Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Santa Anita Park – Racing News and Analysis for May 31, 2026


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Santa Anita Park — May 31, 2026 Condensed Handicapper Report

Fast main track, firm turf, clear skies, mid-70s. Inside posts favored in turf routes; relatively neutral bias on dirt. Jaramillo and Rosario are the marquee riders; Baffert, O'Neill, and D'Amato are the key trainer angles.

Race 1

Repo (4) is the top choice on sire, trainer, and jockey credentials in this juvenile turf sprint. Nylie (2) and Shadow Nation (1) are the main rivals from favorable inside draws. Box Repo (4) and Nylie (2) in exactas; use Shadow Nation (1) underneath.

Race 2

Next Trick (3) gets the nod from a clean middle draw with a hot jockey. He's A Gangster (5) and Macho Man (6) are the best underneath options if the pace cooks early. Avoid chalk exactas; focus on trifectas with the closers.

Race 3

Motet (1) from the rail with Rosario at a mile on turf is the premier combination in this five-horse field. Newport Dreamz (3) at 3-1 is the best value among the co-favorites. Angelica Bay (5) rounds out the exotics.

Race 4

Lying Zero (8) from the O'Neill barn with Fresu is the top play despite the outside post. Jolene Fury (3) from a clean draw is the primary rival. Lipstick Lies (1) is the Miyadi barn's preferred runner based on the Jaramillo jockey assignment and deserves show consideration.

Race 5

Jennys Wine Girl (2) is the recommended single — Post 2 on the turf at a mile with the Baltas/Jaramillo combination is a premier setup. Apple Pie (1) at 8-1 from the rail is the best value play in the race; a small win bet is justified. Quantum Innergy (3) is the logical third choice.

Race 6

Moona Lisa (2) at even money is the Baffert barn's preferred runner based on the morning-line price. Dainey (1) at 2-1 with Jaramillo from the rail is the value play within the entry. Harmonique (3) at 12-1 with the Drysdale/Rosario combination is the best longshot on the board; Sugar Lovin (4) at 10-1 from McCarthy merits trifecta inclusion.

Race 7 — Best Bet

Miso Phansy (5) is the Best Bet of the card and deserves a straight win bet. Wild West Coast (4) with Rosario is the main rival from a clean Post 4. Suntory Time (1) at 8-1 from the Baltas/Smith combination is the best longshot play on the card today.

Race 8 — Grade III Triple Bend Stakes

Stronghold (5) is the even-money selection in the marquee race; D'Amato's strong record in this spot supports the favorite. The Goat (3) with Jaramillo is the legitimate 2-1 threat. The Last Straw (1) at 12-1 with Mandella/Smith from the rail is the single best value play on the entire card — back it with a win bet and exacta underneath Stronghold (5).

Race 9

Gandalf (4) from a clean Post 4 with the Sadler connection is the top choice in the ten-horse nightcap. H Q Wilson (3) at 6-1 from D'Amato and Post 3 is the best value play. Running Spartan (2) and Maximon (10) round out the recommended exotic structure; Sigma Boy (1) at 15-1 with Rosario from the rail is the best longshot inclusion.

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


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