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Santa Anita Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the March 8, 2026 card

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Santa Anita Park presents a nine-race card on Sunday, March 8, 2026, anchored by two stakes races for three-year-old fillies: the $100,000 China Doll Stakes on turf (Race 2) and the $100,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes (Grade 3) on dirt (Race 8). The Santa Ysabel is a key Kentucky Oaks qualifying race, distributing points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale to the top five finishers, with Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies champion Super Corredora (6) headlining at even money on the morning line. First post is at 1:00 PM PDT.

The card also features a Cal-bred maiden special weight sprint (Race 3), a starter allowance turf sprint (Race 4), a $10,000 claiming sprint (Race 5), an allowance optional claiming dirt route (Race 6), a three-year-old downhill turf sprint (Race 7), and a maiden special weight turf route closing out the card (Race 9). The Scratch Watch lists several horses as possible scratches: Aguila Azul (2) in Race 1 (veterinarian), Yours Sincerely (1) in Race 2 (trainer), Smart Code (2) in Race 4 (veterinarian), Aloha Chrome (4) in Race 5 (veterinarian), Sammy Davis (3) in Race 7 (trainer), and Surf Song (9) in Race 9 (veterinarian).​

The Pick 6 carryover stands at $67,798 as of Sunday morning.

Weather and Track Conditions

Sunny skies are expected across the San Gabriel Valley on Sunday, with a high temperature near 69 degrees Fahrenheit in the Arcadia area and a low around 47 degrees. No precipitation is in the forecast for race day. A Wind Advisory was issued by the National Weather Service on Saturday night and remains in effect through 5:00 PM PDT Sunday, with northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph expected, particularly along the Santa Ana Mountain foothills and canyons. The gusty Santa Ana wind conditions could create a crosswind on the backstretch and affect race tactics, potentially drying out the surface further and favoring speed.

The main track ran Fast and the turf course rated Firm during recent cards at the meeting. Without rain in the forecast, expect the dirt to remain Fast and the turf to stay Firm on Sunday. The wind may contribute to a slightly faster, drier surface on dirt. Turf runners on the outside course may deal with crosswinds, which could affect late closers more than front-runners.​

Track Bias and Post Position Analysis

Santa Anita's main track does not carry a pronounced bias over the long term, but speed has been king during the 2025-2026 winter meet.

On the dirt in sprints (under one mile), front-runners or horses within a length of the lead won 56% of races at last year's meets, while deep closers won only 9% (23 of 268 sprints). The six-furlong distance in particular has favored the outside post, with 13 winners from 47 races breaking from the widest stall, an angle that matters in Races 3 and 5.

In dirt routes, speed again dominated, winning 51% of the races at a mile, with stalkers at 36% and closers at only 13%. Post position data from December 28, 2025 through February 27, 2026 shows posts 3 and 4 leading in main-track sprint wins (each at .19), while posts 4 and 6 have been strongest in main-track routes.

On the turf at one mile, early speed and stalkers are the preferred running styles, with closers winning only 19% of such races. On the flat turf, post 3 has been dominant in routes at the current meet with a .23 win rate, while post 4 follows at .19. For the downhill turf sprint configuration (6 1/2 furlongs), middle and outside posts have historically outperformed inside posts in larger fields, and closers have found it difficult to win. Post 1 in turf sprints, however, has hit at a .19 clip this meet, so the rail is not hopeless on the grass.

Race 1 — Maiden Claiming ($20,000), 1 Mile Dirt, Fillies and Mares 3-5YO

Post Time: 1:00 PM PDT

This maiden claiming route drew a field of eight (seven likely if Aguila Azul (2) scratches as expected). The morning line favorite is Blame Eve (8) at 9/5, followed by Ghostess (4) at 7/2 and Makenarita (6) at 4/1.​

Pace Analysis

Watershed Moment (3) has shown the most early speed in her prior turf sprints and should be on or near the lead early stretching out to a route for the first time on dirt. Vronaway (1) also has gate speed and figures to press. The pace should be moderate, not fast, with the rest of the field sitting off the lead. This sets up for a runner from mid-pack who can launch a sustained move on the second turn.

Key Contenders

Blame Eve (8) is the consensus top pick. She ran second in her most recent start at this class level when switched to dirt, earning a 69 Beyer that is by far the best last-out dirt figure in the field. She finished more than six lengths clear of third in that effort, indicating she is clearly faster than most of this group on the main track. Juan Hernandez, Santa Anita's top rider, has the mount, and she draws the outside post, which should give her a clean trip from off the pace. Trainer Leonard Powell is competent at this level.

