Santa Anita Park – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the March 28, 2026 card

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Santa Anita Park offers a compact nine-race Saturday card highlighted by the Wilshire Stakes (Race 3), with a mix of starter allowance, claiming, maiden claiming, and California-bred maiden races on both turf and dirt. The sequence is ideal for multi-race wagers, with logical singles and spread races spaced across the program and several competitive fields that should produce fair prices.

The feature, the Wilshire Stakes (Race 3), is a one-mile turf event for fillies and mares with a short field of five that still presents interesting pace and trip dynamics. Overall, the card leans toward smaller fields early and fuller, more chaotic maiden and allowance events late, which will influence how to structure exotics and where to take stands.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecasts for Arcadia call for a warm, sunny afternoon with high temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s, light winds, and no precipitation. Under these conditions, the Santa Anita main track is expected to play fast, while the turf course should be firm, potentially a touch on the quick side by mid-card.

Hot, dry weather at Santa Anita typically tightens the dirt surface, favoring speed and tactical pace-pressers, while the turf course often rewards horses with a strong turn of foot who can sit within a few lengths of the lead. With no recent major storms noted in the run-up to this date, there is no indication of off tracks or significant moisture-related quirks for today's program.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Recent at-a-glance reports for Santa Anita indicate that on the main track, early speed and pace-pressing types have held a small but consistent advantage at sprint distances, particularly in the 6-furlong to 6.5-furlong range. Posts 2 through 5 have performed slightly better in dirt sprints, while the rail can be a bit tricky if a horse lacks gate speed, as they risk getting shuffled back and inside.

On the turf course, firm conditions and the traditional Santa Anita layout tend to favor horses that secure position in the first flight, especially in sprints at 6 and 6.5 furlongs and routes at one mile. Middle posts have been modestly preferred in turf routes, but tactical speed and trip usually matter more than post when field sizes are small, like in today's five-horse stakes and short starter allowance.

Race 1 – Starter Allowance – 6.5 Furlongs Turf

Starter allowance, fillies and mares, non-winners of three, 6.5 furlongs on turf, compact field of five.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 1:00 PM local (Race 1 on the card).

Pace Analysis

With only five entrants, trip and position will be crucial, especially given the Santa Anita turf sprint configuration, where saving ground early and timing the move off the far turn can be decisive. How Lovely (4) projects as the most aggressive early pace type, with speed to be prominent from the break, while Hey Lil Lady (1) and Fancy Facts (5) figure to take up stalking roles a couple of lengths off the leader.

Princess Midnight (2) and Miss Meagher (3) appear more mid-pack to off-the-pace types who will rely on a solid early tempo to enhance their late kick. With no absolute need-the-lead speedball signed on beyond How Lovely (4), the race could unfold with moderate fractions, favoring tactical runners who can sit within striking range turning for home.

Key Contenders

Hey Lil Lady (1) draws the rail and brings a versatile style that should allow her to secure a ground-saving stalking trip behind the likely pacesetter. She fits well at this starter allowance level and has shown enough tactical speed and finishing ability on turf to suggest that today's configuration is ideal, especially if she can sit just behind How Lovely (4) and tip out in upper stretch.

Fancy Facts (5) is another major player, with a profile of steady turf performances and a strong trainer-jockey combination that tends to do well in this type of restricted starter event. Her outside post affords her a clear view of the race, and she should be able to track the pace three-wide without traffic, giving her first run on the deeper closers.

Secondary Choices

How Lovely (4) figures as the controlling speed on paper and must be respected, particularly if the turf is playing kindly to front-runners. Her task will be to ration her speed through honest fractions and fend off the pressing types late; if she gets away with a soft pace, she can prove very stubborn in the lane.

Miss Meagher (3) brings an off-the-pace style and has the type of late run that can be dangerous if the pace is more contested than expected. However, in such a small field, she risks being left with too much to do if the leaders control the tempo, leaving her more as a secondary win candidate and better included underneath in exotics.

