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The Pick Pony Handicapper's Report is published daily and provides 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.
Every horse our AI Win Probability model rated, grouped by the chance we gave it, against how often that group actually won.
Where the two lines meet, the published percentage was exactly right.
Show the numbers
| Week | What we said | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| 3% | 3.0% | 3.5% |
| 7% | 7.4% | 8.3% |
| 12% | 12.4% | 13.4% |
| 18% | 18.1% | 21.1% |
| 26% | 26.0% | 30.2% |
| 39% | 38.9% | 44.3% |
Race Day Overview
Santa Anita's Saturday, October 31 card contains 10 races, including the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile, the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies, and the $100,000 Grade 3 Goldikova Stakes. The official Santa Anita calendar confirms the three stakes and identifies the Golden State Juvenile and Golden State Juvenile Fillies as seven-furlong races, with the Goldikova contested at one mile on turf.
The card offers a balanced mix of dirt sprints, turf routes, maiden events, claiming races, and two-year-old stakes. The principal handicapping questions are whether the short-priced favorites can duplicate their prior form, how much pace pressure develops in the dirt races, and whether the returning Ambaya can fire off a long layoff in the Goldikova.
The Goldikova has drawn 11 fillies and mares. Miss Nightfall is the 3-1 program favorite, while Ambaya returns for the first time since winning the American Oaks and is part of a three-horse entry trained by Jonathan Thomas.
No verified scratches or official equipment changes were identified in the available race-day material. The selections below are therefore based on the supplied official card and listed morning-line prices.
Weather and Track Conditions
A reliable track-specific October 31, 2026 weather bulletin was not available in the reviewed official and racing sources. The supplied card lists the dirt races as D and the turf races as T, but does not provide a live fast, good, firm, or yielding designation.
The most recent Santa Anita condition information available in the search material reported firm turf and fast dirt, but that report was associated with an earlier update and should not be treated as a confirmed condition for every race on this card. No official temporary-rail distance was confirmed from a non-excluded source.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Santa Anita's one-mile turf races generally reward tactical positioning because the field receives a relatively short run into the first turn compared with longer turf configurations. Inside posts can save ground, but an inside draw is most effective when the horse possesses enough early speed to avoid being shuffled behind slower traffic.
At 1 1/8 miles on turf, the long run and additional ground place greater emphasis on pace efficiency, rating ability, and a clean final turn. Magnify (POST 1), the likely forwardly placed horse in Race 10, receives an ideal draw if he can establish position without being rushed.
The seven-furlong dirt stakes should favor runners able to secure position before the first turn while still finishing strongly. Early Encore (POST 1) has the shortest price in Race 3, but the inside post creates some trip risk if he is not away cleanly. In Race 9, Ember Royale (POST 8) avoids the tightest inside traffic while retaining a favorable stalking position.
Post position is less decisive in the six-furlong-equivalent dirt races than pace and break quality. In claiming events, the strongest practical bias is often toward horses able to stay within two or three lengths of the lead without being involved in a destructive opening duel.
Race 1 — Post 3:30/2:30/1:30/(12:30) — 1320f | D | CO | OClm 20000 | BUN | Purse $29,000
Pace Analysis
See Through It (POST 2), Sendit Mo (POST 5), and Ima Track Star (POST 6) appear most likely to establish the early tempo. Hard To Figure (POST 3) can sit just off that group. If the pace becomes contested, B Grayson (POST 4) and Hey Brother (POST 8) may receive the best stalking trips.
Key Contenders
See Through It (POST 2) is the logical favorite at 2-1. The inside draw should allow a ground-saving trip, and the horse appears suited to the restricted optional-claiming level. The main concern is whether the inside position becomes a disadvantage if the rider is forced to wait behind tiring speed.
Sendit Mo (POST 5) is the most attractive alternative among the shorter-priced runners. The central post gives the rider options, and the 3-1 price is more appealing than the favorite's if Sendit Mo can secure a clean stalking position.