Ghostess (4) drops significantly in class from a maiden $50,000 turf race to this maiden $20,000 dirt event. The five-year-old mare showed ability on turf and finished three lengths in front of Blame Eve (8) when they met two back on the grass, but this will be her first dirt start. If she handles the surface, she has the talent to win. Florent Geroux rides for trainer Tim Yakteen, a reliable barn. The question mark is the surface switch.​

Secondary Choices

Makenarita (6) has been running in higher-class maiden special weight and maiden $50,000 races and drops in for trainer George Papaprodromou. She could benefit from the class relief but needs to show more in terms of final figures. Kazushi Kimura, who has been riding well at the meet, takes the mount.

Vronaway (1) flashed speed last out behind Blame Eve (8) before tiring to fifth. She has placed second in two prior starts and draws the rail, which carries a .14 win rate in dirt routes this meet.

Longshots

Watershed Moment (3), at 6/1 on the morning line, drops from turf sprints and stretches to a route on dirt. She can make the lead if she wants, and the track has been favoring speed in routes. Her lone prior dirt start was not encouraging, but it came against tougher. Celestial Skies (7) at 15/1 is a deep longshot with limited form.​

Selections

Win: Blame Eve (8)
Place: Ghostess (4)
Show: Vronaway (1)

Betting Strategy: Blame Eve (8) is a single in multi-race wagers. For exactas, box Blame Eve (8) with Ghostess (4) and add a saver with Vronaway (1) in third for trifectas.

Race 2 — China Doll Stakes ($100,000), 1 Mile Turf, Fillies 3YO

Post Time: 1:33 PM PDT

A compact but competitive field of five (possibly four if Yours Sincerely (1) scratches per the trainer scratch watch) contests this listed turf stakes for three-year-old fillies. Himika (3) is the 4/5 morning line favorite.​

Pace Analysis

Himika (3) is typically the speed of the field but showed a different dimension last out in the Sweet Life when she sat off the pace and rallied for second. Peanutbutterbombe (4) could show some early interest from mid-pack. The pace does not look blazing, and with a small field, frontrunners or pace-pressers have the advantage in one-mile turf races at Santa Anita, where closers have won only 19% of such contests.

Key Contenders

Himika (3) is a two-time stakes winner on dirt and the clear class of this field. Her runner-up in the Sweet Life last out was a strong effort considering she did not show her customary speed, took an awkward step at the dirt crossing, and still finished well. Trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Juan Hernandez, the Curlin filly is primed for a peak third-start effort of her current cycle. The main concern is whether she truly stays a flat mile on turf, but her late rally last time suggests she will handle it.

Counterbalance (2) earned the highest last-out speed figure in this field when she broke her maiden with Lasix in a turf sprint. The catch is that she will not race with Lasix today, and this is her first stakes try at a route distance. Kazushi Kimura, in strong current form at the meet, rides for Michael McCarthy.

Secondary Choices

Peanutbutterbombe (4) ran faster by more than a second in her last start and is a stakes-placed filly for trainer Phil D'Amato, who excels with turf runners. Antonio Fresu rides. She has a look if the top choice flattens out.

Yours Sincerely (1), also trained by D'Amato, has shown steady improvement with upped speed figures in each of her last three starts. She is on the scratch watch, so monitor updates.​

Longshots

Hypergamy (5) stretched her maiden win going long, missed by only a length in a route stakes two back, and was running against Himika (3) last out in a turf sprint that may have been too short for her. At 6/1 on the morning line, she is the value play, especially if the pace sets up for her late run.​

Selections

Win: Himika (3)
Place: Hypergamy (5)
Show: Counterbalance (2)

Betting Strategy: Himika (3) is vulnerable at short odds in a stakes race that demands a mile on turf for the first time. Consider keying Himika (3) on top of exactas, but spread underneath with Hypergamy (5) and Peanutbutterbombe (4) for value. A small win bet on Hypergamy (5) as a saver is warranted at 6/1.