Longshots

Princess Midnight (2) is the least compelling on paper but still must be considered, given the small field and potential for an improved effort with a clean trip. She may be relegated to a tracking or mid-pack role and will need both a pace collapse and step forward to threaten the top few, making her more of a fringe player focused on minor awards.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

With the field size at five, this race profiles as a spot to lean on one or two key runners in vertical and horizontal wagers rather than spreading. Hey Lil Lady (1) and Fancy Facts (5) look like the strongest win candidates, and using them as an A-level duo in daily double and early Pick 3 structures while including How Lovely (4) as a B-level pace factor is a sound approach.

Exacta players can key Hey Lil Lady (1) over Fancy Facts (5) and How Lovely (4), and consider a small reverse saver in case the outside runner gets the better trip. Trifecta tickets can be kept simple with 1,5 on top, 1,4,5 in the second slot, and all five in the third slot to cover a minor upset for the bottom of the ticket.

Selections

Win: Hey Lil Lady (1)
Place: Fancy Facts (5)
Show: How Lovely (4)

Race 2 – Claiming – 6 Furlongs Dirt

Claiming, non-winners of two, $32,000 tag, older horses at six furlongs on dirt.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 1:30 PM local (Race 2).

Pace Analysis

This is a compact five-horse field with several runners possessing at least some early foot, suggesting a genuine and possibly pressured pace scenario. Bazooka Charlie (3) and Pop Paul (4) both have enough speed to be forwardly placed, while Hondo Crouch (1) can sit just off them from the rail, and Singlemore (5) also has tactical ability to attend the early fraction.

Bolt Zapper (2) appears more of a stalk-and-pounce type who may sit just behind the leading trio and try to capitalize if they soften each other up. The combination of a short field and multiple pace factors means that trips will be crucial; horses pinned inside might need to work harder to maintain position around the turn.

Key Contenders

Bazooka Charlie (3) looks like a major player, with enough early speed to secure a prime stalking position and a profile that fits the non-winners of two claiming level. With a trainer who does well in these intermediate claiming conditions and a capable rider, he is well-placed to inherit the lead if others do not commit fully early, making him a strong win threat.

Singlemore (5) also comes into this spot with a desirable combination of tactical speed and finishing punch, plus an outside post that affords him options to stalk or press while staying clear of traffic. His connections suggest he is live at this level, and a clean trip tracking the leaders and launching at the three-sixteenths pole could see him in front late.

Secondary Choices

Pop Paul (4) is a logical pace factor who could wire this group if left alone, particularly if the inside speed does not assert. However, given the presence of other forward types, he may face pressure that tests his stamina late, making him a more balanced inclusion as a secondary win candidate and strong exotic piece.

Hondo Crouch (1) has the rail and can sit an inside stalking trip, but he will need to avoid getting bottled up or shuffled back behind tiring leaders. If the rail is playing well and he can hold position around the turn, he has a solid chance to land in the exacta or trifecta.

Longshots

Bolt Zapper (2) shapes up as the longshot in the group, but with the right trip he can outrun his odds. His best chance is to let the others scrap early, then tip out and make a sustained run into the lane, hoping a few of the pace horses back up late.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This looks like another race to narrow down to two or three primary runners in multi-race wagers, using Bazooka Charlie (3) and Singlemore (5) as the main win candidates. Daily double and early Pick 3 players can lean heavily on those two while including Pop Paul (4) as a saver on backup tickets in case he shakes loose early.

For vertical wagers, an exacta keying 3 and 5 over 1,4 and a smaller reverse is reasonable, with trifectas structured using 3,5 in the win slot, 1,3,4,5 in the second slot, and all five in the third. Given the small field, win bets should focus on whichever of Bazooka Charlie (3) or Singlemore (5) offers better value on the board.

Selections

Win: Bazooka Charlie (3)
Place: Singlemore (5)
Show: Pop Paul (4)

Race 3 – Wilshire Stakes – 1 Mile Turf

Wilshire Stakes, $100,000, one mile on turf for fillies and mares, short but quality field.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 2:01 PM local (Race 3).

Pace Analysis

The pace scenario appears fairly tactical, with no pure front-running specialist, but several who can be forwardly placed. Hannah Buckle (4) and Walk'n The Beach (5) both have enough speed to be part of a first flight, while Rashmi (1) and Miss Artois (3) figure to sit close behind, and Antifona (2) could adopt a mid-pack or tracking trip.

