Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Santa Anita Park – Racing News and Analysis for April 17, 2026


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Pick Pony Handicapper Report — Santa Anita Park, April 17, 2026

Fast main track, firm turf, clear skies, mid-to-upper 60s. Inside posts favored in turf sprints; speed holds an edge in dirt sprints. Follow the Papaprodromou-Geroux turf combination throughout the card. Consensus Best Bet: Blame It On Jack (2), Race 2.

Race 1

Suntory Time (6) is the top pick as a first-time turf runner with strong connections and confident morning line support. Baby Needs Shoes (1) co-headlines from the rail with a tactical post advantage at one mile on the inner turf. Intuitivebynature (3) at 4-1 offers fair value as the third choice in a wide-open maiden field.

Race 2

Blame It On Jack (2) is the consensus Best Bet of the card, ideally drawn in a five-horse MSW field with a favorable post for the one-mile dirt route. Dr. Filkins (4) is the primary threat, with Beer Buzz (5) completing a tri-favorite scenario. Hungover (3) at 6-1 is the most interesting price in a race where three horses share favorite odds.

Race 3

Cyprus Moon (1) looks a near-lock from the rail at 1-1 in a five-horse turf sprint with the top trainer-jockey turf combination on the card. Delitefull Hart (2) sits just outside the rail as the natural foil. How Lovely (4) at 3-1 is the most realistic upset candidate at a playable price.

Race 4

Soi Ngern (6) dominates the morning line at 1-1 and appears to hold a significant form edge over this maiden claiming field. Joey Ten (2) is the preferred Miller secondary entry over stablemate Tab Walker (1). Kiki Ride (7) at 6-1 is worth including in exotics if the pace collapses in front.

Race 5

Shangrilama (4) is the top pick carrying the Papaprodromou-Geroux combination in a competitive eight-horse turf sprint. Long Mayshe Reign (2) at 3-1 from post 2 is a genuine overlay threat with a top turf trainer. Invincible Molly (1) at 5-1 from the rail and Special Flower (8) at 4-1 both warrant exacta inclusion.

Race 6

Can't Say That (1) at 1-1 from the rail is a strong single in multi-race sequences, with Papaprodromou and Geroux combining again at the lowest maiden claiming level on the dirt. Cammy's Girl (6) at 4-1 is the most credible alternative. Gogotiz (3) at 6-1 offers a modest price play for those willing to oppose the heavy favorite.

Race 7

Scene By Me (5) is the morning line choice at 2-1 in a wide-open nine-horse optional claimer on the Hillside turf. Known Idea (6) at 4-1 with Geroux is the best value play on the card in the exacta, and Supernal (3) and Grazed (2) complete the co-favorite cluster worth spreading across. Minister Shane (9) at 8-1 is the most interesting price for trifecta use.

Race 8

Leyas Candy (2) gets the nod over co-favorite Contrary Chieftain (4) by a narrow margin at the $8,000 claiming level. Mighty Kai (3) at 4-1 is well-drawn between the two favorites and could benefit if they duel. Upstart Yankee (1) at 6-1 from the rail is worth a small trifecta inclusion.

Race 9

Tom Seaver (5) at 1-1 is an emphatic closer to the card and should be singled in late multi-race wagers. Curlin Command (6) at 4-1 and Miles Finch (4) at 5-1 are the two most credible challengers for the exacta and trifecta. Hothead (9) at 8-1 with a top turf trainer represents the best trifecta price in the finale.

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


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