Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for CTD – Racing News and Analysis for September 25, 2026


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CTD PICK PONY QUICK CARD — SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

Fast sealed main track favoring early speed and rail posts in sprints; closers and stalkers preferred at route distances. Northwest winds may create a modest stretch headwind. Santo is the dominant rider; follow his 3-1 to 6-1 mounts closely throughout the card.

Race 1 — 1870f | Alw | Purse $14,500

Rapture Bay (5) is the top selection, best suited to rate off the pace and sustain a run at this extreme distance. Ameer (2) is the primary threat from a favorable inside draw, and Sandini (1) gets the rail advantage with Santo if the pace collapses. HANGIN TUFF (4) is the preferred trifecta closer at 6-1.

Race 2 — 1430f | Md 6000 | Purse $12,000

All For Him (5) is the clear chalk with the card's top jockey and the most respected trainer combination in this weak field. Swift Kahuna (3) is the only logical alternative, confirmed as the barn's primary runner by a superior jockey assignment over stablemate Ari Ready (1). Artic Causeway (4) fills the trifecta at 8-1.

Race 3 — 1430f | OClm 12500 | Mares | Purse $18,000

Moonlit Courage (1) gets the rail advantage and top billing as co-favorite in a genuinely open mares route. Sailingforthestars (3) is the overlay play at 3-1 with Santo, ideally positioned to pounce if the co-favorites duel early. Starfall (4) stalks at 4-1 and Speightsoulcomet (5) is a live deeper closer at 6-1.

Race 4 — 1430f | OClm 25000n4l | Purse $21,500

Abeliefinthislivin (6) is the horse to beat as the Smith barn's top choice in the card's highest-profile morning race. Crusher Royale (3) at 3-1 is the main danger from a favorable middle draw, and Gunfighter (1) at 10-1 with Santo from the rail is the standout overlay. Awesome Crusader (5) fills the trifecta at 6-1.

Race 5 — 1320f | Clm 12000b | Purse $15,500

Dontbringmedown (4) and Good King Sam (5) are co-favorites of equal merit and can be used interchangeably in exactas. Prime Directive (1) at 3-1 with Santo from the rail is the primary upset threat if the co-favorites battle each other into defeat. River Rock Fire (6) at 4-1 benefits from any fast pace duel and rounds out the trifecta.

Race 6 — 1320f | Md Sp Wt | Fillies & Mares | Purse $28,000

Silent Blurr (1) is the top pick combining the rail post, Reyes, and the lowest morning line odds in a large nine-horse maiden field. Dis Creed (3) at 3-1 with the Smith-Santo combination is the most dangerous rival and a confident second choice. Rock In Command (5) at 4-1 is the race's best value, and Whiskey Moon (6) at 8-1 is worth including in trifectas.

Race 7 — 770f | Md Sp Wt | Fillies & Mares | Purse $28,000

Tequila Night (6) at 1-1 is a mandatory single in any sequence at this ultra-short distance where gate speed and early position are everything. Mendabrokenheart (3) at 4-1 is the natural upsetter from a clean post, and Force Of Habit (2) at 6-1 with Santo from Post 2 is the race's best overlay candidate for exacta and trifecta use.

Race 8 — 1430f | Md 6000 | Fillies & Mares | Purse $12,000

Bank Draft (3) is the clear morning line choice in a weak BUM maiden claimer and should be difficult to beat from a clean middle draw. She's A Rowski (5) at 3-1 is the top upset threat, while Annabelle Lee (6) at 4-1 provides solid exacta value. Sunday Rain (7) at 10-1 with Reyes from the outside post is worth monitoring for late odds movement.

Race 9 — 1540f | OClm 25000n4l | Mares | Purse $21,500

Bound For Heaven (3) is the top pick at 2-1 as the class horse in the card's premier female race at a demanding route distance. Who's That Baby (2) from an inside post with a confident Anderson barn behind her is the primary challenger, but Wandalita (8) at 4-1 with Santo from the outside is the race's best overlay. Kardinal Rose (6) at 8-1 rounds out trifecta coverage as a potential late-running threat.

Race 10 — 1320f | Clm 6000b | Purse $12,500

Eitherinorintheway (3) is the morning line chalk in the chaotic twelve-horse finale and gets the cleanest trip from a favorable middle post. Chaotic Sky (8) at 4-1 is the top closer to beat in what should be a fast pace, and Chickoutthebizz (5) at 6-1 is the barn's preferred runner over stablemate Stone House (4) based on the Reyes jockey assignment. Structure wide trifectas using these four horses with Last Harbor (6) as an additional safety.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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