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Welcome to a fantastic Saturday of racing at the Great Race Place, Santa Anita Park, on this February 14, 2026. The winter meet is in full swing, and today we are treated to a competitive nine-race card featuring the Grade 3 San Marcos Stakes as the marquee event. We have a balanced mix of dirt sprints, middle-distance turf routes, and the always-exhilarating downhill turf sprints. The fields are deep, offering plenty of value for the discerning handicapper. The conditions favor those who can decipher the pace dynamics, particularly on the turf where early positioning will be critical.
Weather and Track Conditions
The weather forecast for Arcadia, California, today calls for cloudy skies with a high temperature of 66 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 49 degrees. Winds will be blowing out of the south at approximately 6 miles per hour. There is a slight 10 percent chance of precipitation, but we anticipate the main dirt track will remain fast and the turf courses will be firm throughout the afternoon. Given the lack of recent heavy rain, expect a typical Southern California surface profile that caters to natural speed but remains fair to closers depending on the pace scenario.
Track and Post Bias Analysis
Santa Anita has exhibited some distinct track biases during this winter meet. On the main dirt track, particularly in sprints, early speed is a massive advantage. Horses positioned on or within one length of the lead at the first call win a majority of dirt sprints. Additionally, the inside post positions, specifically gates one through three, show a strong statistical edge. In dirt routes, the inside speed advantage remains present though slightly muted compared to the sprints. On the turf, the flat sprints from the backstretch chute tend to play fairly, but early tactical speed is still beneficial. The unique downhill turf course at six and a half furlongs presents a different challenge. Here, the inside posts are historically disadvantageous due to the right-hand turn shortly after the break. Outside speed horses have a much better chance of securing good positioning without traffic trouble. For turf routes, stalkers breaking from middle posts generally offer the best return on investment.
Race 1
Post Time
12:30 PM
Pace Analysis
This opening race is a six and a half furlong turf sprint for California bred or sired maiden fillies. The pace is expected to be lively right out of the gate. Expect Troisieme Etoile and Maggles McGee to duel early, pushing the opening quarter fractions. Marla Hooch may sit just off the pace to stalk the leaders.
Key Contenders
Troisieme Etoile draws the rail and brings strong connections with Juan Hernandez riding for Doug O’Neill. She has been knocking on the door in maiden company and possesses the early foot necessary to contest the lead. If she can break cleanly and avoid getting trapped on the inside, she will be tough to catch. Maggles McGee is another major player for trainer George Papaprodromou. Ricardo Gonzalez takes the mount, and this filly has shown significant improvement in her recent morning workouts. She has the tactical speed to track Troisieme Etoile and make a decisive move at the top of the lane.
Secondary Choices
Marla Hooch, trained by Philip D’Amato, offers excellent value. D’Amato excels with turf runners at this meet, and Armando Ayuso is a capable rider who can navigate a tricky trip. She should settle into a comfortable mid-pack stalking position and unleash her late run. Conquest Sue brings Peter Eurton and Emisael Jaramillo to the table. This filly has the pedigree to handle the turf sprint and could pick up the pieces if the early leaders set unsustainably fast fractions.
Longshots
Good Golly Dolly is a fascinating longshot. Trainer Doug O’Neill enters her alongside the favorite, and Abel Lezcano will look to rate her far back early. If the pace completely collapses, she might come flying late to crash the superfecta at a huge price.
Betting Strategy and Angles
With the rail draw potentially being tricky, seeking value outside is the play. Box the top two choices in the exacta and play Maggles McGee to win if her odds float near her morning line. A small trifecta keying Maggles McGee over Troisieme Etoile, Marla Hooch, and Conquest Sue is recommended.
Selections
Win: Maggles McGee (9) – 40% confidence
Place: Troisieme Etoile (1) – 35% confidence
Show: Marla Hooch (6) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Conquest Sue (3) – 10% confidence
Race 2
Post Time
01:04 PM
Pace Analysis
This is a one-mile dirt claiming event for older fillies and mares. The pace scenario looks relatively subdued. Love Our Family is the likely pacesetter and should secure the front end without much pressure. Northern Rose and Unbridled Scholar will probably sit closely behind, stalking moderate fractions.
