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The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated 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.
Welcome to a spectacular Sunday of racing at Santa Anita Park. The Great Race Place plays host to a nine-race card featuring two graded-quality stakes events the Clockers Corner Stakes for turf sprinters and the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes for Kentucky Oaks hopefuls. Today’s card offers a mix of surface challenges, with the turf course rail set at 20 feet, which typically favors horses with tactical speed who can save ground before tipping out in the lane. The dirt main track has been playing fair but often tilts toward early speed in sprints.
Weather and Track Conditions
In Arcadia, the forecast for Sunday, February 8, 2026 (today) predicts sunny conditions during the day and clear conditions at night, with a high temperature of 80°F, a low of 54°F, and wind at 4 mph from the west.
The dirt track will be Fast. The surface at Santa Anita has been lively recently, and with the warm temperatures, it should be tightening up, potentially increasing the advantage for front-runners.
The turf course will be Firm. The rail setting at 20 feet is significant on the downhill course and mile routes, as this setting can sometimes create a bottleneck for deep closers. Look for horses that can establish position early.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Juan Hernandez continues to be the dominant force in the colony, especially when teaming up with Bob Baffert. His ride on Explora in the Las Virgenes will be a masterclass in pace control.
Flavien Prat remains the go-to rider for turf routes and patient trips. His mount on Sumter in the Clockers Corner suggests the horse is sitting on a big effort.
Keep an eye on Antonio Fresu, who has been riding superbly for Simon Callaghan and Doug ONeill. He often finds value on mid-range shots and has a knack for saving ground on the 20-foot rail setting.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Bob Baffert sends out key contenders in the stakes races. His barn has been firing at a high percentage with young horses on the dirt.
Michael McCarthy has a strong hand in the turf races today. His entrants in the later races look well-spotted, as his horses often improve significantly in their second start off a layoff.
John Sadler’s barn is heating up. With solid contenders in the feature races, Sadler is looking to make a statement. His horses have been working sharply in the mornings.
Race 1
Key Contenders
Not A Sinner (GB) (4) is the consensus top pick among handicappers. Trained by Simon Callaghan and ridden by Antonio Fresu, this Euro import has the turn of foot that suits this course perfectly. Her form suggests she is ready to clear this condition.
A Fleet Ride (1) is the speed of the speed. Emisael Jaramillo is an aggressive gate rider, and if he can shake loose early, this filly might play a game of catch-me-if-you-can. The main question is whether she can handle the unique crossover of the hill.
Secondary Choices
Wildfire Princess (5) gets the services of Juan Hernandez. She has been consistent and fits well with this group. She will likely be stalking the pace and looking for first run at the top of the lane.
Deep Blue (8) draws the outside post, which can be advantageous on the hill to avoid traffic crossing the dirt. She returns here in a spot where she can pick up the pieces if the pace collapses.
Longshots
Irish Rose (6) adds intrigue for Neil Drysdale. While her recent form is modest, Drysdale is dangerous with turf sprinters, and she could hit the board at a price.
Race 2
Key Contenders
Voldemort (5) is the one to beat. The Baffert and Hernandez combination is lethal in these optional claimers. He has the speed to clear and the stamina to hold off challengers.
Cowboy Mike (1) breaks from the rail. He has back class and can grind out a victory if the pace is honest. Kazushi Kimura will need to hustle him to prevent getting buried on the fence.
Secondary Choices
Theodore George (2) gets Flavien Prat. This horse often puts in an honest effort but tends to hang in the stretch. Prats patient hands might be the difference maker today to get him over the hump.
Longshots
Big Bet Jafinsafa (3) is a veteran who knows this track well. While he may have lost a step, he is capable of a minor award if the top two falter.
Race 3
Key Contenders
Romantic Ride (7) has shown flashes of talent. Hernandez stays aboard for Vladimir Cerin, which is a positive sign. If he breaks clean, he can dictate terms or sit a perfect stalking trip.
Sirnami (4) has been knocking on the door. Mike Puype tweaks the equipment often to find that extra edge. Kimura is a good fit for a horse that needs a well-timed ride.
Secondary Choices
Lucky Sniper (5) goes out for Dan Blacker with Fresu up. This barn does well with turf sprinters, and the horse has been working steadily.
