Get more in-depth analysis, expert picks, handicapper reports, AI picks, handicapping tools, in-article data tooltips, NO ADVERTISEMENTS, and other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!
Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!
The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.
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 anchors for multi-race 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.
RACE-BY-RACE NOTES AND CONTENDERS
1st Race (Maiden Claiming, 6 Furlongs Turf)
The opening race features a modest field of maiden claiming fillies. The early pace is expected to be honest but not blistering. Pace Analysis: Flamingo Star has shown interest in being forward in previous starts and likely tries to clear the field early. Pantages and Sugar Reign possess enough natural speed to stay within range. Key Contenders: Flamingo Star is the primary interest here as she cuts back to a more suitable sprint distance. Secondary Choices: Pantages is a first-time starter training forwardly; Olivia warrants consideration based on consistent training patterns. Longshots: Sugar Reign gets the benefit of the outside post and could land in exotic placings.
2nd Race (Starter Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs Dirt)
Pace Analysis: Brisk pace expected with a contested lead between Solo Gano and Thirty Two Chunk. Key Contenders: Uncle Chilly represents a top-tier trainer-jockey combination and enters with the best speed figure in the field. Thirty Two Chunk is a strong contender with tactical speed. Secondary Choices: Hondo Crouch is entitled to improve with a recent race under his belt; Singlemore is a consistent performer.
3rd Race (Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 Mile Turf)
Pace Analysis: The pace is likely to be measured in this compact field of five. Key Contenders: Wild Like the West holds a slight edge in an incredibly competitive field. Ramayana rarely beats herself and will be right there at the wire. Secondary Choices: Peanutbutterbombe has a nearly perfect record and fits perfectly with the top two.
4th Race (Claiming, 1 Mile Dirt)
Pace Analysis: Moderate pace expected. Resemblance is a pressing type who likes to sit just off the early leaders. Key Contenders: Resemblance is seeking a third consecutive victory and appears to be in career-best form. Secondary Choices: Speed Grazy nearly defeated the top choice recently; Maniatic remains live at this level. Longshots: Pass the Baton has the experience to grab a piece of the purse if favorites falter.
5th Race (Allowance Optional Claiming, 6 1/2 Furlongs Downhill Turf)
Pace Analysis: Fast opening quarter expected as horses sprint for position before the turn. Key Contenders: Certitude is in peak form and the cutback in distance should suit her perfectly. Young Love is a gutsy performer from a top barn. Secondary Choices: Fast Giselle is a hillside veteran; Schilflied possesses enough talent to compete if consistent.
6th Race (Starter Optional Claiming, 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt)
Pace Analysis: Dominant early speed from Liam Smith, who is expected to go straight to the front. Key Contenders: Liam Smith is a standout whose last race was outstanding; he makes his first start for a new trainer notorious for success off the claim. Secondary Choices: Sendit Mo has posted two strong efforts in a row; My Boy Stan is expected to bounce back after a tough stakes race.
7th Race (Starter Allowance, 6 1/2 Furlongs Turf)
Pace Analysis: Competitive turf sprint with several horses possessing tactical speed. Key Contenders: American Glory is coming off a career-best effort. Tessuto benefits from a high-percentage trainer first off the claim. Secondary Choices: Smart Code is a hard-knocking veteran; Enterdadragon has shown promise. Longshots: Vancougar has the benefit of the rail and a top jockey.
8th Race (Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 Mile Dirt)
Pace Analysis: Controlled pace expected, favoring the horse that can get to the front early. Key Contenders: Runamileinmyshoes has been claimed in three consecutive starts, signaling high interest from local trainers. Our Moonlight finished a strong second recently. Secondary Choices: Time to Shine is consistent; Crossanna could surprise if returning to previous form.
9th Race (Claiming, 1 1/8 Miles Turf)
Pace Analysis: A long turf route where the pace is often slow. Key Contenders: Precision has the class to handle this group and should get a ground-saving trip. Silly Rabbit has consistent turf form. Secondary Choices: Six Magpies is a veteran with stamina; Prince Dolce has shown recent improvement. Longshots: Grandisimo could hang on for a minor award if the pace is slow.