In a five-horse stakes route on firm turf, the first quarter and half-mile splits will be crucial; if they crawl early, the advantage swings toward whoever controls the lead entering the far turn. The jockeys here will be very aware of that dynamic, so expect at least an honest tempo rather than a complete crawl.

Key Contenders

Rashmi (1) has a strong case as the most reliable filly in this field, with the rail draw and a profile that thrives at a flat mile on turf. She should be able to secure a ground-saving trip within a length or two of the pace and then exploit her finishing kick when the real running starts at the top of the lane.

Miss Artois (3) also looms large, as her combination of tactical speed and a solid late turn of foot matches up well with this race's anticipated shape. With a leading local rider and a trainer who spots turf mares effectively, she is a significant threat to sit just off the lead and get first run on some of the deeper closers.

Secondary Choices

Walk'n The Beach (5) brings speed and upside, especially coming in via a supplementary nomination that signals confidence from her connections. She could be the one that makes the running early, and if the turf is playing kindly to front-runners, she may prove difficult to reel in if left alone up front.

Antifona (2) deserves respect as a capable turf mare who can sit mid-pack and deliver a steady sustained run. In a short field, she will need to stay in touch early and avoid getting too far back, but she has the quality to play a role in the exacta or trifecta if the leaders soften each other.

Longshots

Hannah Buckle (4) is not without talent but appears more of an upset candidate in this particular configuration, given the quality of the inside rivals. Her best chance is to adopt an aggressive pace-pressing or front-running role and hope the others misjudge the tempo, leading to a wire job at a price.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

With only five runners, this is a race where taking a firm stand in horizontals makes sense; Rashmi (1) is a plausible single for many tickets given her class and setup. More conservative players can back up with Miss Artois (3) as a second A horse in Pick 3 and early Pick 4 tickets that encompass this race.

Vertically, an exacta box with Rashmi (1) and Miss Artois (3), plus a smaller exacta using 1 and 3 over Walk'n The Beach (5), can cover the most likely outcomes. Trifecta players can use 1,3 in the top slot, 1,3,5 in the second, and all five in the third.

Selections

Win: Rashmi (1)
Place: Miss Artois (3)
Show: Walk'n The Beach (5)

Race 4 – Maiden Claiming – 6 Furlongs Dirt

Maiden claiming $20,000 for fillies and mares, 6 furlongs on dirt, six-horse field.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 2:34 PM local (Race 4).

Pace Analysis

Several in this group have at least some early foot, but none appears a dominant speed, suggesting a reasonably contested pace. Montage Blue (1) and Dad's Bad Bunny (3) both have enough gate speed to be forward from the inside, while Elsa Dutton (4) and Manhattan Beauty (5) figure to sit just off the leaders, and Miss Hot And Cold (6) plus Despite (2) may track from mid-pack.

At this low-level maiden claiming tier, pace can be more chaotic, with riders sometimes sending aggressively to gain position, especially from inside posts. Given recent biases favoring speed on the dirt, expect the forward group to have an edge if they avoid early duels.

Key Contenders

Manhattan Beauty (5) stands out on paper, with connections that often excel in maiden claiming spots and a post that allows her to track the pace in the clear. She should be able to sit just behind the early speed, avoid kickback issues, and move past the leaders turning for home if she holds her form.

Dad's Bad Bunny (3) also offers a competitive profile at this level, with speed and enough stamina to stay on for a share, particularly if she breaks well and secures a forward position. Her rider is effective on the front end, and that combination can be dangerous if she shakes clear early.

Secondary Choices

Montage Blue (1) may benefit from the rail draw if she can break sharply and establish inside position, though she must avoid getting pressured and shuffled back behind faster rivals. If the inside portion of the track is playing well, she can hang around for a piece, especially in exactas and trifectas.

Elsa Dutton (4) has the profile of a mid-pack grinder who can pick up pieces late in a race where some of the speed might weaken in the final furlong. While she may lack the brilliance to win easily, she fits well in the frame for minor awards and as a secondary win candidate if the main speed falters.

