Santa Anita Racetrack — Saturday, October 18, 2025 — Horse Racing Picks

RACE 1

Santa Anita, race 1, 8 furlongs, turf (firm; rail at 10 feet), $50k allowance optional claimer 3 yo and up.

PP HORSE; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

3 Prince Of Del Mar; D Cohen up; A Mathis trainer; 3-1 M/L; 70.6; 118—68; 28%.
1 Night Out; A Fresu up; P D’Amato trainer; 3-2 M/L; 78.2; 56—104; 26%.
6 Blamethegoodtimes; H Berrios up; R Baltas trainer; 6-1 M/L; 77.4; 49—102; 16%.
8 American Glory; D Herrera up; L Powell trainer; 10-1 M/L; 67.2; 81—85; 10%.
2 Call Me Sir; U Rispoli up; M Glatt trainer; 6-1 M/L; 61.4; 76—85; 8%.
5 Comininalittlehot; K Kimura up; T Yakteen trainer; 12-1 M/L; 67.4; 69—80; 6%.
4 Prince Dolce; R Gonzalez up; C Gaines trainer; 20-1 M/L; 64.2; 63—92; 4%.
7 Volatile Storm; J Hernandez up; L Robson trainer; 8-1 M/L; 61.6; 66—86; 2%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: The class drop from N1X to N2L starter is significant, which is one reason 1 NIGHT OUT is the choice in this turf mile. Third by a length last out in an entry-level allowance at a mile and three-eighths, NIGHT OUT drops in class, shortens in a distance, and gets the call to mow them down despite a tepid pace scenario. 6 BLAMETHEGOODTIMES ran better than the line looks last out; he finished fifth in a slow-paced race that did not set up for his late kick. He ran his final five-sixteenths in a quick :28.91, but the front-runners did not stop. Although that could happen again this race, the likely pacesetter is no guarantee to stay the mile trip. That is front-runner 3 PRINCE OF DEL MAR, in the money both recent starts vs. Cal-breds while squandering the lead in deep stretch both times. He could be loose on the lead, but it is uncertain if he really wants to run this far.

PACE/SHAPE: This should be a “speed controls, closers chase” mile. Prince Of Del Mar owns the clear top TimeformUS early pace figure in the field (118), projecting him to clear and try to ration it up front; his two most recent Del Mar miles show him making the lead at every call before getting collared late (Aug 2 and Aug 30), which is a reliable blueprint for how he’ll ride this course and trip again today with the rail at 10 feet. American Glory is the only other runner with genuinely above-average early gas here (TFUS early 81), while the rest sit in the 76–49 band—Call Me Sir 76, Comininalittlehot 69, Volatile Storm 66, Prince Dolce 63, Night Out 56, Blamethegoodtimes 49—suggesting limited pace pressure on the 3 once he clears. That dynamic tilts the flow toward a moderate, controlled tempo that forces the best late kicks to sprint for second. Note that the best closers by the numbers are Night Out (TFUS late 104) and Blamethegoodtimes (TFUS late 102), and their running lines repeatedly show mid-pack-to-late first calls with stretch rallies, but without multiple true speeds to soften the leader they’ll likely need help to get all the way there.

MY PICK: Prince Of Del Mar is the most likely winner because he couples the field’s best gate speed with proven mile pace stamina and a fitness pattern that fits today. He’s the only runner with a triple-digit-plus TFUS early (118), and his last two mile tries show him clearing, controlling, and still leading at the eighth pole before getting caught—second on Aug 2 after 1-1-1-1 calls, and third on Aug 30 after 1-1-1-1 calls—which is exactly the trip the projected pace map affords him again here. He’s also kept his edge with a sharp Oct 5 Santa Anita move, 4f in 47 flat (3/84), the kind of intentful blowout you want to see from a front-running type stretching speed to a mile. The main threats on paper come from late-kickers like Night Out, who brings the best late figure in the field (TFUS late 104) and an 86 last-out Beyer above the 80 par, but his typical mid/back placements make him pace-dependent. Meanwhile, the most plausible pace foil, American Glory, offers early 81 but has yet to crack the code locally (Santa Anita ledger 9-0-1-1), making him more likely to press and flatten than to finish the job. With modest pressure expected, the 3’s inside speed profile and recent mile-and-trip evidence make him the most logical to wire or fall into a rationed gate-to-wire/pace-control win.

RACE 2

Santa Anita, race 2, 6, dirt (fast), maiden special weight (Cal-bred or Cal-sired) fillies and mares 3–5 yo