Race 3 — Maiden Special Weight ($70,000), 6 Furlongs Dirt, Cal-Bred Fillies 3YO

Post Time: 2:05 PM PDT

A field of eight Cal-bred maiden fillies will sprint six furlongs on the main track. Another Zero (4) is the 6/5 morning line favorite after a solid runner-up debut.​

Pace Analysis

Several fillies have early speed, including Another Zero (4), who broke last in her debut but rushed up to press. La Silenciosa (2) and Lyndee's Dream (5) could also show speed from the inside. The outside post has been dynamite at six furlongs this winter with 13 winners from 47 races from the widest stall. This favors Christa Mcauliffe (8), drawn outside.​

Key Contenders

Another Zero (4) earned a respectable 64 Beyer debuting on January 30, breaking last but rallying to finish second, more than three lengths clear of third. The daughter of I'll Have Another has trained three times since and should improve second time out with a cleaner break. Juan Hernandez rides for trainer Antonio C. Garcia.

Christa Mcauliffe (8) returns to dirt after a disappointing turf effort. Her fifth-place debut on dirt two back was better than it looks — she encountered trouble. Now she returns to the main track, draws the powerful outside post, and has speed to be forwardly placed. Trainer Steven Miyadi has been consistent. She is the primary upset candidate.

Secondary Choices

La Silenciosa (2) is a first-time starter by Known Agenda out of a Cal-bred program and is expected to show speed from post 2. Emisael Jaramillo rides for trainer Victor L. Garcia.​

Surprise D' Oro (1) is another debuter, by Bolt d'Oro, for trainer Hector Palma. First-time starters always carry risk, but the pedigree suggests dirt ability.​

Longshots

Kaffy (6) at 10/1 and Little Originaire (7) at 12/1 are deep closers who face a stiff challenge in a sprint where Santa Anita's speed bias makes it very difficult to come from behind.

Selections

Win: Another Zero (4)
Place: Christa Mcauliffe (8)
Show: La Silenciosa (2)

Betting Strategy: Another Zero (4) is a solid single. For trifectas, key the top two and spread with La Silenciosa (2) and Surprise D' Oro (1) in the third slot.

Race 4 — Starter Allowance ($37,000), 6 1/2 Furlongs Turf, 4YO and Up (NW3L)

Post Time: 2:36 PM PDT

Seven entered for this starter allowance turf sprint, though Smart Code (2) is on the scratch watch (veterinarian). This race is the Best Bet for one prominent handicapper.​

Pace Analysis

Re Armed Jon (5) is the likely pacesetter as a lightly raced front-runner returning from a four-month break. Track Tiger-style speed from the outside has not been relevant here, so Re Armed Jon (5) may get a soft lead. However, most 6 1/2-furlong main-oval turf sprints this winter were won from off the pace. With the rails at 20 feet, only one wire-to-wire winner has been recorded at this distance this winter, suggesting pace-pressing types and stalkers hold the edge.​

Key Contenders

Incanto (7) is the consensus top pick and enters as a potential standout based on his runner-up finish two back in an allowance race (N2X) and close sixth three back in a $250,000 stakes at Remington Park. The gelding has faced much better throughout his career and owns a 93 turf Beyer speed figure from two starts back. He is simply the fastest in the field. Making his third start of the current form cycle, he stretches from five furlongs to 6 1/2 furlongs. Hector Isaac Berrios rides for trainer Peter Eurton.

Vancougar (4) is stablemate to Incanto (7) and had the pace shape against him last out when he set the pace to deep stretch and was swallowed up. The one-two finishers in that race rallied from behind. Juan Hernandez rides, and Vancougar (4) has the speed to sit second if Re Armed Jon (5) goes to the front.​

Secondary Choices

Re Armed Jon (5) returns from a four-month layoff and drops in class from N1X. He is the likely lone pacesetter and could take them as far as he can, though the off-the-pace bias at this distance is a concern. One tip sheet has him as their Best Bet in this race.

Gregory's Pride (3) is an eight-year-old veteran at 8/1 for Phil D'Amato and Antonio Fresu. He has run against better and could pick up a piece at a price.​

Longshots

Spearfish (6), ridden by Mirco Demuro for Javier Jose Sierra, is 10/1 on the morning line and an outsider with a chance if the pace collapses.​

Selections

Win: Incanto (7)
Place: Vancougar (4)
Show: Re Armed Jon (5)

Betting Strategy: Incanto (7) is a strong single in multi-race wagers. Exacta box Incanto (7) with Vancougar (4) and Re Armed Jon (5). For value, a trifecta keying Incanto (7) on top with all five remaining runners underneath pays if the chalk holds.