Longshots

Despite (2) and Miss Hot And Cold (6) both look a notch below the top few on paper and would need sizable improvement or chaos up front to get the job done. They are more likely to be used underneath in superfectas or on deep horizontal backup tickets rather than as core win plays.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This race sets up nicely to lean on Manhattan Beauty (5) as a principal win play and A-level horse in multi-race sequences. Daily double and mid-card Pick 4 structures starting here can focus on 5 as the main single, with Dad's Bad Bunny (3) as a backup in case the inside speed dominates.

For vertical wagering, win and exacta plays keying Manhattan Beauty (5) over 1,3,4 are logical, with a small saver reverse exacta using 3,4 over 5 for protection. Trifectas can be approached with 5 on top, 1,3,4 in the second slot, and all six in the third to capture possible price horses running on late.

Selections

Win: Manhattan Beauty (5)
Place: Dad's Bad Bunny (3)
Show: Elsa Dutton (4)

Race 5 – Maiden Claiming – 1 1/8 Miles Turf

Maiden claiming $50,000, fillies and mares, 1 1/8 miles on turf, eight-horse field.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 3:09 PM local (Race 5).

Pace Analysis

Route maiden claimers on turf often feature a moderate, controlled pace, and this field appears to follow that pattern with a few capable of attending the lead, but no confirmed need-the-lead types. Springline (5) and Heavenly Belle (6) are likely to be forward early, with Isntsheloverly (4) also sitting close, while Justivar (1) and Holly Goquickly (3) probably settle mid-pack, and Velvet Lilly (7) and Channel Place (8) track in the outer lanes.

Because of the longer distance, riders may be content to let the pace develop naturally through the first six furlongs before asking serious questions approaching the far turn. Tactical speed and the ability to stay relaxed will be key, as a premature move can leave a horse vulnerable in the final furlong.

Key Contenders

Channel Place (8) is a notable contender, having drawn attention from handicappers as a live maiden claiming type with upside stretching out on the turf. Her outside post allows her jockey to read the pace scenario and place her in a comfortable tracking position, ideally keeping her in the clear and ready to pounce turning for home.

Springline (5) looks like another key player, especially if she can secure the early lead or a pressing trip just off the pace while relaxing through the early fractions. With a strong rider and a trainer who has success with turf routes, she is well-positioned to get first run on the deeper closers and grind out the nine furlongs.

Secondary Choices

Isntsheloverly (4) projects as a steady contender, with a style that should keep her within a few lengths of the lead and enable her to take advantage if the main players at the front tire late. She may not have the same brilliance as Channel Place (8) or Springline (5), but her consistency and likely trip make her a strong exacta and trifecta player.

Holly Goquickly (3) offers some appeal as a mid-pack runner with a reasonable turf profile at this level, especially if she can stay covered up and produce one sustained run in the stretch. She seems best used as a secondary win candidate and a must-use underneath in verticals given the distance and likely pace flow.

Longshots

Justivar (1), Global Consort (2), Heavenly Belle (6), and Velvet Lilly (7) all have paths to improvement but currently appear slightly below the top choices on paper. Among them, Heavenly Belle (6) could be interesting if allowed to control the tempo, while Velvet Lilly (7) may improve with distance and experience, making each a longshot to consider in deep exotics rather than as primary win bets.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

For this race, many players will key Channel Place (8) and Springline (5) as the main win candidates in both win pools and horizontal bets. Using those two as A-level horses in Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences, with Isntsheloverly (4) as a backup on B-lines, provides balanced coverage.

Within the race, consider a win bet on whichever of Channel Place (8) or Springline (5) offers better value on the tote. Exacta combinations using 5,8 over 3,4,5,8, and trifectas with 5,8 on top, 3,4,5,8 in the second slot, and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 in the third slot will give exposure to most plausible outcomes.

Selections

Win: Channel Place (8)
Place: Springline (5)
Show: Isntsheloverly (4)

Race 6 – Claiming – 6 Furlongs Dirt

Claiming $25,000 for three-year-old fillies, 6 furlongs on dirt, six-horse field.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 3:39 PM local (Race 6).

Pace Analysis

Speed is a prominent factor here, with Om Time Gal (1), Pride Of Queens (2), and Lady Detective (3) all capable of showing early foot, while Flamingo Star (4) also has pace potential. Final Table Lady (5) and My Kat (6) appear more likely to sit in the second flight, hoping that a contested pace sets the table for their late run.