Key Contenders
Love Our Family stands out as the controlling speed. Steve Knapp trains and Armando Aguilar rides. In a race largely devoid of early speed, she has a significant tactical advantage. If Aguilar can dictate the tempo and get her to relax on the backstretch, she could lead them wire to wire. Northern Rose is a seasoned veteran who always tries hard. She draws the rail and will save all the ground. Her best races put her right in the mix, and she represents the most logical threat to the frontrunner.
Secondary Choices
Unbridled Scholar has solid recent form and gets Kyle Frey in the irons. She usually runs an honest race and can close from the middle of the pack. If Love Our Family falters in the deep stretch, Unbridled Scholar is the most likely to capitalize. Lady Laoban has tactical speed and could benefit from an inside-out trip. She needs to improve her speed figures to win but is a strong candidate for the lower rungs of the exotics.
Longshots
Misty Dancer is stepping up today. While her recent efforts leave something to be desired, she has a grinding style that sometimes translates well to this distance when the track is playing fair.
Betting Strategy and Angles
The pace advantage for Love Our Family makes her a strong single in early multi-race sequences. An exacta combining Love Our Family with Northern Rose and Unbridled Scholar should yield a modest but reliable return.
Selections
Win: Love Our Family (5) – 45% confidence
Place: Northern Rose (1) – 25% confidence
Show: Unbridled Scholar (6) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Lady Laoban (2) – 10% confidence
Race 3
Post Time
01:36 PM
Pace Analysis
A six-furlong turf sprint for fillies and mares under starter optional claiming conditions. This race promises a rapid early tempo. Maximun Gold and Shangrilama will likely establish position early. Corporal Violette might sit just behind the first flight, waiting for the speed duel to take its toll.
Key Contenders
Corporal Violette looks very formidable in this spot. Her late kick is well suited to this distance, and Armando Aguilar will look to time her closing run perfectly. The expected fast pace should set things up beautifully for her late charge. Shangrilama draws favorably and gets Kazushi Kimura aboard for Mark Glatt. She possesses excellent tactical speed and has shown an affinity for this turf course. She should get first run on the leaders turning for home.
Secondary Choices
Tam’s Little Angel is a hard-hitting mare who always gives a good account of herself. Mirco Demuro is an aggressive rider who will put her into the race early. She is a massive threat if the track is playing kindly to stalkers. Invincible Molly brings good turf form and fits this class level perfectly. She might need some luck navigating traffic but possesses enough turn of foot to hit the board.
Longshots
Issa Court has back class and Hector Berrios is a master at getting longshots home on the turf. If the leaders stop completely, she will be passing tired horses late.
Betting Strategy and Angles
This is a prime spot to bet Corporal Violette based on the pace setup. A win bet on her and exactas keyed over Shangrilama and Tam’s Little Angel are the primary recommendations.
Selections
Win: Corporal Violette (IRE) (8) – 40% confidence
Place: Shangrilama (IRE) (2) – 30% confidence
Show: Tam’s Little Angel (3) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Invincible Molly (GB) (5) – 10% confidence
Race 4
Post Time
02:07 PM
Pace Analysis
This allowance optional claiming event at one mile on the dirt features a very clear pace picture. Dorie Miller and Syntax are both incredibly quick from the gate and will battle for the early lead. Stay in Line also has speed but might be forced to stalk from the outside.
Key Contenders
Dorie Miller is the class of the field. Leonard Powell has this horse in excellent form, and Mirco Demuro will take no prisoners early. Her speed figures tower over this group, and if she clears the field easily, she will dominate. Stay in Line is the logical alternative. Emisael Jaramillo takes the mount for Andy Mathis. She has the tactical versatility to sit off the likely speed duel between Dorie Miller and Syntax, positioning her perfectly for a stretch drive.
Secondary Choices
Theresasilverlinin provides an off-the-pace option. Armando Ayuso rides for Steve Knapp. She has consistently hit the board at this level and will benefit immensely if the leaders cook each other on the front end. Buds N Suds is a deep closer who will be completely dependent on a pace meltdown.
Longshots
Sexy Blue is an intriguing longshot. She has not shown much recently but tries a new configuration today. She is strictly an exotic filler.
Betting Strategy and Angles
Dorie Miller is a deserving heavy favorite. However, if she gets caught in a destructive duel with Syntax, Stay in Line is the value play. Key Stay in Line and Dorie Miller in the multi-race wagers.