Race 5 — Claiming ($10,000), 6 Furlongs Dirt, 4YO and Up (NW2L)

Post Time: 3:09 PM PDT

A ten-horse field (possibly nine if Aloha Chrome (4) scratches per the vet scratch watch) runs at the bottom of the claiming ranks. Scatify (2) is the 7/5 morning line favorite.​

Pace Analysis

There is speed in here from Grey Power (1), Canyahearmeknockin (5), and possibly Novinophobia (7). The pace could be honest but not suicidal. Scatify (2) can sit just off the speed and pounce turning for home, which is the preferred running style at this distance.

Key Contenders

Scatify (2) is a mega-class dropper plummeting to $10,000 claiming for the first time, off since December. His trainer Jeff Mullins has been on a tear, winning with his last five favorites and going 9-for-12 with chalk since mid-December. The gelding is far and away the fastest in the field on figures. Tyler Baze rides. This is a case of far superior class; the only risk is the layoff and the possibility he does not fire fresh.​

Magic Connection (6) finished second at this exact level and distance in his most recent start, earning the field's highest last-out Beyer (65). Antonio Fresu rides for Hector Palma. He is the logical alternative if the favorite bounces.​

Secondary Choices

No More Ding Dongs (9) has been stuck at this level but in the money three of his last four starts. He has the five-pound apprentice weight allowance with Alfredo Bautista aboard and should be competitive. The 3/1 morning line reflects his consistency.​

Novinophobia (7) at 8/1 is a deep closer who could factor if the pace breaks down, but closers have a very hard time at six furlongs at Santa Anita.​

Longshots

Typhoon Tommy (10) ships from the outside post at 12/1 and is a route-to-sprint candidate. The outside post at six furlongs has been hot at this meet. Edgar Payeras rides for Edwin G. Alvarez.​

Selections

Win: Scatify (2)
Place: Magic Connection (6)
Show: No More Ding Dongs (9)

Betting Strategy: Scatify (2) is likely a heavy favorite and not a great standalone win bet for value. Use him as a single in Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences. For exotic value, key Scatify (2) on top with Magic Connection (6), No More Ding Dongs (9), and Typhoon Tommy (10) underneath in exactas and trifectas.

Race 6 — Allowance Optional Claiming ($50,000), 1 Mile Dirt, 4YO and Up

Post Time: 3:39 PM PDT

Seven runners line up for this N1X dirt mile. Voldemort (5) is the 2/1 morning line favorite.​

Pace Analysis

Voldemort (5) is the controlling speed in the race and figures to set the pace from his inside-middle post. Cowboy Mike (7) also has early speed and could press. Big Bet Jafinsafa (1) may also be forwardly placed. The pace could be contested, which would set up closers like Ghazaaly (6) and Mc Vay (2). At Santa Anita, speed still wins roughly half of dirt routes, but a pressured Voldemort (5) is a risk given his history of squandering leads.

Key Contenders

Voldemort (5) has posted back-to-back 90-plus Beyer figures, the most recent being a career-best 92 when running second behind Clooney on February 8. He has hit the board in four of five career starts and is the fastest horse in the field by a clear margin. The concern is his reliability: he has squandered the lead multiple times and missed in three of four starts as the favorite. Juan Hernandez rides for Bob Baffert. If he can simply maintain his speed through the wire, this is his race to lose.

Ghazaaly (6), an eight-year-old gelding, was overmatched two back in a Grade 2 but won impressively in a $25,000 claimer before that. He is a three-time winner entered for the optional $50,000 tag, making him eligible to be claimed. Emisael Jaramillo rides from off the pace for Doug O'Neill. If Voldemort (5) stalls on the lead again, Ghazaaly (6) could rally past.​

Secondary Choices

Mc Vay (2), returning from a November layoff, has trained exceptionally well for trainer Peter Eurton, including a bullet work on March 1 where he reportedly bested graded winner Westwood. Mike Smith, the veteran Hall of Famer, takes the mount. First start in four months is the question, but the morning workouts are very encouraging.​

Magnify (3) earned a 93 Beyer last time out, but that was way back in November 2024. This is his first start in over 15 months for Tim Yakteen with Kazushi Kimura aboard. He is talented but the long absence is a major concern.​

Berlin Wall (4) is 3/1 on the morning line for trainer Steve Knapp, drawn inside of the favorite. He should stalk just off the pace.​

Longshots

Cowboy Mike (7) at 12/1 has speed and could pester Voldemort (5) early. If the two engage in a duel, it sets up the closers, but Cowboy Mike (7) himself could benefit from a soft lead scenario if Voldemort (5) stumbles at the break. Florent Geroux rides for Tim Yakteen.​

Selections

Win: Voldemort (5)
Place: Ghazaaly (6)
Show: Mc Vay (2)

Betting Strategy: Voldemort (5) is the rightful favorite but is tough to trust at 2/1 given his history of stopping on the lead. Use him in multi-race exotics but do not single him. In Race 6 exactas, key Voldemort (5) over Ghazaaly (6), Mc Vay (2), and Berlin Wall (4), and also key those three over Voldemort (5) in case he finishes second again.