Given the recent trend of the Santa Anita dirt favoring forward-types, the early fractions should be honest, but the filly who can establish position without getting embroiled in a duel will have the advantage. Inside posts 1 and 2 may be forced to commit early to avoid being shuffled, which could create pressure.

Key Contenders

My Kat (6) appeals strongly as a filly who can sit just off the early speed and make a well-timed run into the lane, a profile often successful in this type of claiming sprint. She has quality connections, and her outside draw enables her to avoid any inside scrimmage and choose the right stalking lane.

Pride Of Queens (2) also shapes up as a key player, with enough speed to be prominent early and the potential to maintain her run if she is not pressed too hard. Her trainer excels with this profile of three-year-old filly claimers, and a clean break could see her on or just off the lead throughout.

Secondary Choices

Om Time Gal (1) is dangerous from the rail if she can break sharply and either clear or hold an inside stalking position without intense pressure. With the rail bias sometimes favoring speed, she cannot be dismissed as both a win candidate and a strong piece in exactas and trifectas.

Final Table Lady (5) may be overlooked but fits as a filly who can sit mid-pack and pick up pieces late if the early fractions are fast. She is a secondary win contender but should be included in most vertical tickets, especially if the pace scenario becomes more heated than expected.

Longshots

Lady Detective (3) and Flamingo Star (4) are both pace factors with some chance to outrun their likely odds if they catch the right trip. Lady Detective (3) could be dangerous if she clears early at a manageable pace, while Flamingo Star (4) might get a favorable pressing trip and hang around for a minor share.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This race is an attractive spot to build multi-race wagers around My Kat (6) and Pride Of Queens (2), giving primary weight to those two in horizontals. Some backup should be allocated to Om Time Gal (1) in case the rail speed proves especially potent on the day.

In vertical markets, consider win bets on My Kat (6) at fair odds, along with exacta keys combining 2,6 over 1,2,5,6. For trifectas, use 2,6 in the top slot, 1,2,5,6 in the second, and all six in the third.

Selections

Win: My Kat (6)
Place: Pride Of Queens (2)
Show: Om Time Gal (1)

Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming – 6 Furlongs Turf

Allowance optional claiming, 6 furlongs on turf for older horses, eight-horse field with some depth and competitive form.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 4:11 PM local (Race 7).

Pace Analysis

The pace here should be solid, with Supersonic Blue (1), Fomo Joe (2), and Yacowlef (4) all capable of going forward early, while Enterdadragon (3) and Ballyvaughan Gig (8) can sit in the first flight. Irish Royalty (5), Re Armed Jon (6), and Helicity (7) appear more mid-pack types who will try to capitalize on any early pressure among the front group.

Given the turf sprint configuration and firm conditions, tactical speed and the ability to secure position into the far turn will be crucial. Horses that get caught wide without cover may be at a disadvantage, especially if the early fractions are quick.

Key Contenders

Yacowlef (4) profiles as a major player, with enough early speed to be involved from the outset and the class and stamina to see out the six furlongs strongly. His rider is strong in turf sprints, and the draw gives him options to either press or sit slightly off the speed depending on the break.

Ballyvaughan Gig (8) also looks very live, drawing outside with a top rider aboard and the form to suggest he can track the pace and deliver a strong late run. The outside post allows him to avoid traffic and produce a clear, sustained move, which can be decisive in a race with multiple early pace factors.

Secondary Choices

Helicity (7) is a sneaky player, as his profile fits a turf sprinter who can settle mid-pack and unleash a late charge, especially if the leaders go too quickly. He is more of a secondary win candidate but a must-include in exactas and trifectas given his likely running style and post.

Enterdadragon (3) has the tactical speed to sit near the leaders without being in front, and that can be an ideal trip in a turf sprint where pace may be contested. If he secures position early, he can be in the mix for at least a minor share and potentially more if the pace scenario works in his favor.