Whiz Kidd (12) draws the far outside. While the post is tough, it ensures a clean trip. If he has speed, he can clear, and if not, he can drop in.
Longshots
Hungover (10) for Ryan Hanson could be a sneaky play. This barn pops with first-time turf horses or young maidens at a price.
Race 4
Key Contenders
Mischief Moments (4) drops into a spot where he should be very competitive. The Gomez barn places them where they can win. He has the speed to control the race.
Tee N Off (3) is a consistent grinder. Steve Knapp does well with these claiming types. He will be right there at the finish.
Secondary Choices
Mighty Kai (1) draws the rail. If he can save ground and find a seam, he has a shot. Doug ONeills horses usually run their race at this level.
Longshots
Cupids Crusader (5) is an older veteran. He might not have the turn of foot of the younger horses, but he will be passing tired rivals late.
Race 5
Key Contenders
Phosphorescence (FR) (5) is a class act. Flavien Prat riding for McCarthy is a huge endorsement. This horse has faced tougher company and should relish this group.
Jimmy Blue Jeans (4) is a hard-knocking veteran. He will be on or near the lead. If he is allowed to walk the dog, he can steal it.
Secondary Choices
Russells Hustle (1) draws the rail and must go. Antonio Fresu will try to nurse his speed. He is dangerous if left alone.
Ah Jeez (3) is another ONeill runner who fits well here. He has a good turn of foot and should be in the mix late.
Longshots
One of These Days (IRE) (8) offers value. The European imports often improve with time in the States. Juan Hernandez taking the mount is a very interesting signal.
Race 6
Key Contenders
Blame Eve (6) looks primed for a win. Leonard Powell and Juan Hernandez team up on this filly. She draws the outside of the main group, allowing for a clean trip.
Gretas Ghost (1) drops in class or finds a softer spot. Florent Geroux is a strong rider for this level. The rail draw is the only concern if she does not break cleanly.
Secondary Choices
Makenarita (4) has speed and Kimura aboard. She will likely be sent hard. If she clears, she could be gone.
Longshots
Vronaway (2) is a steady type who could pick up a share if the pace melts down.
Race 7
Key Contenders
Speed Boat Beach (4) is a specialist at this game. Baffert has him ready. His speed figures are superior to the field. He is the one to catch and the one to beat.
Sumter (1) is the class alternative. Mandella and Prat are a formidable team. Sumter loves the turf and can stalk and pounce. If Speed Boat Beach falters, Sumter will be there.
Secondary Choices
Yellow Card (2) has been consistent. Jaramillo provides aggressive handling. He needs a career best to beat the top two.
Flyover (6) is a solid Cal-bred. He faces open company here but is honest and tries hard.
Longshots
Virat (7) is getting older but still has some kick. He would need a pace meltdown to win but could fill out the superfecta.
Race 8
Key Contenders
Explora (2) is the selection. She won the Santa Ynez impressively and has the tactical speed to control this race from the start. Baffert dominates these local preps.
Super Corredora (4) is the champion. She beat Explora in the Breeders Cup, but this is a prep race, and she might not be fully cranked. However, her class is undeniable.
Secondary Choices
Meaning (1) is a nice filly but lacks the raw brilliance of the top two. She will be running on late for a piece.
Longshots
Bank Shot (3) is simply outclassed on paper. It would be a massive upset if she won.
Race 9
Key Contenders
Wizard of Westwood (11) draws outside but has the tactical speed to clear. McCarthy has him in good form. Jaramillo is a good fit for a horse that wants to be forwardly placed.
Genius Jimmy (7) is another McCarthy runner. Juan Hernandez chooses this mount, which is a significant tell. He has a strong turn of foot.
Secondary Choices
Balladeer (4) is a dangerous front-runner. If Desormeaux can get him to relax on the lead, he can take this field wire-to-wire.
Packs a Wahlop (3) has back class. He was a graded stakes winner at two years old. If he can rediscover that form, he is a major player.
Longshots
Uncle Happy (1) gets Flavien Prat. This horse saves ground and will be coming late. At a price, he is a must-use in exotics.
Would you like me to go deeper into the pedigree analysis for any of the younger maidens running on the turf today?
