Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Santa Anita Park – Racing News and Analysis for May 22, 2026


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Santa Anita Park — Friday, May 22, 2026 Condensed Handicapper Report

Fast main track, firm turf, clear skies, mid-70s. Moderate speed bias on dirt; mid-pack trackers favored on turf. Pick 6 carryover exceeds $400,000 starting Race 4.

Race 1

Top pick is Wildfire Princess (3) at 3-1, expected to control a moderate pace and steal this turf mile on the front end. Rehearsal (1) at 2-1 is the logical place horse tracking the pace. Orange Thunder (2) at 4-1 offers overlay value as a pace-presser; Channel Place (6) at 5-1 is worth including in exotics.

Race 2

Otto's Magic (3) at 1-1 is a well-prepared maiden backed by strong trainer confidence. Here On Business (2) at 2-1 is the main threat if a pace duel develops. Mickey (4) at 5-1 stalks and pounces at a useful price; Van Gogh Style (6) at 8-1 is the closer to use if the front two tire.

Race 3

Eva Lea (2) at 1-1 is the class of this five-horse turf sprint and the straightforward win play. Cosmo Friday (1) at 2-1 controls pace from the rail and is the primary exacta threat underneath. Alix (4) at 4-1 is the only other horse worth including in trifecta tickets.

Race 4

Decisive Win (5) at 1-1 is the consensus best bet of the card and the Pick 6 single in this leg. Sabino Canyon (2) at 4-1 is the leading alternative, with Ghostwritten (3) at 5-1 and Broheim (4) at 6-1 rounding out exacta and trifecta coverage. One More Time (6) at 8-1 carries implicit value given the high-caliber rider assignment.

Race 5

Money Makes Money (1) at 2-1 gets the prime inside post in a nine-horse turf sprint and is the top selection. Liam Smith (9) at 3-1 is the closer to beat if the pace heats up, with Burning Rubber (2) at 2-1 as the co-favorite alternative. News At Ten (5) at 4-1 is the value addition for wider Pick 6 tickets.

Race 6

Wishes To Riches (3) at 4-1 is the key play — a class drop to $12,500 claiming from a top-tier trainer signals competitive intent. Sensational Z Z (1) at 3-1 is the pace horse to beat from the inside, with Miz Clubcali (2) at 4-1 as a secondary option. Outrageous (5) at 4-1 and Ro Town (7) at 4-1 fill out trifecta tickets in a wide-open field.

Race 7

None Above The Law (3) at 5-1 is the best value bet on the card, combining elite trainer and rider credentials at an overlay price in this 2200-furlong turf route. Mythical Reel (6) at 3-1 and Catch The Breeze (4) at 3-1 are the co-favorites and the core of exacta coverage. Crazy Cavalier (7) at 4-1 and Living Life (1) at 4-1 are legitimate trifecta additions.

Race 8

Bear's Board (8) at 2-1 gets the slight edge among the co-favorites in this ten-horse $10,000 claimer. Makenarita (6) at 2-1 is equally live and the two should be boxed in exactas with A Fleet Ride (9) at 3-1 as the third leg. Subtle Knowledge (5) at 15-1 is worth a small exotic inclusion given the high-caliber rider assignment.

Race 9

Marla Hooch (4) at 4-1 is the value play over the morning line favorite, ideally positioned from post four in this eleven-horse turf maiden sprint. She's No Quant (8) at 2-1 is the public choice and belongs in all exotics. Sacred Sound (3) at 5-1 is the third key horse, with Taking A Joy Ride (1) at 5-1 added on wider tickets as an inside post speed threat.

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


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