Longshots

Supersonic Blue (1), Fomo Joe (2), Irish Royalty (5), and Re Armed Jon (6) all have enough ability to factor, but each faces some question marks regarding trip, class, or consistency. Among them, Supersonic Blue (1) is interesting as a potential rail-speed type, while Irish Royalty (5) may improve with a good stalking trip and is usable in deeper exotics.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This is a competitive spot that lends itself more to spreading in horizontals rather than anchoring on a single horse. Yacowlef (4) and Ballyvaughan Gig (8) can be used as A-level horses, with Helicity (7) and Enterdadragon (3) as B-level reserves in Pick 4 and Pick 5 tickets.

Within the race, win bets on Yacowlef (4) at reasonable odds are appropriate, and exacta combinations using 4,8 over 3,4,7,8 are logical. Trifectas can key 4,8 on top, 3,4,7,8 in the second slot, and all eight in the third.

Selections

Win: Yacowlef (4)
Place: Ballyvaughan Gig (8)
Show: Helicity (7)

Race 8 – Maiden Claiming – 6.5 Furlongs Dirt

California-bred or sired maiden claiming $20,000 for three-year-olds, 6.5 furlongs on dirt, eight-horse field.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 4:43 PM local (Race 8).

Pace Analysis

This race features several potential pace players, including Throwthefirstpunch (1), Offleethirsty (5), and Actung Baby (7), all of whom have speed or sprint profiles that suggest they will be forward early. One Step Beyond (2) and Carl Erskine (4) can also be involved in the first flight, while Honoring Autism (3), Southern Sig (6), and Bossing Mo (8) might track from mid-pack.

The combination of a longer sprint distance and multiple speed influences suggests a fast or at least honest early pace, which could set up for a horse that can sit just off the speed and finish strongly. Lane choice and ability to handle the elongated sprint distance will be key.

Key Contenders

Actung Baby (7) has been highlighted as a strong play in this spot, combining an attractive sprint profile, good connections, and outside speed that should translate well to this 6.5-furlong configuration. He should be able to sit just off the inside pace and launch a decisive move turning for home, especially if the track continues to play well for forwardly-placed runners.

Offleethirsty (5) is another important contender, with enough speed to be prominent and the potential to sustain his run if he can relax early. His mid-gate draw gives him a tactical advantage over some inside rivals who might be forced to work harder to maintain position.

Secondary Choices

Throwthefirstpunch (1) could be very dangerous from the rail if he breaks sharply and secures the inside lead, particularly if the track is favoring speed. He is a secondary win candidate with strong chances to hit the exacta and trifecta if he holds on late.

Carl Erskine (4) offers some appeal as a horse who can sit near the leaders and possibly inherit the race if the main pace players go too fast early. His mid-gate draw and likely stalking trip make him a useful secondary win and exotic player.

Longshots

One Step Beyond (2), Honoring Autism (3), Southern Sig (6), and Bossing Mo (8) all need improvement or race shape to go their way to seriously threaten the top tier. Among them, Honoring Autism (3) may be interesting as an underneath play in trifectas and superfectas if he can pick up pieces in a fast early pace scenario.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

This race looks like a good opportunity to lean on Actung Baby (7) as a key win and horizontal single for aggressive players. More conservative bettors may back up with Offleethirsty (5) and Throwthefirstpunch (1) as secondary options in Pick 3 and late Pick 4 tickets.

Win bets on Actung Baby (7) at or above a fair price are recommended, with exacta keys using 7 over 1,4,5 and a smaller reverse using 1,5 over 7. Trifectas can key 7 on top, 1,4,5,7 in the second slot, and the full field in the third.

Selections

Win: Actung Baby (7)
Place: Offleethirsty (5)
Show: Throwthefirstpunch (1)

Race 9 – Maiden Special Weight – 6.5 Furlongs Turf

California-bred or sired maiden special weight, 6.5 furlongs on turf, ten-horse field.

Post Time

Scheduled post time is 5:15 PM local (Race 9).

Pace Analysis

This is one of the deeper races on the card, with multiple horses capable of contesting the pace at various points. Its The Bandit (1), Hondo's Gold (4), and Colonel Slade (5) can all show speed, while Curlin Command (6), Royal Rumor (7), Big Bill (8), and Jimmy Winkfield (9) likely sit just off the pace, and Gilchrist (2), Wasting Aces (3), and Almost There (10) are more mid-pack or off-the-pace types.