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

3 Timekeeper’s Charm; 3-F; A Fresu up; S Knapp trainer; 3-2 M/L; 60.4; 93—47; 30%.
1 Green Zone; 3-F; K Kimura up; D Pederson trainer; 9-2 M/L; N/A; N/A; 22%.
5 Sexy Blue; 3-F; H Berrios up; A Vega trainer; 4-1 M/L; 55.0; 96—41; 20%.
7 Bebop Lady; 3-F; J Hernandez up; P Eurton trainer; 2-1 M/L; N/A; N/A; 13%.
6 Joyful Mischief; 3-F; L Camcho-Flores up; M McDonald trainer; 20-1 M/L; 54.6; 48—82; 7%.
2 My Sister Lilly; 3-F; T Pereira up; G Papaprodromou trainer; 12-1 M/L; 38.5; 64—56; 6%.
4 Reckless Ride; 3-F; G Franco up; S Calvario trainer; 30-1 M/L; 43.8; 45—76; 2%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: 3 TIMEKEEPER’S CHARM is the proper choice in this sprint for Cal-bred maidens, even if it is her seventh try. She finished in the money both recent starts at Los Alamitos and Del Mar; she finished second by a head the last time she raced at Santa Anita. With tactical speed and versatility to rally from just off, she can turn the tables on the filly who finished in front of her last out. That is 5 SEXY BLUE, who was racing on her home track at LRC last out and had the advantage finishing second while running the best race of her nine-start career. The challenge is to reproduce the effort on a track other than LRC. Either way, ‘BLUE will set or press the pace, although six furlongs might be a reach. 7 BEBOP LADY has worked okay for her debut, though maidens from this stable usually race into condition rather than fire first out. From the outside post, ‘LADY can drop out and rally late. 1 GREEN ZONE, produced by a G2 turf route winner, is stuck on the rail for her debut.

PACE/SHAPE: This looks like a fast, contested six-furlong. Two obvious speeds are 5 Sexy Blue, whose TimeformUS pace is Early 96, Late 41, and 3 Timekeeper’s Charm at Early 93, Late 47, so they’re the ones most likely to hook up early and force an honest clip. Sexy Blue has repeatedly shown front-running intent and then yielded—she led and “yielded grudgingly” going 5.5f at Los Alamitos on Sep 21 and dueled on the pace at Santa Anita going 6f on Jul 7 before getting nailed late—which is precisely the profile that can set the table for a stalker just off her hip. Timekeeper’s Charm’s recent races show that press/stalk style: she tracked from 3rd/4th and finished 2nd with a 68 Beyer at Del Mar 6f on Aug 9, and she was 3rd/4th around and stayed on for 3rd at LRC 5.5f on Sep 21. The best late kick on paper belongs to 6 Joyful Mischief (Late 82), who has been passing horses late in several recent lines and could pick up pieces if the two speeds overdo it. The rest don’t project to impact the first flight: 2 My Sister Lilly’s pace is middling (Early 64, Late 56), 4 Reckless Ride is slower early (Early 45, Late 76), and the first-time starters—7 Bebop Lady and 1 Green Zone—are unknown quantities but both show sharp gate works that should help them break cleanly (Bebop: SA 4f :47© Hg, 7/114 on Sep 15; SA 5f 1:01¨, 2/9 on Sep 25. Green Zone: SA 4f :47¨, 4/61 on Sep 29; SA 5f 1:01§ Hg on Sep 22). Net: a brisk pace with Sexy Blue and Timekeeper’s Charm vying early, setting up a press-and-pounce trip for the 3, with Joyful Mischief running on late.

MY PICK: Timekeeper’s Charm is the most likely winner because she pairs pace-advantaged tactical speed with figures at and above today’s par at the exact conditions. The Beyer par for this race is 68, and she earned a 68 finishing second at Del Mar 6f on Aug 9, plus a 70 when second at Santa Anita 6f on Jul 12—two exacta finishes at today’s trip at or above par. Her TimeformUS Early 93 means she can sit just off Sexy Blue’s 96 and get first run on the stretch, a good match for a rival who has repeatedly weakened late and owns a soft Late 41. Knapp’s barn hits 24% with maiden special weight types since 2024, Fresu sticks, and the worktab shows she’s held her edge with a sharp SA 4f :47© on Sep 14. If the duel gets too hot, Joyful Mischief’s Late 82 makes her the main late threat, but her Beyers have topped out below par and she’s been settling for minors at this class. On balance, Timekeeper’s Charm brings the right trip, the right figures, and the right setup to finally break through at six furlongs at Santa Anita.

RACE 3

Santa Anita, race 3, 6, turf (firm), $25,000 claiming 3 yo and up fillies and mares.

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

6 Tam’s Little Angel; 6-M; M Demuro up; H Palma trainer; 3-1 M/L; 68.0; 74—81; 30%.
4 Shangrilama; 5-M; K Kimura up; S Knapp trainer; 5-2 M/L; 73.0; 85—68; 24%.
1 Don’t Ju Forget; 6-M; J Hernandez up; G Papaprodromou trainer; 9-5 M/L; 66.4; 86—70; 20%.
3 Shin Jidai; 4-F; R Gonzalez up; L Powell trainer; 5-1 M/L; 71.2; 79—82; 14%.
5 Elegant Sway; 5-M; A Fresu up; S Knapp trainer; 6-1 M/L; 65.2; 71—69; 7%.
2 Ready Jet Go; 7-M; K Frey up; B Cunningham trainer; 15-1 M/L; 61.2; 75—73; 5%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: Third last out in a N1X on dirt, 4 SHANGRILAMA returns to preferred turf footing and class level of her most recent win. The Irish-bred won two of four starts in the U.S., and four of her last six including Ireland. This $25k claiming turf sprint is conspicuously short on speed, but SHANGRILAMA won her U.S. debut pressing slow fractions over this course in May 2024. Looks like a similar scenario here. 1 DON’T JU FORGET, claimed from an upset vs. Cal-breds on dirt, moves up in class to open $25k claiming. ‘FORGET is a two-time winner over the SA main turf oval and figures to be positioned relatively close to slow fractions. 3 SHIN JIDAI returns from a layoff of more than four months, dropping in for a claim tag, and has shown a history of running well fresh. 6 TAM’S LITTLE ANGEL is a 10-time winner who was in sharp form this summer including a runner-up-by-a-neck finish at this level last out. She will rally late.