Secondary Choices
Hard To Figure (POST 3) has a useful post and should be close enough to capitalize if the top two engage one another too early. Ima Track Star (POST 6) is another logical inclusion, particularly if the race develops into a sustained speed battle.
Longshots
B Grayson (POST 4) is usable underneath at 8-1 and could benefit from a patient ride. Hey Brother (POST 8) needs improvement but can be included in deeper exactas.
Zombo Bombo (POST 1) and Soi Ngern (POST 7) are the longer-priced runners. Both require a significant forward move, but Zombo Bombo (POST 1) at least benefits from saving ground.
Selections
Win: Sendit Mo (POST 5)
Place: See Through It (POST 2)
Show: Hard To Figure (POST 3)
A practical wager is Sendit Mo (POST 5) to win at 3-1 or higher, with exactas using Sendit Mo (POST 5) and See Through It (POST 2) over Hard To Figure (POST 3), Ima Track Star (POST 6), and B Grayson (POST 4).
Race 2 — Post 4:01/3:01/2:01/(1:01) — 1760f | T | S | Md Sp Wt | AOF | Purse $65,000
Pace Analysis
D'yquem (POST 6) and Royal Pearl (POST 3) should be forwardly placed, while Rosaura (POST 5) and Nineteen Forty Two (POST 4) may settle close enough to strike. The field lacks an obvious confirmed speed collapse, making position and stamina important.
Key Contenders
D'yquem (POST 6) is the 1-1 favorite and must be respected, particularly because the outside post gives the rider room to avoid early traffic. The price is short for a maiden turf route, so the horse should be used more heavily in exotics than as a stand-alone win wager.
Royal Pearl (POST 3) is the preferred value alternative. The 2-1 price is still compact, but the post is favorable and the runner should receive a controlled trip if able to settle behind the leaders.
Secondary Choices
Rosaura (POST 5) has enough appeal to use prominently in exactas and wider vertical wagers. Nineteen Forty Two (POST 4) is another logical contender in a race where a modest improvement could put the horse in the frame.
Longshots
Lucille B (POST 1) has the best chance of the two double-digit outsiders because the inside post can produce a ground-saving trip. Endless Smoke (POST 2) has a similar price but must overcome the possibility of being outfinished late.
Selections
Win: Royal Pearl (POST 3)
Place: D'yquem (POST 6)
Show: Rosaura (POST 5)
Use Royal Pearl (POST 3) and D'yquem (POST 6) in exactas over Rosaura (POST 5), Nineteen Forty Two (POST 4), and Lucille B (POST 1). Avoid taking D'yquem (POST 6) at odds-on unless the horse appears exceptionally strong in the paddock and warm-up.
Race 3 — Post 4:33/3:33/2:33/(1:33) — 1540f | D | N | GoldStJuvB175k | AOC | Purse $175,000
Pace Analysis
Early Encore (POST 1) is the clear speed and class focal point. Golden Club (POST 5) and Angel's Ember (POST 2) should be the principal pursuers. The race does not appear to contain enough confirmed speed to guarantee a collapse, so the favorite may control the race from near the front.
Key Contenders
Early Encore (POST 1) is listed at 0-1 and is the horse to beat. The listed price indicates an overwhelming program preference, and the seven-furlong distance should suit a horse capable of carrying speed around one turn. The inside post is the only meaningful concern.
Golden Club (POST 5) is the principal upset candidate at 5-1. The central post provides a clean launch point, and the horse should be close enough to benefit if Early Encore (POST 1) is pressured.
Secondary Choices
Angel's Ember (POST 2) is the most credible alternative to the top two. The inside draw could produce a ground-saving trip, though the horse must avoid being trapped behind the favorite.
Empire Of Ash (POST 3) is a secondary inclusion at 15-1. The post is favorable, and even a moderate improvement would make the horse relevant underneath.
Longshots
The Moe Show (POST 4), Believer (POST 6), Cupid Cowboy (POST 7), and Fumano's Fire (POST 8) are all listed at 20-1. The most usable of the group is The Moe Show (POST 4), who receives a favorable inside-middle position. Believer (POST 6) has a better chance if the pace becomes unexpectedly demanding. Cupid Cowboy (POST 7) and Fumano's Fire (POST 8) need substantial improvement but belong on the far outside of large trifectas.
