Get more in-depth analysis, expert picks, handicapper reports, AI picks, handicapping tools, in-article data tooltips, NO ADVERTISEMENTS, and other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!
Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!
The Pick Pony Handicapper’s Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.
Los Alamitos Thoroughbred presents an eight-race card on Friday, December 12, 2025, featuring competitive action across claiming, allowance optional claiming, and maiden races. The card includes strong California-bred conditions with purses ranging from $13,000 to $46,000. First post time is scheduled for 12:30 PM Pacific (2:30 PM Central). The program highlights young horses in developmental stages alongside veterans competing at various claiming levels. The scratch watch notes several veterinarian and steward scratches from recent running, including Sounds Lucky as an also-eligible in Race 3, Typhoon Tommy in Race 4, Circle of Fire in Race 6, and both Coiffeur and Sei Bella in Race 8.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather conditions for December 12 at Los Alamitos are expected to be favorable with partly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching a high of approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit with an overnight low near 51 degrees. These ideal Southern California racing conditions should produce a fast dirt surface throughout the card. Clear weather with no precipitation forecasted ensures consistent racing conditions, particularly beneficial for sprint races that dominate the program. The stable weather pattern throughout the fall and early winter meet has produced fast racing surfaces with minimal wind conditions.
Los Alamitos dirt track typically plays fair with minimal bias, though speed horses demonstrate slight advantages in sprint races under six furlongs. The track configuration tends to favor tactical speed and horses securing good early position. In races around one turn, inside post positions offer distinct advantages for ground-saving trips, while outside posts provide tactical flexibility. Post position statistics from the current meet show relatively balanced distributions, though inside posts 1-3 provide advantages in sprint races by allowing horses to save ground. The straightforward configuration rewards horses with tactical speed who can control their own destiny while maintaining position.
Race 1: Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 12:30 PM
Six furlongs on dirt for California-bred or California-sired two-year-olds. Purse $46,000. Seven runners with weight of 122 pounds except Call Me Susie carrying 119 pounds. Claiming price $20,000.
Pace Analysis
This juvenile sprint should produce honest early fractions with multiple horses possessing forward tactical speed. Thirsty Rebel and Saul Elliott figure as likely pacesetters, with Wave With Envy showing tactical versatility to sit just off the lead. The six-furlong distance leaves minimal margin for error, making the break and early positioning critical factors. The competitive allowance optional claiming level produces quality California-bred stock capable of securing favorable positions.
Key Contenders
Thirsty Rebel enters as the 8-5 morning line favorite for two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Doug O’Neill with Abel Lezcano aboard. The two-year-old colt by Into Mischief brings strong pedigree and connections to this spot. O’Neill operates a quality stable particularly effective with young California-bred stock, and the trainer’s patience in development typically produces sharp performances when ready. Lezcano provides tactical skills and has been riding consistently throughout the meet.
Saul Elliott represents the powerhouse Peter Miller barn with Ricardo Gonzalez riding. This two-year-old colt by Listing won his debut impressively by 2¼ lengths at Santa Anita in May as the first starter for California-based sire Listing. The colt showed tactical speed in his debut and has trained consistently for Miller, who operates at elite percentages at Los Alamitos. Miller’s 24.76% win rate at Los Alamitos demonstrates his proficiency at this venue. The combination of proven winning form and top connections makes him a formidable contender.
Wave With Envy draws the rail for trainer Jorge Periban with Armando Ayuso aboard. The two-year-old gelding won impressively last time out at Del Mar on November 28, rallying from third to win going away over Chief Resident. The recent victory demonstrates improving form and versatility in running style. Ayuso ranks among the leading riders at the meet with strong statistics and has winning chemistry with this gelding.
Secondary Choices
Arkadelphia adds depth for trainer Luis Mendez with Edwin Maldonado riding. The two-year-old gelding brings breeding potential and represents connections capable of competing at this level. Any horse with competitive works and solid morning training can factor in developmental two-year-old races where improvement often comes rapidly.