PACE/SHAPE: This should be a two-speed hook with an off-the-pace finish. The inside speed is 1 Don’t Ju Forget, who owns the field’s top TimeformUS early figure at 86, with 4 Shangrilama right behind at 85. Shangrilama has been cranked to show speed, evidenced by a recent 5f work in 59 flat at Santa Anita, 1/37 that morning. Don’t Ju Forget’s late figure is only 70 and Shangrilama’s is 68, so if they engage through the turn, their late punch is vulnerable to a stalker/closer. The mid-pack group—2 Ready Jet Go (75—73), 5 Elegant Sway (71—69), and 6 Tam’s Little Angel (74—81)—should sit behind them. Elegant Sway’s sustained pace profile is softer. The likely flow: Don’t Ju Forget and Shangrilama vie early, Shin Jidai (79—82) and Tam’s Little Angel (74—81) tip out and start rolling late, with the higher late figures advantaged if the two speeds don’t get breathers. Of note, these exact rivals just crossed paths at this condition and trip: Shangrilama – Tam’s Little Angel – Ready Jet Go finished 1-2-3 in a recent 6f Santa Anita turf claimer, confirming both the matchup and the shape.

MY PICK: Tam’s Little Angel is the most likely winner because her recent form, late-pace profile, and work pattern line up with today’s projected hook. She brings an 81 TimeformUS late figure—second only to Shin Jidai’s 82—but unlike Shin Jidai, Tam has just run this exact 6f Santa Anita turf $25k and finished second to Shangrilama with Ready Jet Go behind her. She’s also signaling sharpness on the worktab. Contrast that with Don’t Ju Forget, whose closing number is only 70 and whose worktab includes a 5f in 1:04 (15/16) at Santa Anita—an inconsistent signal for a horse likely to be embroiled early. Shangrilama is dangerous if loose, but her 68 late figure and that recent head-to-head outcome say Tam is the right stalk-and-pounce filly if the two speeds keep each other honest. In short: proven against these exact rivals at this trip, a superior late figure for the expected flow, and recent works that say go.

RACE 4

Santa Anita, race 4, 5.5 furlongs, dirt (fast), $10k N2L claiming 3 yo and up fillies and mares.

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

7 Lil’ Boom Boom; 3-F; K Kimura up; S Miyadi trainer; 2-1 M/L; 54.0; 69—60; 24%.
8 Petite Ange; 4-F; T C Baze up; P Oviedo trainer; 5-2 M/L; 52.0; 98—40; 22%.
4 West Side Okie; 3-F; K Frey up; I Tamayo trainer; 4-1 M/L; 45.0; 101—31; 19%.
5 Lena Lindgard; 3-F; D Mussad up; S Miyadi trainer; 9-2 M/L; 48.3; 99—36; 12%.
3 Selsae; 6-M; A L Bautista up; G Haley trainer; 15-1 M/L; 47.2; 68—61; 9%.
2 Mia Mac; 3-F; C Herrera up; M Stortz trainer; 12-1 M/L; 41.6; 73—40; 7%.
6 A Kitten For Sue; 3-F; F Monroy up; I Becerra Perez trainer; 15-1 M/L; 36.4; 55—61; 4%.
9 Faithful Truth; 3-F; A Alsagoor up; S Knapp trainer; 30-1 M/L; 32.8; 45—63; 2%.
1 Countess Vronsky; 4-F; A Escobedo up; J Bautista trainer; 30-1 M/L; 14.3; 80—27; 1%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: 8 PETITE ANGE was unable to hold form this summer at Del Mar, where she jammed three starts into the short meet and misfired in her third start of summer. She lost ground while wide, finished fifth, and was claimed. Now she has had six weeks between starts, her spring-summer figures rank among the highest in the field, she is likely for an in-the-clear pace-pressing trip from an outside post (8 of 9) in this $10k claiming N2L sprint. 5 LENA LINDGARD won a decent maiden-claiming sprint two back, then found $25k claiming N2L rivals too tough. She dueled and cracked. The lightly raced filly drops to the bottom level, she has speed, and benefits by the shorter five-and-one-half furlong distance. She is trained by Steve Miyadi, who also entered off-the-pace late-runner 7 LIL’ BOOM BOOM. 4 WEST SIDE OKIE earned the highest last-out figure, a 55 Beyer winning a maiden-10k at Emerald Downs by seven lengths. Four who finished behind her ran back, none hit the board.