Race 7 — Allowance Optional Claiming ($80,000), 6 1/2 Furlongs Downhill Turf, 3YO

Post Time: 4:09 PM PDT

Eight three-year-olds tackle the unique Santa Anita hillside turf course. The morning line favorite Sammy Davis (3) is on the scratch watch (trainer). If he scratches, the complexion of the race changes dramatically.​

Pace Analysis

Sammy Davis (3), if he runs, and Track Tiger (5) are the primary speed horses. Lucky And Gone (7), a Turf Paradise shipper, also shows early foot. If Sammy Davis (3) and Track Tiger (5) lock into a head-to-head duel, it benefits closers like Ventry Strand (6) and Caro Buono (1). Middle and outside posts have historically been advantaged in downhill turf sprints with larger fields.

Key Contenders

Sammy Davis (3) is the top choice if he runs. Progeny of Sir Prancealot typically prefer turf, and his dam was a turf stakes winner who produced turf winner Cali Cat. He set the pace and finished second in the Cal Cup Derby at a mile and a sixteenth last out, and this shorter turf sprint should suit him better. Trainer John Sadler enters two in the race. Hector Isaac Berrios rides from post 3, a middle post that should give him a clean break on the hillside.​

Honey's Choice (8) stepped up with an impressive 2 1/4-length maiden win going six furlongs on turf on January 18 for Phil D'Amato. He has worked five times since that score and appears ready to run a big one in his stakes-level debut. Grass milers have traditionally done well switching to the shorter downhill layout. Antonio Fresu rides.​

Secondary Choices

Ventry Strand (6) continues his gradual improvement, backing up in distance after a fast-closing second at one mile. He is a two-time sprint winner who will rally late, trained by John Sadler with Florent Geroux aboard.​

Caro Buono (1) adds Lasix and drops to N1X for the first time in the U.S. after five tries in American stakes (three fourths, two fifths). The route-to-sprint closer will rally late. The rail post in downhill turf sprints can be tricky with larger fields, though post 1 has been surprisingly productive on the turf this meet at a .19 clip in sprints.

Longshots

Track Tiger (5) at 9/2 is the pace rival for Sammy Davis (3) and could benefit if the favorite scratches, becoming the lone speed. Emisael Jaramillo rides for Doug O'Neill.​

Lucky And Gone (7) is a Turf Paradise shipper with speed who could get a piece at big odds.

Selections

Win: Sammy Davis (3)
Place: Honey's Choice (8)
Show: Ventry Strand (6)

If Sammy Davis (3) scratches:
Win: Honey's Choice (8)
Place: Ventry Strand (6)
Show: Track Tiger (5)

Betting Strategy: Monitor the scratch status of Sammy Davis (3) before committing. If he runs, he is a strong single. If he scratches, Honey's Choice (8) becomes a prime play at what should be a fair price. Regardless, a Honey's Choice (8) exacta wheel underneath the top choice is a solid approach.

Race 8 — Santa Ysabel Stakes (Grade 3, $100,000), 1 1/16 Miles Dirt, Fillies 3YO

Post Time: 4:39 PM PDT

The feature race of the day, the Santa Ysabel carries Kentucky Oaks qualifying points (50-25-15-10-5) and drew a field of seven. Super Corredora (6) is the even-money morning line favorite as the reigning Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies champion.

Pace Analysis

Super Corredora (6) can be on or near the lead, and Forced Entry (5) wired maidens by more than seven lengths last out setting a moderate pace. Cee Drew (1) will be coming from behind, while French Blue (3) and Piney Woods (4) figure to stalk. There is more speed in this lineup than Forced Entry (5) faced in her maiden win, meaning she is unlikely to coast on the front end unchallenged. If Super Corredora (6) and Forced Entry (5) engage early, the pace could be honest and set up late runners.

