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


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

Santa Anita's nine-race Saturday card features five turf routes and four dirt races run under warm, dry conditions with residual Santa Ana winds. Expect a firm turf and fast dirt, but confirm official conditions before wagering. Pace-sensitive turf routes and clean breaks on dirt sprints are the dominant themes.

Race 1 — Turf Maiden Route, $65,000

Brazoria (7) is the card's best bet, shortening to a mile with proven form over several rivals. Peachy Canyon (8) is the main danger with a better trip expected after a troubled last effort. Shane's The Brains (3) is the top alternative, with Bourbon Story (1) worth a look in deeper exotics.

Race 2 — Dirt Sprint, OClm $32,000

Gettinby (4) dominates on class and speed, winning four of his last five with a 97 Beyer at this track. Special Club (3) is the most dangerous rival if pace pressure softens the favorite, and Jerry's Spirit (2) is a useful underneath option.

Race 3 — Turf Route, Lure Stakes $80,000

Nesso's Lastharrah (1) stretches from sprints with more early speed expected after a poor break last time. Twirling Point (4) gets class relief and a better trip than recent Grade 2 efforts allowed, while Artislas (2) retains enough class to win and is worth including at a fair price.

Race 4 — Dirt Route, Clm $16,000

Can't Say That (3) is the top choice, proven over this course and capable of overcoming a slow break. Springline (7) has won two straight and can sit and pounce, while Photogenic (1) is dangerous with the rail and a class drop to a career-low level.

Race 5 — Turf Maiden Route, $65,000

Missed Fortune (5) gets significant class relief dropping from a Grade 3 after finishing a close second against similar two starts back. Bottled In Bond (4) showed promise in both prior starts and benefits from the switch to two turns. Lil Prince Cairo (6) is the preferred value play at 8-1 or higher, with Repo (11) also usable underneath.

Race 6 — Dirt Sprint, OClm $50,000

Blame Ashley (4) earned the top selection off an impressive debut win, though the even-money price limits value. Imnosurething (5) obliterated a field after adding blinkers and could make this a genuine pace duel, and I Know Nothing (2) is well positioned to capitalize if the favorites battle each other.

Race 7 — Turf Route, OClm $50,000

Timayyyy (9) is rolled back on six days' rest following a maiden win, a move this barn has converted at a strong rate. Back Nine Stakes (5) and Moon Ice (4) are the principal dangers, with After Dawn (8) the most interesting longshot on a rider change.

Race 8 — Dirt Sprint, Md $12,500

Godbless Her (3) gets a sharp class drop, switches to dirt, and benefits from added conditioning following a long absence. Blame The Track (8) is the main rival with a favorable outside post and a positive jockey switch, while Dancing Thru Fire (9) owns the best recent dirt Beyer in the field.

Race 9 — Turf Route, Clm $32,000

Zalamo (3) draws well for the first time and gets a top rider in a field loaded with early speed types. City Exile (4) shortens back to a mile with a rebound possible, and Lahaina Flavor (10) is the preferred price horse after a strong rally at 31-1 against several of these in August.

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


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