PACE/SHAPE: This looks like a pressure cooker up front. West Side Okie owns the top TimeformUS Early Pace at 101 and wired a $10k maiden at Emerald, then chased and held second next out—pure speed drawn inside enough to commit early. Lena Lindgard (Early 99) has flashed send and has dueled/faded at this level—another pace element. Petite Ange (Early 98) has been living in the first flight and has finished second twice recently versus similar; she’ll be right there pressing. Countess Vronsky has some pace (Early 80) but is less likely to match that trio’s gas. Mia Mac (Early 73) typically sits just off and can attend if asked. The rest are midpack-to-late: Selsae (68/61), A Kitten for Sue (55/61), and Faithful Truth (45/63) all project to draft behind a contested pace, with Faithful Truth the deepest closer. Expect West Side Okie, Petite Ange, and Lena Lindgard to cook it early, setting up best for a tactical stalker.

MY PICK: Lil’ Boom Boom is that tactical stalker and the most likely winner. She won a $50k Santa Anita maiden two back sitting just off the pace and finishing, then stepped straight to N2L company and was a solid runner-up at Los Alamitos; she returned to this condition with a willing third while finishing on late—rock-solid, forward form against today’s class. Her lines repeatedly show she does not need the lead, sitting 2nd–3rd early and finishing—exactly the trip that wins when three speeds hook up. She’s also proven at today’s sprint configuration, including a sharp second at 5½ furlongs at Del Mar, so the cut to 5.5f is no knock. Add in solid trainer sprint/claim stats in her block and a steady, recent work pattern, and she’s the right horse to pounce when the leaders tire.

RACE 5

Santa Anita, race 5, 8.0 furlongs, turf (firm, rail 10 ft), maiden special weight California-bred or California-sired 2 yo fillies.

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

5 Druliner; 2-F; J Hernandez up; C Lewis trainer; 2-1 M/L; 45.7; 83—59; 32%.
4 Nancy Two Point O; 2-F; A Fresu up; R Baltas trainer; 9-2 M/L; 39.0; 55—90; 20%.
6 Coyote Cafe; 2-F; A Lezcano up; M Glatt trainer; 6-1 M/L; 37.0; 57—84; 16%.
7 Eighties; 2-F; U Rispoli up; A Garcia trainer; 9-2 M/L; 25.7; 78—40; 12%.
8 Violets Song; 2-F; H Berrios up; P Miller trainer; 5-1 M/L; N/A; N/A; 8%.
2 Cecilia Street; 2-F; M DeMuro up; L Powell trainer; 8-1 M/L; 40.5; 81—39; 6%.
1 Training Good; 2-F; D Herrera up; A Garcia trainer; 12-1 M/L; 37.5; 71—55; 4%.
3 Humidity; 2-F; K Kimura up; P Gallagher trainer; 10-1 M/L; N/A; N/A; 2%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: 5 DRULINER is the tepid choice this turf mile for 2yo maiden fillies bred in California. After a pair of even-paced dirt sprints, she stretched to a mile on turf and finished second. Her effort was only okay; she seemed green into the stretch, but she finished evenly and is likely to improve second time long. 4 NANCY TWO POINT O ran well in her career debut, finishing fourth in the same route race as the top choice. ‘POINT O broke slowly and trailed, got shuffled into the far turn, was blocked on the far turn, then went evenly late. It was a better-than-looked debut, for sure. Improvement likely switching to Antonio Fresu. 7 EIGHTIES perked up when she switched to turf, third in the same race as the top pair. 8 VIOLETS SONG is scheduled to make her debut; she was listed as a vet scratch Sept. 7 and 21. 2 CECILIA STREET looms the upsetter, stretching out and changing surfaces after a pair of dirt sprints. Her dam was a two-turn turf filly.

PACE/SHAPE: This looks like an honest, forwardly run mile. The fastest TimeformUS early figures belong to 5 Druliner (Early 83) and 2 Cecilia Street (Early 81), with 7 Eighties next (Early 78). All three exit or own sprint speed and figure to attend the pace. Eighties showed pace at this exact trip, “3w turns, led brfly 1/16” in the 28 Aug DMR MSW mile (Beyer 39), while Druliner sat handy and finished best of the trio, “2w,3-2w, angled, closed” for second in the same race (Beyer 41). Cecilia’s sprint lines are fast and she arrives with a 12 Oct SA 4f bullet in 46.00 (1/31), but her two Beyers were 53→28 and she now stretches out and tries turf for the first time with blinkers OFF. 1 Training Good adds blinkers ON today and owns Early 71, so she can help keep things honest early. The best closers on paper are 4 Nancy Two Point O (Late 90) and 6 Coyote Cafe (Late 84), both out of that 28 Aug DMR mile where Nancy was “Stp slw…traffic” and Coyote was “On heels 3/8, traffic 1/16,” each with legitimate excuse trips and late energy to capitalize if the early trio softens up.