Chase N Ryan enters for trainer Steve Knapp with Kazushi Kimura aboard. Knapp demonstrated solid training ability throughout the meet, hitting training triples and showing consistent placement. Kimura won the leading jockey title at the previous Los Alamitos meet and brings tactical expertise.
Betting Strategy
Thirsty Rebel merits serious consideration as the morning line favorite given O’Neill’s expertise with young stock and the Into Mischief breeding. However, the price may be short given public perception of the connections. Wave With Envy offers value coming off his impressive Del Mar victory and drawing the favorable rail post. Saul Elliott represents the strongest win-early profile with Miller’s training and proven winning form.
Consider exacta boxes using Thirsty Rebel, Saul Elliott, and Wave With Envy to capture the likely top finishers. Trifecta plays keying the top three over Arkadelphia and Chase N Ryan provide additional value angles. In horizontal play, key Thirsty Rebel or Saul Elliott in the early pick sequences.
Selections
Win: Saul Elliott
Place: Thirsty Rebel
Show: Wave With Envy
Race 2: Claiming
Post Time: 1:00 PM
Five and one-half furlongs on dirt for fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won two races. Purse $13,000. Eight runners. Claiming price $6,250.
Pace Analysis
This fillies and mares claiming sprint features competitive early fractions with multiple horses possessing forward tactical speed. Wild Cat Danzing and Angi’s Tipsy figure as likely pacesetters or stalkers, with the pace developing sustainably but competitively. The 5.5-furlong distance favors horses with natural early speed who can secure good position without expending excessive energy.
Key Contenders
Wild Cat Danzing makes her second start off the bench for trainer Brendan Galvin with Kazushi Kimura aboard. The three-year-old filly by Danzing Candy was a maiden special weight winner over this Los Alamitos layout three back. She encountered a troubled trip finishing eighth on November 9 and projects to improve significantly with the class relief to $6,250 claiming level. The sophomore daughter of quality sire Danzing Candy brings breeding and proven winning ability to this spot. Kimura’s tactical expertise and leading rider credentials enhance the appeal.
Mia Mac has demonstrated consistency in recent starts when facing better competition. The three-year-old filly shows a sharp five-furlong bullet drill in 59.3 seconds over this course on November 29, indicating sharp current form. The combination of solid recent races and sharp workouts suggests readiness for a forward move.
Angi’s Tipsy drops from $10,000 non-winners of two lifetime claimers to this $6,250 level for trainer Steve Sherman. The three-year-old filly draws the favorable outside post eight and projects to secure an ideal pressing trip behind the early leaders. Sherman’s placement and the significant class drop suggest connections believe this represents a winnable spot.
Secondary Choices
Walk’n the Beach enters for trainer Bill McLean with Kyle Frey riding. Any horse with recent competitive races at this claiming level can factor if the pace scenario develops favorably. Frey provides competent handling and tactical awareness.
Devine Marina represents trainer Craig Anthony Lewis with Diego Herrera aboard. The class relief and distance preferences may align with this filly’s running style if properly prepared.
Betting Strategy
Wild Cat Danzing represents the strongest combination of class relief, proven winning ability, and top jockey. The troubled trip last out provides legitimate excuse, and the return to Los Alamitos where she won previously enhances confidence. At projected odds of 5/2, she offers fair value given the competitive nature of bottom-level claiming.
Consider exacta boxes using Wild Cat Danzing, Mia Mac, and Angi’s Tipsy. Trifecta plays keying Wild Cat Danzing on top over the field provide coverage if the favorite wins. In multi-race wagers, single Wild Cat Danzing or include the top three selections.
Selections
Win: Wild Cat Danzing
Place: Mia Mac
Show: Angi’s Tipsy
Race 3: Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 1:28 PM
Six and one-half furlongs on dirt for maiden fillies two years old. Purse $45,000. Eight runners with weight of 122 pounds.
