Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Santa Anita Park – Racing News and Analysis for October 23, 2026


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Santa Anita Park — Friday, October 23, 2026

Dry, sunny conditions expected with temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s. Turf course condition should be confirmed before wagering following the recent storm. Watch the first two dirt races for speed or inside bias before committing to later-race exotics.

Race 1 — 1M Turf | Maiden Claiming $50,000

Fausto (4) offers the best value at 7-2, capable of securing a clean stalking trip and capitalizing if the favorite falters. Mighty Toro (2) is the class of the field at 1-2 but is better used defensively in exactas. Corkscrew Andy (1) is a ground-saving longshot worth including underneath.

Race 2 — 1M Dirt | Maiden Claiming $20,000

Johnny B (3) is the top selection at 2-1, with the ideal central post and the best pace profile in a reduced five-horse field. Big Time Coach (2) is the logical alternative with a clean stalking trip. Inca (4) and Romanticon (1) are usable underneath at 6-1 and above.

Race 3 — 1⅛M Turf | Claiming $30,000

Burning Rubber (3) should control or sit close to a moderate pace and owns the strongest speed assessment among the contenders. Mio Bambino (4) is the most dangerous rival with the highest recent rating. Sammy Davis (2) is the best value underneath, with Gazon (6) worth including for pace-collapse scenarios.

Race 4 — 6F Dirt | Claiming $12,500

Amador (7) is preferred over the favorite at 5-2, capable of stalking and sustaining a finish without overextending early. Hankering (8) is the speed-favored morning-line choice at even money but is better used in exactas given the wide draw. Twilight Time (3) and Precision (6) are the most usable secondary horses.

Race 5 — 1⅛M Turf | Optional Claiming $50,000

Winika (1) draws the rail and has multiple tactical options, making her the preferred selection over the favorite. HEY LIL LAY (2) is a close second at 9-5 and should be prominent throughout. Princess Snow (5) is the best secondary value and gains if the front pair overdo the early pace.

Race 6 — 1M Dirt | Claiming $25,000

Redial (3) is the best value play on the card at 7-2, owning the highest recent rating by a wide margin from a favorable central post. Hoosick Falls (2) is a legitimate favorite at 7-5 but is more attractive in exactas than as a straight bet. Gairloch (7) is a serious alternative if the pace becomes contested, with Hurricane Way (6) worth adding to trifectas.

Race 7 — 6F Dirt | Maiden Claiming $50,000

Queen Of Bantry (6) has the best rating among the main contenders and should secure an ideal outside stalking position. Mustang Knicky (5) is the main danger at 3-1, particularly if the favorite is forced wide. Thirst For Faith (8) is a legitimate price horse at 5-1, with Godbless Her (7) the preferred trifecta longshot.

Race 8 — 6F Dirt | Claiming $8,000

Miz Clubcali (4) is the most likely winner at 9-5 from a favorable central post, though the short price makes exactas more attractive than a straight bet. Harney Lane (7) is the main challenger at 3-1. Rythem Girl (8) is the preferred value horse at 10-1 and should be used in exactas with the top two.

Race 9 — 1⅛M Turf | Claiming $25,000

Tavolara (4) is the best bet of the card at 12-1, with a favorable central post and a pace scenario that should set up for one sustained closing move. Issa Court (6) is the most likely winner on paper at 7-5 but may be compromised by early pressure from Danzingwith Maxine (5). Saariselka (2) is the strongest underneath value at 12-1, with Oveta's Hobby (1) and Five O Cocktail (7) rounding out trifecta coverage.

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


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