Key Contenders

French Blue (3) is the top selection of multiple handicappers at a price. The Gun Runner filly won her debut sprint by open lengths but recorded a modest 67 Beyer in what was described as a “ridden out” effort. She is bred to relish the added distance, trained by Bob Baffert, and has worked consistently and sharply since her first start, including a strong five-furlong move on March 1. The third-place finisher from her maiden win, Piney Woods (4), returned to win by four lengths, which franks the form. Florent Geroux rides. The upside here is significant if she takes the expected leap forward second time out.

Super Corredora (6) is the defending champion two-year-old filly and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner, but she was subpar in her 2026 debut, pressing and surrendering to finish last of four in the Las Virgenes. Trainer John Sadler attributed the poor effort to the filly getting hot and having off bloodwork. She has bounced back well in morning training, including a sharp five-furlong work in :59 3/5 on March 1. If that Las Virgenes was simply a throw-out race, she is clearly the class of this field and dangerous to dismiss. Hector Berrios rides from post 6.

Secondary Choices

Forced Entry (5), Baffert's second entry, dominated a maiden field by 7 1/4 lengths in a one-mile route on February 1, wiring the field. Juan Hernandez sticks with her. The question is whether the pace in a graded stakes will be soft enough for her to replicate that front-running score. Against better, she will face more pressure.

Cee Drew (1) is the other stakes winner in the field, having captured the California Cup Oaks. Trained by Dan Blacker, she will be rolling from behind under Armando Ayuso. She reportedly has worked well on dirt, but the surface switch from turf is the unknown. At 5/1 on the morning line, she offers value if the pace collapses.

Longshots

Piney Woods (4) followed a third-place sprint debut with an impressive maiden route victory by four lengths over a next-out winner. At 15/1 on the morning line, she is a live longshot for trainer Michael McCarthy with Ricardo Gonzalez riding.​

My Love Caroline (7) at 10/1 crossed the wire first in the CTBA Stakes but was disqualified. The class jump here is significant, but at double-digit odds, she could surprise. Mirco Demuro, who has been riding at high-level European venues, takes the mount.​

Selections

Win: French Blue (3)
Place: Super Corredora (6)
Show: Forced Entry (5)

Betting Strategy: This is the race to attack the card. French Blue (3) at 9/2 on the morning line represents significant value against the heavy favorite. A win/place bet on French Blue (3) with a saver exacta keying her over Super Corredora (6) and Forced Entry (5) is the primary play. For trifectas, use French Blue (3) and Super Corredora (6) on top, with Forced Entry (5), Cee Drew (1), and Piney Woods (4) filling out the bottom slots. If you believe Super Corredora (6) bounces back, a straight exacta of Super Corredora (6) over French Blue (3) is also viable.

Race 9 — Maiden Special Weight ($70,000), 1 Mile Turf, Fillies and Mares 3-5YO

Post Time: 5:09 PM PDT

The closing race features nine runners (possibly eight if Surf Song (9) scratches per the vet watch) in a maiden turf route for fillies and mares.​

Pace Analysis

Bint Al Dandy (6) has been in the money six straight and will be on or near the lead along with Vow To Resiliency (5) and Sandy Street (1). This field has a clear front-runner in Bint Al Dandy (6), and with the turf mile favoring speed and stalking types at Santa Anita, she is well-positioned. The stretch-out candidates Lubie's Music (8) and Victorious Dream (7) will be rallying from farther back.

Key Contenders

Bint Al Dandy (6) is the 2/1 morning line favorite and has hit the board in all ten career starts, finishing in the money six straight times with a 90% in-the-money rate from ten starts. She is the speed of the field and a consistent type who will be on or near the lead throughout. Florent Geroux rides for Robert Falcone Jr. One tip sheet lists her as their Best Bet for the entire card. The knock is that she has not been able to close the deal as a winner despite all those top-three finishes.

Lubie's Music (8) ran second in her first route and first try on turf, and that effort was validated when the winner and fifth-place finisher returned to win next out. She finished five lengths clear of third and has speed to sit just off the pace. Trained by the venerable Richard Mandella, with Antonio Fresu up, she projects a stalking trip that could prove lethal in the stretch.​

Secondary Choices

Victorious Dream (7) is the best late threat, having run second at a mile and an eighth in a slow-paced race last out. With more speed in this lineup, the pace should be more honest and set up her closing kick. Juan Hernandez rides for Michael McCarthy.