Pace Analysis
This juvenile maiden special weight sprint features an unpredictable pace scenario given inexperience levels. Multiple first-time starters bring unknown capabilities, making workout patterns and breeding backgrounds critical handicapping factors. The increased distance from typical sprint conditions favors horses with stamina and late tactical ability. Quality connections throughout the field suggest competitive fractions with several horses possessing tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Toaster enters for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert with Juan Hernandez riding. The two-year-old filly brings outstanding pedigree and connections capable of winning at this level. Baffert’s expertise with maiden two-year-old fillies ranks among the best in the nation, and his patience in development typically produces sharp debuts when ready. Hernandez provides tactical excellence and championship-caliber riding. The combination represents the strongest maiden special weight profile.
Sounds Lucky also runs for Baffert with Kazushi Kimura aboard. The two-year-old filly serves as an also-eligible entry, indicating barn depth and quality. Having two Baffert runners demonstrates the trainer’s confidence in having live chances. Kimura’s leading rider credentials and tactical awareness make any mount dangerous. Sounds Lucky’s status as also-eligible suggests she ran well enough previously to warrant another opportunity.
Caves enters for trainer Philip D’Amato with Abel Lezcano riding. D’Amato operates one of Southern California’s premier stables and recently clinched the Santa Anita autumn season trainers title. His expertise with maiden fillies and strategic placement provide confidence. Lezcano’s tactical skills complement D’Amato’s training approach. The filly represents Little Red Feather Racing, a well-regarded syndicate.
Secondary Choices
Getting Closer runs for trainer Simon Callaghan with Armando Ayuso aboard. Callaghan operates a quality stable with $722,346 in earnings for 2025 and maintains a 12% win rate. The British-trained conditioner brings European training methods that often produce patient development and sharp performances.
Velvet Dream enters for trainer George Lopez with Armando Aguilar riding. The connections and breeding suggest potential, though first-time starters always carry uncertainty regarding racing aptitude.
Betting Strategy
Toaster represents the strongest profile combining Baffert’s Hall of Fame training, Hernandez’s championship riding, and quality breeding. The morning line favorite status reflects appropriate recognition of these advantages. However, maiden special weights often produce upsets, particularly with multiple first-time starters.
Caves offers the most appealing alternative given D’Amato’s current hot form and elite stable operation. The combination provides confidence without backing the heavy favorite. Consider exacta boxes using Toaster and Caves, adding Sounds Lucky if she draws into the race. Trifecta plays keying the Baffert entries and Caves over Getting Closer and Velvet Dream provide coverage.
Selections
Win: Toaster
Place: Caves
Show: Sounds Lucky
Race 4: Claiming
Post Time: 1:59 PM
One mile on dirt for three-year-olds and upward which have never won two races. Purse $21,000. Eight runners. Claiming price $12,500. Non-winners of a race at a mile or over since October 12 allowed 2 pounds.
Pace Analysis
This mile claiming race should develop into a moderate pace with limited early speed. The one-mile distance around two turns reduces emphasis on pure speed and increases importance of stamina and late tactical ability. With several horses making route debuts, the pace scenario remains uncertain but likely honest without being overly contested.
Key Contenders
Spun Not Stirred enters for trainer Peter Eurton with Tiago Pereira riding. The three-year-old gelding receives a two-pound weight allowance and represents quality connections. Eurton operates a successful stable particularly effective with developing horses stretching out in distance. Pereira brings tactical versatility and championship-caliber riding. The combination of youth, developing ability, and top connections creates appeal.
Nobel Gary brings experience for trainer Ruben Gomez with Geovanni Franco aboard. The five-year-old horse carries extensive racing experience and has competed successfully at this claiming level previously. Veterans with proven route ability often outperform less experienced rivals when the pace scenario develops favorably.
Typhoon Tommy draws attention despite recent stewards scratch. The three-year-old gelding for trainer Brian Koriner brings youth and developing potential. The weight allowance of two pounds for non-winners at a mile provides tactical advantage. Any return from scratch warrants evaluation of reasons and current condition.
Secondary Choices
McGregor Lake enters for Doug O’Neill with Edwin Maldonado riding. O’Neill’s success at Los Alamitos and strategic placement suggest confidence. The five-year-old gelding brings route experience and tactical versatility.
Drum Bunny represents trainer Samuel Calvario with Abel Lezcano aboard. Any horse with recent competitive races at route distances deserves consideration when properly placed.
