Pick Pony Track Condition Report — Santa Anita Park, May 23, 2026

Track Surface & Bias

With fine weather and a firm profile expected, Santa Anita's dirt (D) typically plays fair to mildly speed-favoring, especially at middle routes around 1 1/16 miles. Inside-to-mid posts are usually an advantage, with tactical speed and pressers sitting just off the pace often getting the best of it if fractions are honest. On the turf (T), a firm course tends to reward horses with a strong turn of foot who can sit mid-pack and save ground; inside draws are preferred at most routes, while sprints can tilt slightly toward pace-pressers drawn in the first half of the gate.

Handicapper’s Edge

Given a likely firm, fast setup, upgrade horses with tactical speed and proven early position rather than deep closers who rely on pace meltdowns. On turf, lean toward runners with prior success on firm ground and the ability to secure inside trips, especially those who finish strongly rather than need loose leads.