MY PICK: 5 Druliner is the most likely winner. She already beat today’s two main pace foils at today’s trip and surface: second on 28 Aug at DMR (mile, firm) while 7 Eighties was third and 4 Nancy Two Point O, troubled, finished behind (race fractions 22.44/47.43/1:12.92; Druliner Beyer 41; TimeformUS 83—59). She also owns the field’s best recent Beyer at any distance (55 on 18 Aug DMR 5f) and pairs that sprint speed with route stamina. Today she retains J J Hernandez and has a steady, fitness-forward pattern: 5f in 1:00.80 (4 Oct SA, 13/43) and 5f in 1:01.00 (10 Oct SA, 19/33). Her tactical style fits the projected shape—fast enough to secure position, but not a need-the-lead type—and she exits a key common race that flatters her relative to Eighties and Nancy. With top last-out Beyer at the configuration, the highest verified early pace figure among the contenders, and the best rider/trainer combo in here per the PPs, she’s the one they have to beat.

RACE 6

Santa Anita, race 6, 6 furlongs, dirt (fast), $50k allowance optional claimer 2 yo.

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

5 Stay For The Boom; 2-R; U Rispoli up; P D’Amato trainer; 4-1 M/L; 52.0; 83—63; 26%.
7 A. P. Again; 2-C; K Frey up; D O’Neill trainer; 8-1 M/L; 51.6; 96—46; 23%.
4 Opus Uno; 2-G; H Berrios up; P Miller trainer; 3-1 M/L; 48.7; 99—29; 18%.
1 Saul Elliott; 2-C; A Fresu up; D O’Neill trainer; 9-5 M/L; 59.8; 96—46; 16%.
2 Marcos Performance; 2-G; K Kimura up; C Lewis trainer; 5-1 M/L; 50.0; 80—49; 9%.
3 Very Quiet; 2-G; R Gonzalez up; P Miller trainer; 6-1 M/L; 45.3; 82—35; 6%.
6 Italio; 2-C; C Herrera up; M Stortz trainer; 20-1 M/L; 48.0; 97—26; 2%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: 1 SAUL ELLIOTT was too close to a fast pace last out and paid the price. He finished next to last. Now the 2yo drops from Cal-bred N1X to starter/optional claiming and is reunited with the jockey (Fresu) who rode him to his two best races (debut win, stakes third). The inside post might not be an issue, because ‘ELLIOT is expected to drop out early and rally late. He can mow them down on the class drop. 7 A. P. AGAIN is likely to vie for favoritism returning to the class level of his win two back. He was overmatched last out in a stakes race; his two wins at LRC put him in the hunt. The top pair both are trained by Doug O’Neill. 4 OPUS UNO has improved each start and figures as one of the favorites. A fast maiden-50 winner two back, he followed with a good try finishing third behind A. P. AGAIN.

PACE/SHAPE: This six-furlong dirt sprint should be hot early. Four genuine speeds are signed on: 4 Opus Uno owns the top TimeformUS Early 99, 29 Late, and has twice shown break-and-go style including a wire-to-wire maiden win and a pace-pressing third at this class at Los Al (5.5f) [Early/Late 99/29; 5/5f wire; 9/21 OC 50k vied]. 1 Saul Elliott is fast (Early 96) but dueled and faded here last out at similar trip, and he bled two back at Churchill—both caution flags if the heat gets intense [Early/Late 96/46; 10/4 SA dueled/faded; 7/29 CD bled]. 6 Italio (Early 97) dueled inside and won his debut; he adds more pace pressure but is unproven beyond 5f [Early/Late 97/26; 8/29 LRC dueled/won 5f]. 7 A. P. Again (Early 96) has wired two dirt sprints including this condition at LRC, drawn outside the other speeds—a tactical edge if he clears and crosses [Early/Late 96/46; 9/21 OC 50k wire]. If the front burns, the best late kick belongs to 5 Stay for the Boom (Late 63), who tracked 3rd here before flattening in a faster race; 2 Marcos Performance (Late 49) is the other mid-pack option [Late 63; 10/4 SA tracked; Late 49].

MY PICK: 7 A. P. Again is the most likely winner. He’s the only entrant with two front-running dirt wins since August, including a clear, pace-controlling score at this exact condition on September 21, and he beat today’s pace rival 4 Opus Uno that day [OC 50k 9/21: wire; Opus Uno 3rd]. His TimeformUS Early 96 pairs with an outside draw in post 7, giving him first run to establish the lead over inside speed like 1 Saul Elliott and 6 Italio [Early 96; post header “7”]. He owns the better recent dirt Beyers among the likely speeds (69 and 68 in his LRC dirt wins), while Saul Elliott’s last SA try produced a fade with a 42 and a bleed line two back, making that favorite more vulnerable in a duel [A. P. Again 69/68; Saul Elliott 10/4 fade; 7/29 bled].

RACE 7

Santa Anita, race 7, 8 furlongs, turf (firm; rail at 10 feet), $50,000 maiden claiming 3–5 yo.