Selections
Win: Early Encore (POST 1)
Place: Golden Club (POST 5)
Show: Angel's Ember (POST 2)
The best strategy is a straight exacta using Early Encore (POST 1) over Golden Club (POST 5) and Angel's Ember (POST 2). For a larger ticket, use The Moe Show (POST 4) underneath.
Race 4 — Post 5:15/4:15/3:15/(2:15) — 1760f | T | M | Md 50000 | BUN | Purse $35,000
Pace Analysis
Dr. Filkins (POST 5) is the likely pace controller or first flight runner. Low Key Cool (POST 9), One Last Strike (POST 8), and Chaotic Neutral (POST 7) should attempt to remain within striking range. The route distance places a premium on conserving energy rather than chasing a fast opening quarter.
Key Contenders
Dr. Filkins (POST 5) is the 1-1 favorite and owns the most obvious class position. The central post is ideal, and Armando Ayuso can choose whether to send forward or settle just off the leaders. The short price makes the horse vulnerable from a wagering standpoint if the race lacks separation.
Low Key Cool (POST 9) is the best alternative at 4-1. The outside draw is not ideal for a route, but the horse should have room to establish position and avoid inside traffic.
Secondary Choices
Chaotic Neutral (POST 7) is an attractive exacta and trifecta horse at 5-1. One Last Strike (POST 8) has enough tactical ability to remain involved, while Chalky's Gold (POST 1) could improve through a ground-saving trip.
Longshots
Duke Of Orleans (POST 10), Bello Rosso (POST 2), Wasting Aces (POST 6), Gato Volador (POST 4), and Mordred's Revenge (POST 3) are the outsiders. Duke Of Orleans (POST 10) is the most interesting at 12-1 because the horse may get a clean stalking trip. Bello Rosso (POST 2) has the best post of the remaining longshots. Wasting Aces (POST 6), Gato Volador (POST 4), and Mordred's Revenge (POST 3) need significant improvement.
Selections
Win: Low Key Cool (POST 9)
Place: Dr. Filkins (POST 5)
Show: Chaotic Neutral (POST 7)
Use Low Key Cool (POST 9) over Dr. Filkins (POST 5), Chaotic Neutral (POST 7), One Last Strike (POST 8), and Duke Of Orleans (POST 10). The value disappears if Low Key Cool (POST 9) is bet below 3-1.
Race 5 — Post 5:50/4:50/3:50/(2:50) — 1320f | D | C | Clm 10000 | BUN | Purse $21,000
Pace Analysis
Dirty Words (POST 10), Doo Wop Don (POST 2), Midnite Musket (POST 4), and Check's On The Way (POST 3) are the principal speed influences. The outside draw may force Dirty Words (POST 10) to use energy early, creating an opportunity for a horse sitting just behind the first flight.
Key Contenders
Doo Wop Don (POST 2) is the preferred horse at 4-1. The inside post should help secure economical position, and the horse should be close enough to capitalize if the favorite is softened by pressure.
Dirty Words (POST 10) is the 2-1 favorite and has obvious appeal, but the outside post and likely need to establish position are negatives. The horse is a win candidate but not an automatic single.
Midnite Musket (POST 4) is another serious contender at 4-1. The post is favorable, and the horse should receive a better trip than the outside favorite.
Secondary Choices
Check's On The Way (POST 3) is a useful exacta horse and could benefit from an inside stalking trip. Tapalo (POST 5) is the most interesting secondary price at 10-1 if the pace becomes faster than expected.
Longshots
Wizard Of Westwood (POST 7), Alpine Thunder (POST 9), and Come Out Fighting (POST 12) are the more usable outsiders. Wizard Of Westwood (POST 7) has a reasonable post for a stalking trip. Alpine Thunder (POST 9) can be included underneath if the race stays honest. Come Out Fighting (POST 12) faces a difficult draw.
