with horses making their first start after being claimed. His success with new acquisitions like Liam Smith and Uncle Chilly makes them primary targets for bettors today. Doug O’Neill continues to show his prowess in moving horses up the class ladder, evidenced by the recent graded stakes success of his Peruvian-bred runners. Mark Glatt and Peter Miller remain the benchmarks for consistency in Southern California, with both barns showing high win percentages in allowance and optional claiming races. Pay close attention to any equipment changes from the John Shirreffs barn, as his decision to remove blinkers often leads to improved performances.
BEST WAGERING STRATEGIES AND VALUE PLAYS
The most effective strategy for today’s card revolves around the heavy Pick 6 carryover. Liam Smith in the 6th race and Runamileinmyshoes in the 8th race are the two strongest anchors for multi-race tickets. For those looking for value, American Glory in the 7th race offers a chance to beat a wide-open field at a decent price.
In terms of vertical wagers, focusing on the high-percentage claim-back angles with Jeff Mullins provides the most reliable path to profit. A daily double connecting Liam Smith and American Glory could provide a significant return if the latter can pull off the minor upset. Finally, for conservative players, the 5th race features Certitude, who looks like a very safe win candidate to build a bankroll for the later races.