Betting Strategy
Spun Not Stirred offers the strongest combination of developing ability, top connections, and weight allowance. The three-year-old competing against older rivals brings youth and potential improvement. Eurton’s patient approach with developing horses typically produces sharp performances when stretched out.
Consider exacta boxes using Spun Not Stirred, Nobel Gary, and McGregor Lake. Trifecta plays keying Spun Not Stirred on top over the field provide coverage. In multi-race wagers, key Spun Not Stirred or include the top three selections.
Selections
Win: Spun Not Stirred
Place: Nobel Gary
Show: McGregor Lake
Race 5: Claiming
Post Time: 2:30 PM
Five and one-half furlongs on dirt for fillies and mares three years old and upward. Purse $15,000. Twelve runners. Claiming price $6,250.
Pace Analysis
This large claiming sprint field for fillies and mares should produce competitive early fractions with multiple speed horses. The 5.5-furlong distance demands pure speed from the gate, with early position proving critical. The pace favors horses breaking alertly and securing favorable position immediately. With twelve runners, traffic management and post position become significant factors.
Key Contenders
Miracle Ball enters for trainer Jesus Mendoza with Edgar Payeras aboard. The four-year-old filly makes her first start off the claim and sports the field’s best last-out Beyer figure of 69. A winner of four of six career tries, the speedy mare projects as a solid gate-to-wire repeat candidate. Her consistent winning form and class makes her the horse to beat.
A Rousing Babe represents the powerful Peter Miller barn with Ricardo Gonzalez riding. The five-year-old mare brings proven ability and Miller’s elite training. The combination of quality connections and competitive recent races creates confidence. Miller’s 24.76% win rate at Los Alamitos demonstrates his venue proficiency.
Shes Just Fluffy has been equally effective on both the evening program and the afternoon layout for trainer Francisco Rodriguez. The five-year-old mare drops back down to the $6,250 claiming level after back-to-back runner-up finishes. She has finished first or second in her last four starts, demonstrating remarkable consistency.
Secondary Choices
Mo Town Gal enters for trainer Bill McLean with Kazushi Kimura aboard. Any horse with Kimura riding deserves respect given his leading rider credentials and tactical expertise.
Rock N Roll Song is a ten-time winner who won at this class and distance three back. The six-year-old mare figures for a favorable pressing journey and has traded punches with Shes Just Fluffy in recent starts.
Betting Strategy
This large field creates betting opportunities through various exotic wagers. Miracle Ball represents solid value coming off the claim with strong recent form and best Beyer figure. The speed-favoring track profile enhances her gate-to-wire style.
Consider exacta boxes using Miracle Ball, A Rousing Babe, and Shes Just Fluffy. The large field warrants trifecta plays keying the top three over Mo Town Gal, Rock N Roll Song, and Outrageous. Superfecta wheels keying Miracle Ball on top provide lottery-style payoffs if the favorite wins.
Selections
Win: Miracle Ball
Place: A Rousing Babe
Show: Shes Just Fluffy
Race 6: Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 3:00 PM
One mile on dirt for California-bred or California-sired maiden fillies and mares three years old and upward. Purse $15,000. Eleven runners. Claiming price $12,500.
Pace Analysis
This maiden claiming route should develop into a moderate pace with limited early speed. The one-mile distance around two turns reduces emphasis on pure speed. With eleven runners featuring mostly inexperienced maidens, the pace scenario remains uncertain. Route racing rewards stamina and tactical positioning over pure speed.
Key Contenders
Big A’s Little One shifts from turf to dirt on a sizable class plunge from $50,000 maiden claimers down to the $12,500 level for trainer Andy Mathis. The three-year-old filly faced several of these rivals in her most recent try over the Del Mar lawn on November 14. The significant class drop combined with surface switch suggests connections have identified a winnable spot. Mathis operates a competent stable with strategic placement.
Expressive Love enters for trainer Antonio Garcia with Armando Ayuso riding. The three-year-old filly has been racing consistently throughout 2025 at various claiming levels. Garcia operates a stable capable of winning at this level, and Ayuso provides championship-caliber riding. The combination of experience and top jockey creates appeal.