Kahuna Magic (POST 1), Arkadelphia (POST 6), Joey Brackets (POST 8), and Ya'll Come (POST 11) need substantial form improvement. Kahuna Magic (POST 1) is the best deep-exotic possibility because of the rail.
Selections
Win: Doo Wop Don (POST 2)
Place: Midnite Musket (POST 4)
Show: Dirty Words (POST 10)
Key Doo Wop Don (POST 2) over Midnite Musket (POST 4), Dirty Words (POST 10), Check's On The Way (POST 3), and Tapalo (POST 5). A saver exacta should reverse Doo Wop Don (POST 2) and Dirty Words (POST 10).
Race 6 — Post 6:30/5:30/4:30/(3:30) — 1760f | T | M | Md 50000 | BUN | Purse $35,000
Pace Analysis
Milken Cookies (POST 5) and Doing Time (POST 10) are the likely primary pace factors. Gray Thunder (POST 1) and Papa Santos (POST 7) should track the leaders. The distance favors a horse that can relax rather than one that must make a long early move.
Key Contenders
Milken Cookies (POST 5) is one of the two 2-1 co-favorites and receives the better draw. The horse should have a clean tactical trip and is the preferred win choice.
Doing Time (POST 10) is equally priced and may possess comparable ability, but the outside post increases the trip burden. The horse remains essential in all exactas and multirace wagers.
Gray Thunder (POST 1) is the best value among the shorter-priced runners at 4-1. The rail is useful if the rider can maintain position without being forced to wait too long.
Secondary Choices
Papa Santos (POST 7) is a legitimate secondary horse at 8-1. Shapoval (POST 2) is another candidate to improve with a patient trip and should be included in wider tickets.
Longshots
Henie In Black (POST 9) has some chance to pick up pieces if the leading pair overdo the pace. Hammerbarn (POST 3) can benefit from saving ground. Joe Vittori (POST 6) and Wicked Spud (POST 8) need dramatic improvement, while Desert Hawk (POST 4) is the least attractive of the listed outsiders.
Selections
Win: Milken Cookies (POST 5)
Place: Gray Thunder (POST 1)
Show: Doing Time (POST 10)
Use Milken Cookies (POST 5) and Gray Thunder (POST 1) as the primary exacta horses, with Doing Time (POST 10), Papa Santos (POST 7), and Shapoval (POST 2) underneath.
Race 7 — Post 7:00/6:00/5:00/(4:00) — 1210f | D | S | Md Sp Wt | AON | Purse $65,000
Pace Analysis
Swift Appeal (POST 3) is the most likely speed horse, with One Punch Wonder (POST 4), Freddie Blassie (POST 1), and Calvin Graham (POST 10) close behind. The field contains enough early interest to create a meaningful advantage for a runner that can sit just off the leaders.
Key Contenders
Swift Appeal (POST 3) is the 2-1 favorite and has the best combination of post position and expected trip. The horse should be able to secure position without using excessive energy.
Calvin Graham (POST 10) is the main alternative at 5-1. The outside post is manageable in a short sprint if the horse breaks well and avoids being forced too wide.
Freddie Blassie (POST 1) is a logical contender at 6-1. The rail can be an advantage if the horse has enough early speed to avoid being buried.
Secondary Choices
One Punch Wonder (POST 4) is an appealing exacta horse at 8-1. High Hull Gill (POST 9) also has a chance to finish prominently if the pace becomes contested.
M C Dreams (POST 11) is another usable secondary runner, though the outside post creates a wider trip risk.
Longshots
Beat The Man (POST 2), Trojans Forever (POST 5), So Cal Notte (POST 7), Ryne Sandberg (POST 8), and Fully Favorable (POST 6) are the longer prices. Beat The Man (POST 2) has the best draw of the group. Trojans Forever (POST 5) is the most appealing deeper ticket because of the central post. So Cal Notte (POST 7), Ryne Sandberg (POST 8), and Fully Favorable (POST 6) require considerable improvement.
