Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Santa Anita Park – Racing News and Analysis for May 9, 2026


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Santa Anita Park — Quick Reference Report, Saturday, May 9, 2026

Mostly sunny, mid-70s, no precipitation. Main track fast, turf firm. Modest speed bias on dirt; rail advantage in turf routes.

Race 1 — Turf Claiming n3l, 6f

Gazon (4) is the top selection as the morning line favorite with a clear tactical edge at the right class level. Valiant Son (7) is the top alternative, sharp second off a layoff with a strong pilot. Tribal (6) is the best-priced secondary option worth including in exotics.

Race 2 — Dirt Claiming, 6f

Precision (4) is the consensus choice and heavy chalk in a short five-horse field. B Grayson (1) controls the pace from the rail and is the natural exacta alternative. Desert Kat (5) offers value as a closer if the top two duel early.

Race 3 — Turf MSW Fillies, 6f

Confidentiality (5) and High Society U (6) share co-favorite status and both are legitimate. Goodies (2) from an elite turf barn at 4-1 offers the best value among the secondary choices. Seeking Attention (3) is the Eurton barn's primary hope and rounds out the exotics.

Race 4 — Dirt Claiming n3l, 1⅛m

Lil's Coffee (2) is the dominant morning line choice at near odds-on in a thin six-horse field. Tom's Star (1) benefits from the inside post in the route and is the main alternative. Perfect Life (5) offers the best exacta value at 4-1.

Race 5 — Turf Maiden Claiming, 6f — Best Bet

Midnight Cowgirl (4) is the consensus Best Bet of the card, set up perfectly by a stalking trip in a maiden field. Baby Needs Shoes (1) is the co-favorite from a top barn and controls pace from the rail. Latin Air (5) at 6-1 is the best value play underneath from a high-percentage turf outfit.

Race 6 — Dirt MSW, 6f

Very Smart (6) is the top selection from the Eurton barn with a clear outside view in a six-horse field. Christa Mcauliffe (5) is the co-favorite with the stronger jockey booking among the Miyadi pair. Joyful Mischief (3) at 10-1 with a veteran jockey angle is worth including in larger exotics.

Race 7 — Turf Optional Claiming, 1¼m

Jimmy Blue Jeans (1) gets the significant rail advantage at a mile and a quarter and is the top selection. Sabertooth (8) is the co-favorite from an elite barn with enough class to overcome the wide draw. Creative Om (7) at 10-1 with a highly selective Hall of Fame jockey is the best longshot play on the card and should be used in all exotics.

Race 8 — Dirt Optional Claiming, 1⅛m

Magnify (6) at odds-on is the card's most reliable anchor and the recommended single in multi-race wagers. Coach Cronin (2) is the clear alternative with a Hall of Fame jockey who is selective about his mounts. Berlin Wall (3) at 4-1 rounds out the exotics as the best-priced option.

Race 9 — Grade 3 Senorita Stakes, Turf, 1 1/16m

Mo' Em Down (2) is the top selection from an ideal post with strong connections and a leading barn. Bella Lyra (1) at 4-1 from the rail is the best value play in the race and a strong each-way bet. Marjoram (6) at 10-1 is the single best overlay on the card — an elite trainer and the colony's top turf jockey in a Grade 3 demands inclusion on top of all exotics. Will Happen (7) at 12-1 follows a similar pattern and is worth adding as a saver underneath.

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


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