Santa Anita Park – March 8, 2026
Based on aggregated expert analyses from sources like Pick Pony’s consensus tip sheet, DRF handicapper Brad Free’s projections, and Sports from the Basement’s expected orders, here’s a compiled consensus of the top 5 predicted finishers for each race. These are pre-race handicap picks, focusing on horses with the strongest agreement across experts for top positions. Program numbers are included where consistently available from the sources. Note: Best bet of the day from Brad Free is Incanto in Race 4. Races are scheduled to start around 1:00 PM PDT.
Race 1: Maiden Claiming (1 Mile, Dirt)
1. Blame Eve (#8)
2. Ghostess (#4)
3. Watershed Moment (#3)
4. Vronaway (#1)
5. Makenarita
Race 2: China Doll Stakes (1 Mile, Turf)
1. Himika (#3)
2. Counterbalance (#2)
3. Yours Sincerely (IRE) (#1)
4. Hypergamy (#5)
5. Peanutbutterbombe
Race 3: Maiden Special Weight (6 Furlongs, Dirt)
1. Another Zero (#4)
2. Christa McAuliffe (#8)
3. Surprise D’ Oro (#1)
4. La Silenciosa (#2)
5. Kaffy
Race 4: Starter Allowance (6.5 Furlongs, Turf)
1. Incanto (IRE) (#7)
2. Smart Code (#2)
3. Vancougar (#4)
4. Re Armed Jon (#5)
5. Gregory’s Pride
Race 5: Claiming (6 Furlongs, Dirt)
1. Scatify (#2)
2. Magic Connection (#6)
3. No More Ding Dongs (#9)
4. Novinophobia (#7)
5. Typhoon Tommy
Race 6: Allowance Optional Claiming (1 Mile, Dirt)
1. Voldemort (#5)
2. Ghazaaly (#6)
3. Berlin Wall (#4)
4. Mc Vay
5. Magnify (Alternative: Big Bet Jafinsafa (#1) )
Race 7: Allowance Optional Claiming (6.5 Furlongs, Turf)
1. Sammy Davis (#3)
2. Caro Buono (FR) (#1)
3. Ventry Strand (#6)
4. Honey’s Choice (#8)
5. Track Tiger
Race 8: Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) (1 1/16 Miles, Dirt)
1. French Blue (#3)
2. Super Corredora (#6)
3. Forced Entry (#5)
4. Piney Woods (#4)
5. Cee Drew (Note: Experts are split on #1 between French Blue and Super Corredora)
Race 9: Maiden Special Weight (1 Mile, Turf)
1. Bint Al Dandy (IRE) (#6)
2. Lubie’s Music (#8)
3. Victorious Dream (IRE) (#7)
4. Vow to Resiliency
5. Surf Song (Alternative: Improbable U (#2) )
These picks represent a consensus view, but horse racing outcomes can vary due to factors like track conditions, jockey performance, and scratches. For live updates or wagering, check official sources like Santa Anita’s website.