Selections
Win: Swift Appeal (POST 3)
Place: Freddie Blassie (POST 1)
Show: One Punch Wonder (POST 4)
Use Swift Appeal (POST 3) over Freddie Blassie (POST 1), One Punch Wonder (POST 4), Calvin Graham (POST 10), and High Hull Gill (POST 9). A small saver can use Calvin Graham (POST 10) over Swift Appeal (POST 3).
Race 8 — Post 7:30/6:30/5:30/(4:30) — 1760f | T | G3 | Goldikova-G3 | BUM | Purse $100,000
Pace Analysis
The race should develop at a moderate turf-route tempo. Miss Nightfall (POST 1), Ambaya (POST 7), and May Day Ready (POST 3) are the principal tactical runners. Baltic Fire (POST 10) and Bojaca Blessing (POST 5) should be positioned to benefit if the leaders overdo the pace.
Key Contenders
Miss Nightfall (POST 1) is the 3-1 favorite and makes her first start in a graded stakes according to the available race analysis. The rail can provide a ground-saving trip, but the rider must avoid becoming trapped behind a slow pace.
Ambaya (POST 7) is the most intriguing horse in the race. She returns from a layoff after winning the American Oaks and has completed two recent five-furlong workouts on the Turfway Park synthetic track. The layoff is the principal risk, but her class makes the 4-1 price attractive.
May Day Ready (POST 3) is a consistent-looking alternative at 5-1. The inside-middle post should allow a controlled trip, and the horse is likely to receive first run if the tempo is only moderate.
Secondary Choices
Bojaca Blessing (POST 5) is a solid inclusion at 5-1 and could receive the ideal trip behind the main speed. Baltic Fire (POST 10) is another legitimate secondary horse at 8-1, particularly if the leaders become involved early.
Little Jamie (POST 4) is usable underneath at 10-1. Raw Ability (POST 6) has appeal as a deeper exacta horse if the pace becomes demanding.
Longshots
Mo' Em Down (POST 9), Princesa Moche (POST 8), Lady In Paris (POST 11), and As Catch Can (POST 2) are the outsiders. Mo' Em Down (POST 9) is the most attractive of the group because a stalking trip is possible. Lady In Paris (POST 11) may be compromised by the outside draw. Princesa Moche (POST 8) and As Catch Can (POST 2) need substantial improvement.
Selections
Win: Ambaya (POST 7)
Place: Miss Nightfall (POST 1)
Show: May Day Ready (POST 3)
Ambaya (POST 7) is the value play if she remains near the 4-1 morning line. Use Ambaya (POST 7), Miss Nightfall (POST 1), and May Day Ready (POST 3) in exactas, with Bojaca Blessing (POST 5), Baltic Fire (POST 10), and Little Jamie (POST 4) underneath.
Race 9 — Post 8:00/7:00/6:00/(5:00) — 1540f | D | N | GoldStJuvFB175k | AOF | Purse $175,000
Pace Analysis
Ember Royale (POST 8) is the clear morning-line favorite and should be prominent from the outset. Daytona Diamond (POST 6), Free Closer (POST 7), and Manee (POST 5) appear the most likely to apply pressure. The race could become tactical if Ember Royale (POST 8) breaks cleanly.
Key Contenders
Ember Royale (POST 8) is listed at even money and is the horse to beat. The post is preferable to the rail in a seven-furlong stakes because it offers room to establish position. The major wagering concern is the lack of value at the listed price.
Daytona Diamond (POST 6) is the best alternative at 4-1. The central post should provide a clean trip, and the horse can either press or stalk depending on the break.
Free Closer (POST 7) is another serious contender at 4-1. The horse should have first opportunity if the favorite is pressured and is a logical exacta key.
Secondary Choices
Manee (POST 5) is an attractive secondary horse at 10-1. The post is favorable, and a clean stalking trip could put the horse into the exotics.
Palo Alto Baby (POST 11) is the most interesting wider-ticket runner at 15-1. The outside post is a concern, but the horse could benefit from a clean outside run.