The 6.5-furlong turf distance at Santa Anita often sees a strong early pace, especially with a big field, followed by a decisive move around the far turn and into the lane. Trip will be crucial; horses trapped on the rail or stuck behind tiring rivals may never find room to fully unwind.

Key Contenders

Curlin Command (6) is a prime contender, with a strong turf sprint profile, tactical speed, and a rider who excels on the Santa Anita lawn. From his mid-gate draw, he should track the leaders in the clear, then use his late kick to challenge in the final furlong.

Royal Rumor (7) also stands out, with a profile suggesting he can sit a perfect stalking trip and finish strongly at this elongated sprint distance. His connections are adept with California-bred turf runners, and a clean trip places him right in the mix for the win.

Secondary Choices

Colonel Slade (5) has enough speed to be on or near the lead and could be dangerous if he relaxes early and still has something left late. If the turf course is favoring speed and inside runners, he becomes even more attractive as a secondary win candidate and a key exacta/trifecta piece.

Big Bill (8) is another to consider strongly, as his outside draw can facilitate a clear trip and allow him to stay out of trouble before launching his rally. He should be used on most tickets as a secondary win contender and an important inclusion underneath.

Longshots

Its The Bandit (1), Gilchrist (2), Wasting Aces (3), Hondo's Gold (4), and Jimmy Winkfield (9) all appear to be in the mix for minor awards if they get the right trip. Almost There (10) may face a challenging outside draw but could be the sort of longshot who picks up a share late if the pace collapses, making him worth including in deeper exotics, especially superfectas.

Betting Strategy and Wagering Angles

With its large field and full maiden special weight conditions, this is a key race for late multi-race bets, and it may be wise to use three or four contenders. Curlin Command (6) and Royal Rumor (7) can serve as A-level horses, with Colonel Slade (5) and Big Bill (8) as B-level backups in late Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 structures.

Within the race, win bets can focus on Curlin Command (6) if value permits, while exacta combinations using 5,6,7,8 boxed provide coverage in a race where trip will heavily influence the outcome. Trifecta and superfecta players should spread wider underneath, using the full field in the bottom slot to capture potential bombs running on late.

Selections

Win: Curlin Command (6)
Place: Royal Rumor (7)
Show: Colonel Slade (5)

Jockey Notes and Insights

Juan Hernandez is one of the most reliable riders on the circuit, especially on turf and in stakes and allowance events, and today he has several key mounts, including Hey Lil Lady (1) in Race 1, Miss Artois (3) in Race 3, Springline (5) in Race 5, My Kat (6) in Race 6, Ballyvaughan Gig (8) in Race 7, and Curlin Command (6) in Race 9. His presence often signals intent from connections, and his skill in securing good early position makes his mounts particularly attractive on a day when tactical speed is at a premium.

Kazushi Kimura has rapidly become one of the leading riders out west, with a strong record on both turf and dirt, and he rides Fancy Facts (5) in Race 1, Holly Goquickly (3) in Race 5, My Kat (6) in Race 6, and Actung Baby (7) in Race 8. His aggressive but balanced riding style fits well with the anticipated track conditions and makes his mounts live in any race they contest.

Ricardo Gonzalez and Armando Ayuso are both solid tactical riders with mounts in several key spots: Gonzalez partners Walk'n The Beach (5) in Race 3 and Re Armed Jon (6) in Race 7, while Ayuso rides Hannah Buckle (4) in Race 3, Justivar (1) in Race 5, Final Table Lady (5) in Race 6, Enterdadragon (3) in Race 7, Offleethirsty (5) in Race 8, and Jimmy Winkfield (9) in Race 9. These riders often present value because they may not draw the same public attention as the meet leaders, yet they are proficient at working out winning trips, especially in competitive allowance and claiming races.

Emisael Jaramillo, a strong, aggressive rider with success on multiple circuits, picks up several mounts, including Singlemore (5) in Race 2, Manhattan Beauty (5) in Race 4, Channel Place (8) in Race 5, Pride Of Queens (2) in Race 6, Helicity (7) in Race 7, Throwthefirstpunch (1) in Race 8, and Royal Rumor (7) in Race 9. His presence on several key horses in the latter half of the card makes him a pivotal figure for late multi-race wagers.