Only After Midnite represents Philip D’Amato with Edgar Payeras aboard. D’Amato’s elite stable operation and recent success at the meet provide confidence. The three-year-old filly brings quality connections and patient development approach that often produces breakthroughs in maiden claiming company.
Secondary Choices
Eldis enters for trainer Leonard Powell with Kazushi Kimura riding. The combination of Powell’s training and Kimura’s leading rider status warrants attention. Any horse with quality connections and recent competitive races can factor.
Vronaway represents trainer D. Wayne Baker with Abel Lezcano aboard. Baker brings experience and strategic placement to this competitive maiden claiming route.
Betting Strategy
Big A’s Little One offers the most appealing value proposition given the significant class drop and surface switch. The connections clearly believe this represents a winnable spot after facing tougher competition on turf. The combination creates confidence for upset potential.
Consider exacta boxes using Big A’s Little One, Expressive Love, and Only After Midnite. Trifecta plays keying Big A’s Little One on top over the field provide coverage if the class dropper wins. The large field warrants wider coverage in multi-leg exotic wagers.
Selections
Win: Big A’s Little One
Place: Expressive Love
Show: Only After Midnite
Race 7: Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 3:30 PM
Five and one-half furlongs on dirt for California-bred or California-sired maiden fillies two years old. Purse $30,000. Eleven runners with one scratch (California Cat). Claiming price $50,000.
Pace Analysis
This juvenile maiden claiming sprint features an eleven-horse field of two-year-old fillies. The pace scenario remains unpredictable given inexperience levels. Multiple first-time starters bring unknown capabilities, making breeding backgrounds and workout patterns essential handicapping factors. The higher $50,000 claiming price suggests quality California-bred stock.
Key Contenders
Shady Stripes enters for trainer Jeff Bonde with Welfin Orantes riding. The two-year-old filly brings quality breeding and connections capable of winning at this level. Bonde operates a successful stable particularly effective with California-bred stock. The morning line suggests moderate public support based on breeding and training.
Tammy Baby also represents Jeff Bonde with Kyle Frey aboard. Having two Bonde runners demonstrates the trainer’s depth and confidence. Frey provides competent riding and tactical awareness. The dual entry suggests barn strength in this division.
Violets Song enters for the powerful Peter Miller barn with Ricardo Gonzalez riding. Miller’s elite training operation and 24.76% win rate at Los Alamitos create immediate confidence. Gonzalez ranks among the leading riders and brings championship-caliber ability. The combination represents the strongest maiden claiming profile based solely on connections.
Secondary Choices
Good Golly Dolly runs for Doug O’Neill with Abel Lezcano aboard. O’Neill’s Kentucky Derby winning credentials and expertise with young stock warrant respect. Any O’Neill runner deserves consideration regardless of odds.
Dakota’s Shadow enters for trainer Jeff Mullins with Hector Berrios riding. The connections suggest competent handling and strategic placement.
Betting Strategy
Violets Song offers the strongest profile combining Miller’s elite training, Gonzalez’s championship riding, and proven stable success at Los Alamitos. The higher $50,000 claiming price suggests quality stock, and Miller excels at identifying spots for his California-bred runners.
Consider exacta boxes using Violets Song, Shady Stripes, and Tammy Baby. Trifecta plays keying Violets Song on top over the Bonde entries and Good Golly Dolly provide coverage. The large field of inexperienced fillies creates opportunity for upsets, warranting wider coverage in exotic wagers.
Selections
Win: Violets Song
Place: Shady Stripes
Show: Tammy Baby
Race 8: Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 4:00 PM
Six and one-half furlongs on dirt for California-bred or California-sired fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won $21,000 once other than maiden, claiming, or starter, or which have never won two races. Purse $46,000. Eleven runners. Claiming price $20,000.
Pace Analysis
This allowance optional claiming sprint represents the feature race with the highest purse value. The field includes horses from several top Southern California trainers, which should produce a competitive pace scenario. The 6.5-furlong distance creates a unique challenge where horses need both speed and stamina to prevail.