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

8 Sweet Odyssey; 4-G; A Fresu up; P D’Amato trainer; 2-1 M/L; 67.0; 66—84; 27%.
4 Lorenzo Bernini; 3-G; U Rispoli up; G Papaprodromou trainer; 5-2 M/L; 67.3; 87—79; 24%.
6 Empire’s Classic; 4-G; K Kimura up; M Puype trainer; 6-1 M/L; 70.4; 60—93; 18%.
3 Both Sides Of Bad; 4-G; H I Berrios up; J Mullins trainer; 5-1 M/L; 35.5; 40—83; 13%.
5 Crime Lord; 3-G; R Gonzalez up; P Miller trainer; 8-1 M/L; 33.7; 101—52; 8%.
7 Going Viral; 3-G; C Herrera up; M Stortz trainer; 10-1 M/L; 56.6; 98—38; 6%.
9 Stormin Midnight; 5-G; D A Herrera up; M Puype trainer; 15-1 M/L; 61.6; 73—86; 3%.
1 Money Mitch; 5-G; E Maldonado up; J Bonde trainer; 30-1 M/L; 50.0; 49—54; 1%.
2 Grandisimo; 3-G; T C Baze up; I Tamayo trainer; 30-1 M/L; 17.0; 64—38; 0%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: After facing better in MSW races, 4 LORENZO BERNINI looks tough dropping into a maiden-50 turf mile. He split the field his only turf route versus better, he was gelded since he was last raced, and he adds blinkers. Most of his rivals already lost for a claim tag, but this is the first try for a tag by ‘BERNINI. Potential standout. 8 SWEET ODYSSEY, a closing third both maiden-claiming turf miles, will be rolling late. He missed by less than a length last out while making his first start in nearly a year; the race was flattered when runner-up Poor Connection returned to win an MSW. ‘ODYSSEY looks like the best late threat. 6 EMPIRE’S CLASSIC is a 12-start maiden with in-the-money finishes four of his last five starts. 5 CRIME LORD and 7 GOING VIRAL figure to contest the pace.

PACE/SHAPE: A fast-to-hot pace looks likely. Two need-the-lead types—Crime Lord and Going Viral—own the top TimeformUS early pace figures (101 and 98), and both have shown front-running intent recently; Going Viral dueled inside before yielding at Los Alamitos on 20 Sep, while Crime Lord pressed then faded in his first route here on 28 Sep. With the rail at 10 feet at a two-turn mile, saving ground into the first turn matters, and pressing types drawn outside speed risk getting hung wide. If Crime Lord and Going Viral hook up, the race should tilt toward runners with stronger late energy: Empire’s Classic (late 93), Stormin Midnight (late 86, adds blinkers), Sweet Odyssey (late 84), and Both Sides of Bad (late 83) all fit that closer/stalker profile on figures. Lorenzo Bernini (early 87, blinkers on) can fight but isn’t as fast as the top 2 and risks being part of the pace pressure.

MY PICK: Sweet Odyssey is the most likely winner because his profile matches this projected flow and because his turf-mile form is the most reliable at today’s level. He owns a strong late pace (84) and has twice finished willingly at a mile, including a 69 Beyer at Del Mar on 1 Sep while “pulled… inside, willingly,” and a 73 Beyer at Santa Anita at this tag last October when he “advanced ins-2w, willingly.” He’s 0-2-0 from four turf starts with both ITM efforts at a mile, and he keeps Antonio Fresu for Phil D’Amato, who shows excellent current meet stats (28% trainer; Fresu 17% year-to-date), signaling confidence. Main rivals have holes: Empire’s Classic has “had a bunch of chances” and returned from a layoff with only a 64 last out despite a big late kick, while Lorenzo Bernini drops and adds blinkers but posted just a 63 in his lone turf mile.

RACE 8

Santa Anita, race 8, 6 furlongs, dirt (fast), $20,000 maiden claiming 3-5yo fillies and mares.

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

9 Ride Elbow Ranch; 3-F; A Fresu up; M Glatt trainer; 9-5 M/L; 56.8; 86—67; 27%.
6 Tiger Fire; 3-F; U Rispoli up; B Koriner trainer; 7-2 M/L; 55.5; 108—38; 21%.
5 Royal Dusty; 3-F; T Baze up; M Puype trainer; 6-1 M/L; 48.3; 73—81; 16%.
3 Moonlit Courage; 3-F; K Kimura up; R Mandella trainer; 6-1 M/L; 42.0; 96—42; 14%.
7 Tupelo; 3-F; R Gonzalez up; M McCarthy trainer; 5-1 M/L; 45.3; 92—56; 8%.
8 Dixie’s Delight; 3-F; A Lezcano up; B Wright trainer; 12-1 M/L; 45.4; 101—20; 6%.
1 Lucky Nea; 3-F; D Mussad up; E Alvarez trainer; 30-1 M/L; 36.2; 69—45; 3%.
4 Circle Of Fire; 3-F; P Flores up; S Rivera trainer; 20-1 M/L; N/A; N/A; 2%.
2 Put Her On My Tab; 3-F; D Cohen up; S Rivera trainer; 15-1 M/L; 38.0; N/A; 2%.
10 Surf Star; 3-F; A Escobedo up; H Rubin trainer; 50-1 M/L; 34.2; 58—41; 1%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: Several of these maiden-20 sprinters have ability, which is not always the case at this level. 6 TIGER FIRE ran the best race of her career her only start at SA in spring, finishing second vs. Cal-bred MSW rivals. She showed speed and tired her next three starts, but now she drops to near the bottom and might be the one to catch. There is less speed in this race than last out. 9 RIDE ELBOW RANCH finished in front of the top choice last out while cutting back to a sprint. ‘RANCH had to wait briefly at the quarter pole and finished fourth. Not bad. ‘RANCH and the top choice are evenly matched; the difference is the top choice has more speed. 3 MOONLIT COURAGE needed her last start; it was her first in more than three months. She finished ninth in that turf sprint and now returns to her preferred dirt footing and drops in class. 7 TUPELO is another dropping to the lowest level of her career while racing for the first time on dirt. She has worked fast at SLR.