Selections
Win: Dorie Miller (2) – 45% confidence
Place: Stay in Line (3) – 30% confidence
Show: Theresasilverlinin (4) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Buds N Suds (1) – 10% confidence
Race 5
Post Time
02:37 PM
Pace Analysis
We head down the hill for this six and a half furlong allowance race. The downhill configuration always ensures a fast opening quarter. Expect Infinitum, Clever Clover, and Got’m Cot’m to vie for early command. Check’s On the Way will stalk from the outside.
Key Contenders
Infinitum gets Juan Hernandez and the rail. While the rail can be tricky down the hill, his pure speed might allow him to overcome it by crossing over early. If he navigates the dirt crossing smoothly, he has the stamina to hold on. Check’s On the Way is drawn perfectly on the outside. Antonio Fresu will keep him out of trouble, stalking the pace before launching a wide bid down the stretch. The post position gives him a significant tactical edge over the inside horses.
Secondary Choices
Bro Bro is a very capable runner for Doug O’Neill. Armando Ayuso will need to work out a trip from the outer half of the gate. He possesses a strong late kick and is a major danger. Stylishlyacclaimed has tactical speed and Emisael Jaramillo in the irons. He can sit in the second flight and pounce if the leaders falter.
Longshots
Billy Joe Shaver has back class and Hector Berrios. He might find the distance a bit sharp but has the closing ability to hit the bottom of the superfecta at a huge price.
Betting Strategy and Angles
The outside post advantage for Check’s On the Way makes him a very appealing wager. Play him to win and box him with Infinitum and Bro Bro in the exactas.
Selections
Win: Check’s On the Way (9) – 35% confidence
Place: Infinitum (1) – 30% confidence
Show: Bro Bro (8) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Stylishlyacclaimed (7) – 15% confidence
Race 6
Post Time
03:07 PM
Pace Analysis
This maiden claiming sprint at six furlongs on the dirt features mostly unproven types. Rocky Colavito and Cotton Mouth look to have the most early zip. One Step Beyond will track them from the outside.
Key Contenders
Rocky Colavito is trained by Philip D’Amato with Armando Ayuso riding. He showed brief speed in his debut and should move forward significantly in his second start. In a field lacking depth, his early foot makes him the horse to beat. One Step Beyond gets Kazushi Kimura and a good post. He can stalk the early leaders and has put in some encouraging morning workouts indicating readiness.
Secondary Choices
Cotton Mouth has Armando Aguilar riding for Peter Miller. He will be sent hard from the rail to establish position. If he secures the lead unchallenged, he could be dangerous. Allequin Summer has Mirco Demuro aboard and could improve with the class drop.
Longshots
I’malwaysthirsty is a massive price and would need a complete reversal of form to factor.
Betting Strategy and Angles
Rocky Colavito looks solid here. He is a great single in the middle of the late sequences. Play an exacta with One Step Beyond.
Selections
Win: Rocky Colavito (2) – 45% confidence
Place: One Step Beyond (3) – 30% confidence
Show: Cotton Mouth (1) – 15% confidence
Alternative: Allequin Summer (5) – 10% confidence
Race 7
Post Time
03:37 PM
Pace Analysis
The feature of the day is the Grade 3 San Marcos Stakes at one and a quarter miles on the downhill turf. The marathon distance requires a measured pace. Twirling Point and Truly Quality might show the most early initiative, but expect a relatively slow opening half mile as the riders conserve energy for the final drive.
Key Contenders
Gold Phoenix is a seasoned graded stakes veteran. Kazushi Kimura rides for Philip D’Amato. This gelding loves this turf course and has the class to overcome his rivals. He possesses a devastating late turn of foot that is tailor-made for this distance. Truly Quality gets Mike Smith, which is a massive upgrade in a marathon turf race. He will likely be positioned closer to the pace than Gold Phoenix and will get first run turning for home.
Secondary Choices
Stay Hot is a very dangerous runner for Peter Eurton with Juan Hernandez up. He won a stakes race here earlier in his career and has been training sharply. If the pace is incredibly slow, he has the tactical speed to capitalize. Endlessly is another class act for Michael McCarthy. Ricardo Gonzalez will have to negotiate a good trip from the inside post, but his best race puts him right there at the finish.
Longshots
Mondego offers value underneath. Emisael Jaramillo will likely settle him mid-pack. He has tactical speed and can grind out a placing at a decent price.
Betting Strategy and Angles
Gold Phoenix is the most likely winner, but Truly Quality offers excellent value. A win bet on Truly Quality and exactas boxing Gold Phoenix, Truly Quality, and Stay Hot is the recommended approach.