Kent Desormeaux, Victor Espinoza, and Tyler Baze are veteran riders who can still deliver high-level rides, especially in races where race-craft and pace judgment are crucial, such as Bazooka Charlie (3) in Race 2 with Desormeaux, Isntsheloverly (4) in Race 5 with Espinoza, and Colonel Slade (5) in Race 9 with Baze. Their mounts may offer value when they are not favored but still well-positioned tactically within a given race.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Trainers like Richard Baltas, Doug O'Neill, Leonard Powell, and Phil D'Amato are prominent players on this circuit and hold several live contenders today. Baltas sends out Miss Artois (3) in Race 3, Manhattan Beauty (5) in Race 4, Heavenly Belle (6) in Race 5, and Royal Rumor (7) in Race 9, indicating he is poised for a strong day across multiple race types.

Doug O'Neill is represented by Singlemore (5) in Race 2, Pride Of Queens (2) in Race 6, Irish Royalty (5) in Race 7, and Throwthefirstpunch (1) in Race 8, along with Channel Place (8) in Race 5. O'Neill's barn tends to have well-prepared runners in claiming and maiden claiming races, and his horses often show early speed or tactical positioning that matches well with the expected track bias.

Leonard Powell has Isntsheloverly (4) in Race 5 and Hannah Buckle (4) in Race 3, giving him a presence in two turf races where his turf training acumen can shine. Powell's runners are often well-meant when spotted on the grass in stakes and maiden claiming company, making them important to include in turf exotics.

Philip D'Amato, a leading turf trainer, sends Enterdadragon (3) in Race 7, which alone warrants attention given his overall turf record. Even if that runner is not the morning-line favorite, D'Amato's presence can tilt the scales and bring hidden value if the public underestimates his chances.

Other notable conditioners such as Mike Puype, Neil Drysdale, Isidro Tamayo, and John Sadler have select runners that could offer value: Puype with Fancy Facts (5) in Race 1 and Om Time Gal (1) in Race 6, Drysdale with Supersonic Blue (1) in Race 7, Tamayo with Elsa Dutton (4) in Race 4 and Honoring Autism (3) in Race 8, and Sadler with Velvet Lilly (7) in Race 5. These trainers' horses should not be dismissed lightly, especially when their runners show suitable conditions and logical patterns such as class drops, second-off-layoff, or surface switches that align with their known strengths.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

From a full-card perspective, the races that offer the best opportunities for strong opinions and potential singles are Race 3 with Rashmi (1), Race 4 with Manhattan Beauty (5), Race 5 with Channel Place (8) as a key, Race 6 with My Kat (6), and Race 8 with Actung Baby (7). These horses can serve as anchors in rolling doubles, Pick 3s, and the early and late Pick 4s, depending on your tolerance for risk and budget.

A common approach would be to structure an early Pick 5 (if offered starting at Race 1) by leaning on Hey Lil Lady (1) and Fancy Facts (5) in Race 1, Bazooka Charlie (3) and Singlemore (5) in Race 2, singling Rashmi (1) in Race 3, singling Manhattan Beauty (5) or backing up lightly, and then using Channel Place (8) and Springline (5) in Race 5. This structure concentrates capital around strong opinions while still allowing some coverage in the early races where fields are short but competitive.

For the late Pick 4 (Races 6–9), consider a ticket that uses My Kat (6) and Pride Of Queens (2) in Race 6, spreads to Yacowlef (4), Ballyvaughan Gig (8), Helicity (7), and Enterdadragon (3) in Race 7, singles Actung Baby (7) in Race 8, and then covers Curlin Command (6), Royal Rumor (7), Colonel Slade (5), and Big Bill (8) in Race 9. This approach balances confident singles with strategic spreads in more volatile races, increasing the chance of landing a solid payout if one or two value horses win among the spread legs.

Value plays on the card include Ballyvaughan Gig (8) in Race 7, who could be an overlay if the market focuses too narrowly on Yacowlef (4), and Royal Rumor (7) in Race 9, who may go off at attractive odds despite a strong profile and rider-trainer combination. Exacta and trifecta structures that key these value runners along with the main favorites can produce outsized returns compared to simple win bets, particularly in the deeper, more competitive races.

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