PACE/SHAPE: This should be a fast, contested sprint. Tiger Fire owns the top TimeformUS early pace figure in the field (108) and has repeatedly shown send-and-duel tendencies, making the lead and yielding late at Santa Anita and Del Mar at this exact trip (2nd after setting the pace on 18 May; duelled and faded to 3rd on 9 Aug). Dixie’s Delight is the other obvious burner (early 101) and her last two six-furlong dirt tries show duels or clear leads before getting collared late. Moonlit Courage (early 96) and Tupelo (early 92) add more pressure from just off the speed, while Ride Elbow Ranch (86), Royal Dusty (73), Lucky Nea (69) and Surf Star (58) figure to sit behind that first wave. Given multiple need-the-lead types with weak late energy (Tiger Fire late 38; Dixie’s Delight late 20), the shape tilts toward an outside stalker with finishing punch rather than a pure front-runner.

MY PICK: Ride Elbow Ranch is the most likely winner because she drops to $20k maiden claiming after facing tougher all year: maiden special weights and a Del Mar maiden-50, where she had traffic and still earned competitive figures; her record shows SA dirt 5.5f third with a 60 and a turf best of 70, both right around or above today’s Beyer par of 58 for this condition. She also owns a balanced 86—67 early/late profile suited to a pressured pace, and her running lines show she comfortably sits 4th–5th early then finishes, a perfect trip from this outside draw. The Glatt/Fresu combo is live here (27% SA, 25% overall), and Glatt hits 22% with maiden claimers; the recent 5f in 59 and change signals fitness. Against likely pace casualties like Tiger Fire (late 38) and Dixie’s Delight (late 20), Ride Elbow Ranch’s setup and foundation make her the right favourite.

RACE 9

Santa Anita, race 9, 8 furlongs, turf (firm), restricted stakes (Lure Stakes) 3 yo and up.

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

4 Endlessly; 4-C; U Rispoli up; M McCarthy trainer; 7-2 M/L; 87.6; 60—118; 25%.
7 Nesso’s Lastharrah; 4-C; H Berrios up; P Eurton trainer; 3-1 M/L; 88.4; 104—74; 20%.
6 Sumter; 6-G; M Smith up; R Mandella trainer; 8-1 M/L; 88.4; 100—77; 17%.
5 Goliad; 8-G; K Kimura up; R Mandella trainer; 4-1 M/L; 91.0; 121—71; 15%.
3 Watsonville; 5-G; A Fresu up; M Glatt trainer; 5-1 M/L; 86.0; 97—91; 11%.
1 St Anthony; 6-G; J Hernandez up; N Drysdale trainer; 5-2 M/L; 83.4; 81—97; 8%.
2 Mystic Spirit; 4-G; T Baze up; E Alvarez trainer; 30-1 M/L; 80.2; 102—84; 4%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: 6 SUMTER won this restricted turf-mile stakes last year and seeks a repeat while stretching out from a pair of comeback sprints in races that were too short. Both were five furlongs on turf at DMR. Blinkers are off, he has a versatile running style to press his stablemate drawn to his inside. Third start back, stretching out to his preferred distance, SUMTER is the tepid choice. He’ll have to catch another Richard Mandella trainee. That is front-runner 5 GOLIAD, who drops in class after finishing eighth in the same G3 at Kentucky Downs that he won last year. He came out of that race with a foot bruise, which explains his misfire. GOLIAD is an 8yo, and the miles are adding up. But he is fast enough to make the lead, he has won three times over the SA turf, and he looks like the one to catch. 3 WATSONVILLE, off three months, ran races in summer 2024 and spring 2025 that are fast enough for this bunch. He returns with a series of sharp works, and speed to be positioned right behind GOLIAD. 4 ENDLESSLY will pick them up late.

PACE/SHAPE: The rails are at 10 feet, so saving ground matters, and there are several true or near-front-runners to pressure the pace. Goliad owns the top TimeformUS Early of 121 and repeatedly makes the lead in graded miles (e.g., clear early in the Shoemaker Mile and Thunder Road at Santa Anita), so he’s the likeliest pacesetter again, with Sumter (Early 100, blinkers off) and Nesso’s Lastharrah (Early 104) applying heat; Mystic Spirit (Early 102) can also be forward based on his N1X wire last summer. That sets up a contested, above-average pace with a risk of late fade from the speeds. Watsonville’s Early 97 and midpack running lines suggest a stalk-and-pounce trip, while St Anthony (Early 81) and Endlessly (Early 60, Late 118) figure to sit off and finish.