Selections
Win: Gold Phoenix (IRE) (9) – 40% confidence
Place: Truly Quality (4) – 30% confidence
Show: Stay Hot (7) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Endlessly (1) – 10% confidence
Race 8
Post Time
04:07 PM
Pace Analysis
A five and a half furlong dirt sprint for older maidens. The pace will be furious. Video Review, Go Trigger Cut, and Eagles Dare all possess early speed. This sets up for a stalker or closer to pick up the pieces.
Key Contenders
Video Review gets Abel Lezcano for John Sadler. He has shown blazing speed in the mornings and should translate that to the afternoon. If he clears the field, he might not be caught. Go Trigger Cut has Kazushi Kimura riding. He has the tactical advantage of an outside post and can track Video Review before making his move.
Secondary Choices
Pop Paul has Kent Desormeaux in the saddle. He will be closing late and will benefit from the expected speed duel. Wild King is another off-the-pace type who can hit the board if the leaders collapse.
Longshots
Treximo draws the far outside with Edwin Maldonado. If he can break sharply and avoid going too wide on the turn, he could surprise at a massive number.
Betting Strategy and Angles
This is a spread race in the multi-race wagers. For single-race bets, an exacta box of Video Review, Go Trigger Cut, and Pop Paul is the safest route.
Selections
Win: Video Review (9) – 35% confidence
Place: Go Trigger Cut (8) – 30% confidence
Show: Pop Paul (2) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Wild King (5) – 15% confidence
Race 9
Post Time
04:37 PM
Pace Analysis
The nightcap is a six and a half furlong turf sprint for maiden fillies and mares. Emmy Blue and Miss Kitty Boom look like the primary pace factors. Sandy Street will stalk from an inside position.
Key Contenders
Miss Kitty Boom gets the services of Juan Hernandez. She has been ultra-consistent and seems perfectly spotted here. Her tactical speed should keep her out of trouble, and Hernandez knows exactly when to push the button. Sandy Street has Mirco Demuro riding for Richard Mandella. She has high-profile connections and will be finishing strongly down the lane.
Secondary Choices
Emmy Blue will be part of the early pace scenario. If she gets an easy lead, she can hold on for a piece of the purse. Mancuso gets Kazushi Kimura and could spice up the exotics with a good late run.
Longshots
Convo has Hector Berrios aboard. This filly is lightly raced and open to improvement.
Betting Strategy and Angles
Miss Kitty Boom is a strong single to close out the sequences. Play exactas keying her over Sandy Street and Emmy Blue.
Selections
Win: Miss Kitty Boom (9) – 40% confidence
Place: Sandy Street (3) – 30% confidence
Show: Emmy Blue (5) – 20% confidence
Alternative: Mancuso (8) – 10% confidence
Jockey Notes and Insights
Juan Hernandez continues to ride at an elite level. He is the go-to rider for many top barns, particularly Doug O’Neill and Philip D’Amato. When he is aboard a turf favorite, especially on the downhill course, it is usually a sign of serious intent. Kazushi Kimura is another rider having a stellar meet. He excels at saving ground and finding late gaps on the turf. Veteran Mike Smith remains exceptionally dangerous in graded stakes routes, as his pacing and timing are unmatched. His presence on Truly Quality in the San Marcos Stakes is a major positive factor.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Philip D’Amato is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to turf racing in Southern California. His runners are almost always live, and he holds a strong hand today with Gold Phoenix in the feature. Doug O’Neill has his barn firing on all cylinders, sending out well-prepared runners in both dirt sprints and turf events. Steve Knapp is highly effective with claimers on the main track, frequently exploiting the early speed bias at this meet. When Knapp enters a horse that figures to be on the lead, they must be respected.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The most reliable sequence today appears to be the late multi-race wagers. Singling Dorie Miller in Race 4 anchors the early tickets. Utilizing the outside post advantage of Check’s On the Way in Race 5 provides immense value. Rocky Colavito is another potential single in Race 6, allowing players to spread in the San Marcos Stakes with Gold Phoenix, Truly Quality, and Stay Hot. For a strong value play, look to Check’s On the Way in the fifth race. His morning line odds should be generous, and the downhill turf bias heavily favors his outside draw and stalking running style. Another value angle is keying Corporal Violette in Race 3, anticipating a destructive speed duel that perfectly sets up her late closing kick.
