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


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Santa Anita Park — Saturday, May 23, 2026 — Quick Reference Card

Fast main track, firm turf expected. Slight speed bias in dirt sprints; mid-pack posts preferred in turf routes. Pick 6 carryover in play covering Races 5–10.

Race 1 — 1430f | Turf | OClm 20000n1x

Christel Clean (8) is the top selection backed by elite connections and strong tactical turf ability. America's Mark (3) and Kikuride (9) are the logical alternatives. Include Idessia (6) at 20-1 in exotics given outstanding trainer credentials in turf events.

Race 2 — 990f | Dirt | Maiden Special Weight (Fillies)

Free Closer (6) leads from the morning line with a top-shelf rider and sharp trainer combination. Thirsty Caitlin (7) is the co-favorite and deserves equal exotic coverage. Lihue Princess (4) and I'm Smoken Hot (1) fill out the trifecta; Lipstick Lies (11) at 10-1 is the price play if the pace collapses.

Race 3 — 1320f | Dirt | Thor’s Echlon Bred Stakes $100k

Big City Lights (5) at 1-1 is a near-single in multi-race sequences given connections' confidence and dominant morning-line status. Book Smart (6) at 4-1 is the value alternative and a strong each-way play. Lonesome Stew (7) rounds out the trifecta from the outside post.

Race 4 — 1760f | Turf | Frantz Valentine Bred Stakes $100k

Grand Slam Smile (3) is the even-money favorite and likely winner, but Om N Joy (8) at 5-1 is the best wagering value on the card in this race given a Hall of Fame rider's turf expertise. Take Another Card (1) and either of the EURTON entries — Prancingthruparis (2) or O K Rose (4) — complete trifecta coverage. Sunset Grazen (7) at 12-1 is worth a small inclusion for price.

Race 5 — 1760f | Dirt | Maiden $12,500 Claiming

Trojan Mafia (5) is the clear choice at 2-1 with strong stable confidence reflected in the price. Star Of Delhi (4) is the logical saver. Keep exposure limited in this bottom-level event; the value is elsewhere on the card.

Race 6 — 1760f | Turf | Crystal Water Bred Stakes $100k

On The Whim (2) at 5-1 is the Best Bet of the day — excellent post draw, favorable pace setup, and expert endorsement make this the single best win value on the card. Flyover (7) and Cali Cat (3) cover the Sadler barn's dominant presence and belong underneath in all exotic sequences. Call Me Sir (9) and Prince Dolce (4) at 8-1 round out trifecta coverage.

Race 7 — 1870f | Dirt | Melair Bred Stakes $125k

Mohaven (4) at 1-1 is the dominant selection and a viable Pick 6 single for Sadler's Cal-bred route specialists. Holdthatrainbow (1) at 5-1 is the most compelling upset threat and worth a small win bet on its own. Run With Liberty (3) and Troisieme Etoile (7) at 8-1 complete the trifecta; Rosario's mount on Troisieme Etoile (7) is a noted overlay.

Race 8 — 1980f | Turf | Snow Chief Bred Stakes $125k

He's A Knockout (3) at 1-1 is the dominant choice and a potential Pick 6 single in the extended turf route. Ventry Strand (6) at 4-1 is the top value play — an ideal post draw for an elite turf trainer in the richest Cal-bred turf event of the day. Third Beer (7) at 6-1 and Scatalotadingdong (10) at 15-1 with a Hall of Fame rider are the best trifecta additions; John Metcalfe (8) at 20-1 belongs in superfectas.

Race 9 — 1760f | Dirt | OClm 20000n1x

King's Ride (4) leads from post 4 with the ideal mid-track draw in a tightly contested optional claiming mile. Known Idea (2) and Cowboy Mike (1) are the primary exacta threats. Sir Percival (9) at 10-1 is the trifecta longshot if the pace becomes genuinely contested.

Race 10 — 1760f | Turf | Maiden Special Weight (Older Males)

Flash Of Lightning (11) at 3-1 is the top selection from a trainer with an exceptional maiden turf record at this venue. Robin Olds (1) at 4-1 represents outstanding trainer-to-post value on the turf and is arguably the best price on the board. Oracle Of Paradise (5) and Gaines (9) complete the four-horse exacta box; Booked Clubhouse (14) at 5-1 and Tight Dally (2) at 20-1 are the most worthwhile additions for deeper exotic coverage.

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


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