Vow To Resiliency (5) ships from the East Coast for Phil D'Amato and has run at Gulfstream Park, including a runner-up at a mile on turf. D'Amato's prowess with turf runners makes this one worth watching. Tiago Pereira rides.​

Longshots

Improbable U (2) at 8/1 has been consistent with in-the-money finishes in six of nine starts but has not broken through for a win. She switches from dirt sprints to a turf route, which could be the key.​

Sandy Street (1) at 15/1 is trained by Richard Mandella, giving trainer Mandella two shots in the race. Mirco Demuro, the accomplished Italian rider, has the mount.

Selections

Win: Lubie's Music (8)
Place: Bint Al Dandy (6)
Show: Victorious Dream (7)

Betting Strategy: Bint Al Dandy (6) will be a short price and is vulnerable as a perennial maiden who cannot seem to win. Lubie's Music (8) at 4/1 offers better value with upside. Key Lubie's Music (8) and Bint Al Dandy (6) in exactas both ways, and spread to Victorious Dream (7) for trifectas. This race is a good spot to go deeper in exotics for a potential square price.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Juan Hernandez remains Santa Anita's top rider with more than 2,400 career wins. He has been the leading jockey at the Santa Anita Classic Meet multiple times and possesses a tremendous ability to judge pace and finish strongly. He has five mounts on Sunday's card: Blame Eve (8) in Race 1, Himika (3) in Race 2, Another Zero (4) in Race 3, Voldemort (5) in Race 6, and Forced Entry (5) in Race 8. He chose Forced Entry (5) over French Blue (3) in the Santa Ysabel, which is notable.

Florent Geroux carries significant mounts including Ghostess (4) in Race 1, Ventry Strand (6) in Race 7, French Blue (3) in the featured Santa Ysabel, Cowboy Mike (7) in Race 6, and Bint Al Dandy (6) in Race 9. He is a proven rider on the national circuit.

Kazushi Kimura, the Eclipse Award-winning former apprentice, has been in strong current form following his return from an ankle injury, going 12-for-53 at the Classic Meet (23% win rate) before the most recent card. He won the Grade 1 American Oaks on opening day aboard Ambaya at 12-1 as a substitute rider, demonstrating his tactical ability on turf. He has six mounts on Sunday: Makenarita (6) in Race 1, Counterbalance (2) in Race 2, Smart Code (2) in Race 4, Magnify (3) in Race 6, Classico (4) in Race 7, and Lilo Lil (3) in Race 9.

Mirco Demuro, the veteran Italian jockey, rides Sandy Street (1) in Race 9, Spearfish (6) in Race 4, and My Love Caroline (7) in Race 8. His international experience riding at top-tier European tracks makes him a wildcard on turf.

Antonio Fresu, who has been productive at the meet, has four mounts including Peanutbutterbombe (4) in Race 2, Gregory's Pride (3) in Race 4, Honey's Choice (8) in Race 7, and Lubie's Music (8) in Race 9.

Mike Smith, the Hall of Fame rider, has a single mount on the card: Mc Vay (2) in Race 6. Any time Smith takes a lone mount, it is worth monitoring, as he typically picks his spots carefully.

Hector Isaac Berrios rides Incanto (7) in Race 4, Sammy Davis (3) in Race 7, and Super Corredora (6) in the featured Santa Ysabel.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Bob Baffert has four entries across the card: Himika (3) in Race 2, Voldemort (5) in Race 6, and the coupled entry of French Blue (3) and Forced Entry (5) in the Santa Ysabel. Baffert's barn has historically hit at a 32% win rate at Santa Anita, and his runners always command respect, particularly in stakes competition. The Baffert two-back in the Santa Ysabel is a key strategic angle to watch.

John Sadler trains Super Corredora (6) in the Santa Ysabel and also sends out two in Race 7: Sammy Davis (3) and Ventry Strand (6). Sadler is a perennial force at Santa Anita and typically does well with his stakes horses in the winter.​

Phil D'Amato is the premier turf trainer on the Southern California circuit and has multiple entries: Peanutbutterbombe (4) and Yours Sincerely (1) in the China Doll, Gregory's Pride (3) in Race 4, Honey's Choice (8) in Race 7, and Vow To Resiliency (5) in Race 9. Any D'Amato runner on the grass should be given extra weight in the handicapping.​

Doug O'Neill enters horses in Race 2 (Hypergamy (5)), Race 6 (Ghazaaly (6)), and Race 7 (Won For Lou (2), Classico (4), Track Tiger (5)). His large stable means volume entries, but he always has live runners at Santa Anita.​

Michael McCarthy has runners in Race 2 (Counterbalance (2)), Race 8 (Piney Woods (4)), and Race 9 (Lilo Lil (3), Tipitap (4), Victorious Dream (7)). McCarthy's operation is strong with young horses.