Longshots
Beautiful Dawn (POST 2) is the best of the 15-1 horses because of the inside draw. You Trust Me (POST 1), Lihue Princess (POST 3), Ms Grainger Danger (POST 4), Stay Bossy (POST 9), Tashie (POST 10), and Strident Miss (POST 12) are all listed at 30-1 or near that level.
You Trust Me (POST 1) and Ms Grainger Danger (POST 4) are preferable for deep trifectas because of their inside and middle posts. Stay Bossy (POST 9), Tashie (POST 10), and Strident Miss (POST 12) face more difficult probability scenarios. Lihue Princess (POST 3) is usable only in very large tickets.
Selections
Win: Daytona Diamond (POST 6)
Place: Ember Royale (POST 8)
Show: Free Closer (POST 7)
The wagering approach is to oppose the even-money favorite on top. Use Daytona Diamond (POST 6) over Ember Royale (POST 8), Free Closer (POST 7), Manee (POST 5), and Beautiful Dawn (POST 2). Include Ember Royale (POST 8) prominently in doubles and Pick 3 combinations because the horse remains the most likely winner despite the lack of price.
Race 10 — Post 8:30/7:30/6:30/(5:30) — 1980f | T | AO | OClm 50000n1x | BUN | Purse $67,000
Pace Analysis
Magnify (POST 1), Prince Dolce (POST 5), and Sir Rocket (POST 7) should establish the principal early positions. Stylishlyacclaimed (POST 3) and Poor Connection (POST 11) can settle just behind them. The long turf route should reward patience and a well-timed final move.
Key Contenders
Magnify (POST 1) is the 3-1 favorite and benefits from the rail. The main task is to avoid being trapped while still saving ground. If the pace is moderate, Magnify (POST 1) could be difficult to pass.
Poor Connection (POST 11) is a major contender at 4-1. The outside draw is a concern, but the horse should have room to make a sustained move without traffic.
Prince Dolce (POST 5) is another strong candidate at 4-1. The central post gives the rider flexibility, and the horse should be close enough to avoid needing a long, wide rally.
Secondary Choices
Stylishlyacclaimed (POST 3) is an appealing secondary choice at 6-1. Sir Rocket (POST 7) also merits inclusion because the horse should be involved early and may receive first run.
None Above The Law (POST 10) is a usable 8-1 alternative if the pace becomes more honest than expected.
Longshots
In The Tank (POST 4), Tribal (POST 6), Cali Cat (POST 9), Uncle Happy (POST 2), and Midnight Mammoth (POST 8) are the longshots. In The Tank (POST 4) is the best deep-exotic candidate because of the inside-middle draw. Cali Cat (POST 9) can be used underneath if the pace collapses. Tribal (POST 6), Uncle Happy (POST 2), and Midnight Mammoth (POST 8) need significant improvement.
Selections
Win: Prince Dolce (POST 5)
Place: Magnify (POST 1)
Show: Poor Connection (POST 11)
Use Prince Dolce (POST 5), Magnify (POST 1), and Poor Connection (POST 11) as the primary exacta and trifecta horses. Add Stylishlyacclaimed (POST 3), Sir Rocket (POST 7), and None Above The Law (POST 10) to wider combinations.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Armando Ayuso receives several favorable assignments, including Early Encore (POST 1) in Race 3, Dr. Filkins (POST 5) in Race 4, Tapalo (POST 5) in Race 5, Desert Hawk (POST 4) in Race 6, Trojans Forever (POST 5) in Race 7, Raw Ability (POST 6) in Race 8, and Princesa Moche (POST 8) in Race 8. His most important rides are Early Encore (POST 1) and Dr. Filkins (POST 5), both of whom are prominent on the morning line.
Hector Isaac Berrios rides Royal Pearl (POST 3) in Race 2, Golden Club (POST 5) in Race 3, Bojaca Blessing (POST 5) in Race 8, Free Closer (POST 7) in Race 9, and Stylishlyacclaimed (POST 3) in Race 10. The assignments on Bojaca Blessing (POST 5), Free Closer (POST 7), and Stylishlyacclaimed (POST 3) are especially relevant to the value structure.
