Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Santa Anita Park – Racing News and Analysis for September 26, 2026


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Pick Pony Condensed Handicapper Report — Santa Anita Park, September 26, 2026

Fast main track and firm turf expected throughout. Early races may reveal track bias; adjust live accordingly. Pick-six runs Races 5–10 with a $23,991 carryover.

Race 1 — 1 1/16 Miles, Turf, Maiden Claimer

Heroic Dose (8) is the most consistent form horse in the field and figures to stalk the pace before making a sustained late move. Going Nowhere (5) and Doing Time (7) are the logical threats, with Going Nowhere (5) controlling pace and Doing Time (7) angling out late. Monsieur Big (1) is worth including in trifectas if the pace heats up.

Race 2 — 7 Furlongs, Dirt, Claimer

B Grayson (2) towers over this field on figures and is the clear single. Piper's Causeway (4) is the main danger with tactical outside speed, and Naftis (1) can earn a share from a pocket trip on the rail. Mici's Express (3) is a fringe trifecta inclusion only if pace collapses.

Race 3 — Grade 2 City of Hope Mile, Turf

King Of Gosford (6) seeks his third consecutive stakes win at this venue and is the standout on course affinity and form. El Potente (2) and Detain (4) are both serious threats with tactical speed and strong finishing ability. Teao (1) is a major wild card as a Chilean Group 1 winner making his local debut, and Irish Aces (5) offers late-run value at a likely price.

Race 4 — 7 Furlongs, Dirt, Allowance/Optional Claimer

Liam Smith (1) is the class of the field with frontrunning speed and figures to control the race from the rail. San Saba (6) applies honest pressure and can inherit command if the leader weakens, while Clouseau (4) is the ideal stalker to pick up pieces late. Duke Silver (3) and Captain Shreve (5) are superfecta fillers only.

Race 5 — Grade 2 Eddie D, Hillside Turf, ~6.5 Furlongs

Sorrento Sky (6) is the top pick in a complex pace scenario, with tactical speed and a trainer-rider combination that excels in this format. Pure Madness (7) and First Peace (8) are both legitimate win threats, while Freedom's Not Free (3) adds barn depth as a co-danger. Virat (9) and Later Than Planned (2) are worth including at the bottom of trifectas given hillside unpredictability.

Race 6 — 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Statebred MSW, 2-Year-Old Fillies

Not So Merry Mary (3) is the logical favorite with strong connections and tactical options from a favorable post. Savvy Tiger (9) gets a clean outside trip and benefits from a powerful barn, while Sauced Up (1) and Ember Royale (2) add pace-factor coverage. Sir Star (6) and Stay My Girl (8) are longshot superfecta fillers in what is inherently a volatile juvenile race.

Race 7 — Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship, 1 1/4 Miles, Turf

Atitlan (7) is the morning-line favorite with a classic turf-stayer profile and a rider who excels at timing late moves. Mondego (1) gets an ideal ground-saving rail trip and is the main threat, with Atomic Age (3) also dangerous if pace stays moderate. Twirling Point (8) and Nitti (5) are grinding closers worth including at the bottom of trifectas if Balladeer (4) goes too fast up front.

Race 8 — Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes, 1 1/8 Miles, Dirt

Nevada Beach (9) is the lone Grade 1 winner in the field, defends his title, and is the most likely single on the entire card. Original Sin (4) is the primary danger if he breaks more alertly than in his latest, and Caldera (8) is a top-three threat with tactical grit from the Joseph Jr. barn. Taif (1) and Mr. A. P. (6) are live exacta and trifecta inclusions, while Midnight Mammoth (5) is a deep-ticket longshot only.

Race 9 — Grade 3 John C. Harris Stakes, Hillside Turf, ~6.5 Furlongs, 3-Year-Old Fillies

Little Opal (10) is the top pick, with an outside draw that suits the hillside course and a pace-pressing style that fits the setup. Yours Sincerely (4) is the morning-line favorite and a dangerous stalker with strong course-appropriate connections, while Mo' Em Down (1) is the pace anchor worth keying in trifectas. Brave Deb (3) and Day To Day (8) are solid secondary inclusions, with SURFIN' U.S.A. (6) worth a look at a price.

Race 10 — 6 Furlongs, Turf, Statebred MSW, Fillies

Zuzu's Classic Gal (3) is the morning-line favorite with strong connections and a forward-running style suited to this configuration. Acclaim Perfection (10) is a serious alternative from the outside, and Allied Fleet (4) sits just off the pace before making a measured late run. Godbless Her (8) and Stella Blue Moon (9) are pace-factor extras, while Supreme Wind (11), Sissel (12), and Training Good (13) are deep superfecta fillers in a wide-open field.

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


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