Key Contenders
Stop Digging enters for trainer Simon Callaghan with Juan Hernandez riding. The four-year-old filly brings quality connections and proven ability. Callaghan operates an elite stable with $722,346 in earnings for 2025 and maintains strong win percentages. Hernandez provides championship-caliber riding and tactical excellence. The combination represents the strongest allowance optional claiming profile.
In the Air Tonight represents trainer Steve Knapp with Tiago Pereira aboard. Knapp demonstrated solid training ability throughout the meet with multiple training triples. The three-year-old filly receives a two-pound weight allowance and benefits from youth competing against older rivals. Pereira brings tactical versatility and championship-caliber riding.
Buds N Suds enters for Steve Knapp with Armando Ayuso riding. Having two Knapp runners demonstrates the trainer’s depth and confidence in this competitive allowance feature. Ayuso ranks among the leading riders and brings strong tactical ability. The dual entry suggests barn strength and multiple winning chances.
Secondary Choices
Goodnight Nellie represents trainer Andy Mathis with Diego Herrera aboard. Any horse from competent connections with recent competitive races deserves consideration in allowance optional claiming company.
Thirsty Trickster enters for trainer Jeff Mullins with Hector Berrios riding. The three-year-old filly receives a weight allowance and represents connections capable of competing at this level.
Betting Strategy
Stop Digging offers the strongest combination of elite training, championship riding, and proven allowance ability. Callaghan’s current form and Hernandez’s tactical excellence create confidence for the feature race. The projected morning line favorite status reflects appropriate recognition of these advantages.
Consider exacta boxes using Stop Digging, In the Air Tonight, and Buds N Suds. Trifecta plays keying Stop Digging on top over the Knapp entries and secondary choices provide coverage. This competitive allowance feature warrants multi-race wager emphasis given the quality connections throughout the field.
Selections
Win: Stop Digging
Place: In the Air Tonight
Show: Buds N Suds
Jockey Notes and Insights
Armando Ayuso ranks among the leading riders at Los Alamitos with $4,958,891 in 2025 earnings. The veteran jockey demonstrates strong tactical skills and consistency across all race types. His mounts in Race 1 (Wave With Envy), Race 6 (Expressive Love), and Race 8 (Buds N Suds) warrant attention based on his current form and winning percentage.
Kazushi Kimura won the leading jockey title at the previous Los Alamitos meet and continues riding with championship-caliber consistency. His tactical expertise and ability to navigate traffic in large fields make any mount dangerous. Key rides include Race 2 (Wild Cat Danzing), Race 3 (Sounds Lucky if she draws in), Race 5 (Mo Town Gal), and Race 6 (Eldis). Kimura’s 1,000th career win at Los Alamitos demonstrates his venue mastery.
Abel Lezcano provides championship-caliber riding throughout the card with mounts in multiple races. His tactical versatility and ability to execute various trip scenarios make him effective on different running styles. Key rides include Race 1 (Thirsty Rebel), Race 3 (Caves), Race 4 (Drum Bunny), and Race 6 (Vronaway).
Ricardo Gonzalez partners with elite trainer Peter Miller multiple times on the card. The jockey-trainer combination operates at high percentages and demonstrates consistent winning chemistry. Key Miller mounts include Race 1 (Saul Elliott), Race 5 (A Rousing Babe), and Race 7 (Violets Song).
Juan Hernandez brings five-time defending Del Mar championship credentials and operates at elite levels despite competitive jockey colony. His knowledge of Southern California racing exceeds most active riders. Key mounts include Race 3 (Toaster) and Race 8 (Stop Digging), both representing potential feature race winners.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Peter Miller operates the most consistent stable at Los Alamitos with a 24.76% win rate at the venue. His strategic placement and patient development produce sharp performances when horses are properly positioned. Miller runners warrant automatic consideration regardless of odds. Key runners include Race 1 (Saul Elliott), Race 5 (A Rousing Babe), and Race 7 (Violets Song).