Kyle Frey handles B Grayson (POST 4), The Moe Show (POST 4), One Punch Wonder (POST 4), Baltic Fire (POST 10), and Dirty Words (POST 10). Dirty Words (POST 10) is his most prominent mount, but Baltic Fire (POST 10) is the more interesting price opportunity.
Drayden Van Dyke rides Sendit Mo (POST 5), May Day Ready (POST 3), and Beautiful Dawn (POST 2). Sendit Mo (POST 5) and May Day Ready (POST 3) are the two strongest assignments from a handicapping standpoint.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Jonathan Thomas has three runners in the Goldikova: Miss Nightfall (POST 1), As Catch Can (POST 2), and Ambaya (POST 7). The stable's strongest chance appears to be Ambaya (POST 7), whose return to competition is supported by recent Turfway workouts.
John Sadler sends out Early Encore (POST 1) in the Golden State Juvenile, Raw Ability (POST 6) in the Goldikova, and Cali Cat (POST 9) in Race 10. Early Encore (POST 1) is the stable's clear centerpiece.
Peter Miller has Shapoval (POST 2) in Race 6, Swift Appeal (POST 3) in Race 7, and Mo' Em Down (POST 9) in the Goldikova. Swift Appeal (POST 3) is the best positioned of the trio and should receive a favorable sprint trip.
Steve Knapp has B Grayson (POST 4) and Ima Track Star (POST 6) in Race 1, Tapalo (POST 5) in Race 5, Trojans Forever (POST 5) and So Cal Notte (POST 7) in Race 7, and Lihue Princess (POST 3) in Race 9. The stable has several opportunities to affect the early pace, particularly through B Grayson (POST 4), Ima Track Star (POST 6), and Tapalo (POST 5).
Michael McCarthy has Royal Pearl (POST 3) and D'yquem (POST 6) in Race 2, plus Free Closer (POST 7) in Race 9 and Poor Connection (POST 11) in Race 10. Royal Pearl (POST 3), Free Closer (POST 7), and Poor Connection (POST 11) are the most attractive wagering pieces.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The strongest value win candidates are Ambaya (POST 7) in Race 8, Doo Wop Don (POST 2) in Race 5, Prince Dolce (POST 5) in Race 10, Low Key Cool (POST 9) in Race 4, and Daytona Diamond (POST 6) in Race 9.
The best favorite to use as a multirace anchor is Early Encore (POST 1) in Race 3. Swift Appeal (POST 3) in Race 7 and Milken Cookies (POST 5) in Race 6 are also logical single-horse candidates, though both should be confirmed at acceptable prices.
A conservative Pick 5 structure beginning with Race 6 is Milken Cookies (POST 5) and Doing Time (POST 10) in Race 6; Swift Appeal (POST 3), Freddie Blassie (POST 1), and Calvin Graham (POST 10) in Race 7; Miss Nightfall (POST 1), Ambaya (POST 7), May Day Ready (POST 3), and Bojaca Blessing (POST 5) in Race 8; Daytona Diamond (POST 6), Ember Royale (POST 8), and Free Closer (POST 7) in Race 9; and Prince Dolce (POST 5), Magnify (POST 1), Poor Connection (POST 11), and Stylishlyacclaimed (POST 3) in Race 10.
A more aggressive Pick 5 ticket can single Early Encore (POST 1) in Race 3, use Royal Pearl (POST 3) and D'yquem (POST 6) in Race 2, and build around Ambaya (POST 7) in Race 8. The principal risk is the long layoff, so Miss Nightfall (POST 1) and May Day Ready (POST 3) should be retained on saver tickets.
The best exacta opinions are Sendit Mo (POST 5) over See Through It (POST 2) in Race 1, Royal Pearl (POST 3) over D'yquem (POST 6) in Race 2, Doo Wop Don (POST 2) over Midnite Musket (POST 4) in Race 5, Ambaya (POST 7) over Miss Nightfall (POST 1) in Race 8, and Prince Dolce (POST 5) over Magnify (POST 1) in Race 10.
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