Richard Mandella, the Hall of Fame conditioner, sends out Sandy Street (1) and Lubie's Music (8) in Race 9. Mandella's meet stats typically run around 24% wins and 51% in the money. When he has two in a race, pay attention.​

Jeff Mullins is represented by Scatify (2) in Race 5 and has been on a scorching hot streak, winning with his last five favorites and going 9-for-12 with chalk since mid-December.​

Tim Yakteen trains Ghostess (4) in Race 1 and has two in Race 6: Magnify (3) and Cowboy Mike (7). He is a reliable conditioner in Southern California.

Peter Eurton saddles Vancougar (4) and Incanto (7) in Race 4 as well as Mc Vay (2) in Race 6. The Eurton barn typically performs well when horses are spotted thoughtfully.

Leonard Powell trains Blame Eve (8) in Race 1, Caro Buono (1) in Race 7, and Surf Song (9) in Race 9. He is a steady presence in the SoCal colony.

Dan Blacker trains Cee Drew (1) in the Santa Ysabel and Canyahearmeknockin (5) in Race 5.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The Late Pick 5 (Races 5-9) is the premier multi-race wager of the day and presents intriguing opportunities.

In Race 5, Scatify (2) is a near-automatic single given his massive class edge. Using him as a single keeps ticket costs down and allows spreading in the more contentious later races.​

Race 6 is the swing race in the Pick 5. Voldemort (5) is the likely favorite, but his history of stopping on the lead and failing as the chalk (three misses in four tries as favorite) makes him unreliable. Use at least three horses here: Voldemort (5), Ghazaaly (6), and Mc Vay (2). Adding Berlin Wall (4) gives a fourth leg for safety.​

Race 7 depends on the Sammy Davis (3) scratch decision. If Sammy Davis (3) runs, he is a potential single. If he scratches, spread to Honey's Choice (8), Ventry Strand (6), and Track Tiger (5).

Race 8, the Santa Ysabel, is the key value race. Super Corredora (6) at even money is beatable. She disappointed last out and faces a talented group of lightly raced fillies. French Blue (3) at 9/2 represents the best value on the card, given her breeding to improve at this distance, her sharp training, and the form validation from her debut runners-up coming back to win. Use at least French Blue (3) and Super Corredora (6), and add Forced Entry (5) for safety.

Race 9 to close the Pick 5 is a maiden race with multiple contenders. Bint Al Dandy (6) at 2/1 has been money in the bank for place finishes but cannot seem to win. Lubie's Music (8) at 4/1 and Victorious Dream (7) at 9/2 both have legitimate winning profiles. Use all three.​

A sample Pick 5 ticket (Races 5-9):
Race 5: Scatify (2)
Race 6: Voldemort (5), Ghazaaly (6), Mc Vay (2)
Race 7: Sammy Davis (3), Honey's Choice (8), Ventry Strand (6)
Race 8: French Blue (3), Super Corredora (6), Forced Entry (5)
Race 9: Bint Al Dandy (6), Lubie's Music (8), Victorious Dream (7)

This is a $0.50 Pick 5 ticket: 1 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 = 81 combinations = $40.50.

Best individual value plays on the card:

French Blue (3) in Race 8 at 9/2 morning line is the best value play of the day. A win bet and an exacta keying her over Super Corredora (6), Forced Entry (5), and Cee Drew (1) provides the opportunity for a strong return if she delivers on her pedigree and training.

Incanto (7) in Race 4 at 9/5 is deserving of his short price and makes a reliable anchor for horizontal exotic wagers.

Hypergamy (5) in Race 2 at 6/1 offers value in a five-horse field where the heavy favorite Himika (3) is untested at a flat mile on turf. A place/show bet on Hypergamy (5) or an exacta saver of Hypergamy (5) over Himika (3) has appeal.

Lubie's Music (8) in Race 9 at 4/1 is a strong closing play, with a franked form line and an elite trainer in Richard Mandella.

The Pick 6 carryover of $67,798 adds further incentive to play horizontal wagers aggressively across the late card.​

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