Doug O’Neill brings two-time Kentucky Derby winning credentials and operates an elite stable particularly effective with young stock. His expertise with California-bred runners and strategic placement create confidence. Key runners include Race 1 (Thirsty Rebel), Race 4 (McGregor Lake), and Race 7 (Good Golly Dolly).
Bob Baffert ranks among the greatest trainers in thoroughbred racing history with Hall of Fame credentials. His expertise with maiden two-year-old fillies and patient development typically produce sharp debuts when ready. Key runners include Race 3 (Toaster and Sounds Lucky if she draws in), representing the strongest maiden special weight profiles.
Philip D’Amato recently clinched the Santa Anita autumn season trainers title and operates one of Southern California’s premier stables. His $722,346 in 2025 earnings demonstrates consistent success. D’Amato excels with maiden fillies and strategic placement. Key runners include Race 3 (Caves) and Race 6 (Only After Midnite).
Simon Callaghan operates a quality stable with strong win percentages and British-trained expertise. His patient development approach and strategic placement produce sharp performances. Key runner Stop Digging in Race 8 represents the feature race favorite.
Steve Knapp demonstrated consistent success throughout the meet with multiple training triples. His ability to win multiple races on single cards demonstrates depth and quality stable operation. Key runners include Race 8 (In the Air Tonight and Buds N Suds), representing the trainer’s dual entry strength.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The card presents multiple betting opportunities across various race types. Early races feature developmental two-year-olds where upsets occur frequently. Late races showcase competitive allowance and claiming action with established form lines.
For conservative players, focus on single-race exotic wagers in races with clear contenders and quality connections. Race 1 offers exacta value using Saul Elliott, Thirsty Rebel, and Wave With Envy. Race 3 provides maiden special weight action where Toaster and Caves represent the strongest profiles.
For aggressive players, the large claiming fields in Races 2, 5, 6, and 7 create opportunities for trifecta and superfecta payoffs. The twelve-horse field in Race 5 particularly warrants wider coverage given the competitive nature and multiple speed horses.
Multi-race wagers should emphasize Pick 3 and Pick 4 sequences. A Pick 3 beginning in Race 6 covers the maiden claiming route, juvenile maiden claiming sprint, and allowance optional claiming feature. This sequence combines diverse race types with quality connections throughout.
The Pick 4 beginning in Race 5 covers the large claiming sprint field, maiden claiming route, juvenile maiden claiming sprint, and feature allowance. This challenging sequence rewards handicappers who identify value plays in the maiden races.
Daily Double opportunities exist throughout the card. The Race 7-8 Daily Double combines the juvenile maiden claiming sprint with the allowance optional claiming feature, both showcasing quality connections and competitive fields.
Value plays exist primarily in maiden races where inexperienced horses face uncertainty. Race 3 offers Caves as an alternative to Baffert’s heavily bet favorites. Race 6 presents Big A’s Little One as a significant class dropper with upset potential. Race 7 features multiple first-time starters where breeding and connections provide the primary handicapping factors.
Claiming races with large fields create superfecta opportunities. Race 5’s twelve-horse field particularly warrants coverage given the competitive nature and speed-favoring track profile. Keying top contenders Miracle Ball, A Rousing Babe, and Shes Just Fluffy in various superfecta combinations provides coverage while managing investment.
The feature Race 8 allowance optional claiming event deserves emphasis in all multi-race wagers. Stop Digging represents the strongest profile combining Callaghan’s elite training and Hernandez’s championship riding. However, competitive fields warrant exacta and trifecta coverage using the Knapp entries In the Air Tonight and Buds N Suds.
Conservative bettors should emphasize win betting on horses with the strongest trainer-jockey combinations. Peter Miller runners, Doug O’Neill entries, and Bob Baffert maidens represent automatic win bet consideration regardless of odds. These connections produce consistent results and warrant confidence even at short prices.
Aggressive bettors should target upset possibilities in maiden races and large claiming fields. The developmental nature of two-year-olds creates opportunities when inexperienced favorites fail to fire. Maiden claiming routes often produce surprises when class droppers or surface switchers find their optimal conditions.