MY PICK: Endlessly is the most likely winner because his profile best matches the projected flow and today’s conditions. He owns the field’s strongest late kick (TimeformUS Late 118) and has proven mile-class form this season: third in the G3 American at this course and distance with an 89 Beyer, and a 93 Beyer two back in the Del Mar Wickerr—both higher-end recent figures among these. He’s 3-for-6 with a placing at today’s one-mile category in the PPs, and he drops from tougher spots (G2 Del Mar H. at 1⅜ miles, G1 Manhattan) into this restricted stakes. His worktab signals readiness, including 4f in 47 and change at Del Mar on September 9 and a solid 5f move at Santa Anita on October 11, and the McCarthy/Rispoli combo is potent locally. With multiple speeds likely to soften each other, Endlessly’s sustained run makes him the right trip horse.

RACE 10

Santa Anita, race 10, 6 furlongs, dirt (fast), $20k allowance optional claimer (Cal-bred/Cal-sired N1X) 3 yo and up fillies and mares.

PP HORSE; AGE-SEX; JOCKEY; TRAINER; M/L ODDS; LAST 5 BEYER AVG; EARLY PACE—LATE PACE; % CHANCE TO WIN.

10 Lady Gregory; 6-M; A Fresu up; S Knapp trainer; 2-1 M/L; 74.0; 95—69; 26%.
6 Stay in Line; 5-M; W Orantes up; A Mathis trainer; 4-1 M/L; 69.8; 95—60; 18%.
2 Christel Clean; 3-F; H Berrios up; J W Sadler trainer; 5-2 M/L; 70.5; 98—57; 16%.
11 Brookys Gal; 4-F; A Lezcano up; I Tamayo trainer; 8-1 M/L; 70.0; 75—74; 12%.
5 Thirsty Trickster; 3-F; U Rispoli up; R Hess trainer; 12-1 M/L; 56.8; 83—59; 8%.
7 In the Air Tonight; 3-F; T Pereira up; S Knapp trainer; 10-1 M/L; 61.8; 76—80; 7%.
3 Darlin Tami; 3-F; W Antongrgi III up; J Bonde trainer; 15-1 M/L; 61.8; 78—77; 5%.
1 Smart Monique; 6-M; S Carmona up; D Dunham trainer; 30-1 M/L; 65.2; 61—87; 3%.
4 Perfect Life; 3-F; A Escobedo up; R Gomez trainer; 30-1 M/L; 55.2; 83—56; 2%.
8 Coralgableskaylin; 3-F; G Franco up; I Tamayo trainer; 30-1 M/L; 55.8; 89—64; 2%.
9 Mars Magic; 4-F; E Garcia up; D Baker trainer; 30-1 M/L; 59.0; 91—62; 1%.

DAILY RACING FORM BLURB: Lightly raced 2 CHRISTEL CLEAN or 12-win veteran 10 LADY GREGORY? The call is CHRISTEL CLEAN, who scored a sharp debut win, then was compromised next out by her trip. Four-wide into and through the turn, she lost her punch late and finished third. That race was six weeks ago; she is a fresh filly with local works that suggest she can reproduce her debut victory two starts back. If she does, she can upset LADY GREGORY. The latter was claimed from a four-length win in a Cal-bred turf sprint that earned the highest figure of her 33-start career. She could regress, but she is 4-for-12 on dirt. 6 STAY IN LINE meets Cal-breds after a runner-up N1X and has won twice at SA.

PACE/SHAPE: A fast, contested pace is likely. Christel Clean has the top TimeformUS early pace figure in the field (98) and showed front-running intent when “bid 4-3w, led, nailed” in her N1X debut, drawing the rail in post 2, so she’s part of the engine. Stay in Line (post 6) is another true speed with a 95 early figure and a recent wire-to-wire N1X win at Santa Anita, while Lady Gregory (post 10) owns a 95 early figure but can sit just off and pounce. Mars Magic (91) and Coralgableskaylin (89) add pressure from just outside and midpack, respectively. Thirsty Trickster projects to stalk after a “waited 2w, rail bid, miss” trip last time. The best late kicks belong to Smart Monique (late 87, but 0-for-5 on fast dirt) and In the Air Tonight (late 80, bullets 5f 1:00 1/5 and 4f :47 1/44), who need a meltdown to win. With several 90+ early figures but only two true need-the-leads, the most probable flow is honest-to-hot early with a tightening late—ideal for a tactical outside stalker.

MY PICK: Lady Gregory is the most likely winner because her recent figures and tactical style match this shape. She exits an N1X win with an 86 Beyer—above today’s par of 77—and has repeatedly run mid-80s at six to six-and-a-half furlongs this meet, including a narrow loss to Stay in Line at SA (88). Her TimeformUS 95 early pace figure and outside draw in post 10 give her options to press or stalk clear of the inside duel between Christel Clean and Stay in Line. She’s also in steady form this year (2025: 9 starts, 3-3-2) with proven dirt and six-furlong credentials, and her rider/trainer are reliable (Fresu 17% 2025; Knapp 13% 2025). Against her main pace rivals, Christel Clean brings a lighter late figure (57) and just a 65 last-out Beyer, while Stay in Line needs to control things up front. That leans the race toward Lady Gregory’s outside stalk-and-finish profile.