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Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Picks & Predictions — August 22, 2026

August 22, 20268 racesAll Los Alamitos Quarter Horse picks

This card ran on August 22, 2026.

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Best bets at Los Alamitos Quarter Horse, August 22, 2026

Race 11Pine RunML 6/510:45 PM EDT

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Last 30 days at Los Alamitos Quarter Horse: our top pick won 6 of 23 races (26%) and finished in the money in 16.

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Results are in — see the official Los Alamitos Quarter Horse chart and payouts (our top pick won 2 of 8)→

It's a warm Saturday night at Los Alamitos — 82°F, clear skies, and fast dirt underfoot. Eight races are on the board, mixing claiming sprints, a 1000-yard allowance, a maiden dash at 300 yards, and a Handicap Stakes closer that should be the talk of the rail.

The card leans heavily on the short stuff, which is exactly what Los Al does best. Quarter Horse racing is all about explosive speed and gate-to-wire battles — fractions that would make a Thoroughbred trainer's head spin. Tonight's top-line figures from our TrackWiz ratings are tight across the board, so pace scenarios and gate draws are going to matter more than usual.

Three races are open to all readers. The full eight-race breakdown — including the Handicap Stakes — is available to TrackWiz subscribers.

Best Bets

Race 1

10:45 PM EDT

Claiming · 4 1/2 fur · Dirt

A lopsided opener where one horse towers over the field on ratings, but the supporting cast is tightly bunched and could scramble for the minor shares.

win1Pine RunML 6/5

Pine Run is the class of this field and it isn't close — a TrackWiz rating of 89.71 dwarfs the competition, with the next-best horse coming in nearly 37 points lower. Jockey Edgar Payeras gets the call for trainer Vann Belvoir, a pairing worth noting at 4 1/2 furlongs on the Los Alamitos dirt. An average speed figure of 56 backs up the raw rating, and at 6/5 on the morning line, the market agrees this one is in a different league.

place3Rachel's GigML 6/1

Rachel's Gig draws our place attention at a juicy 6/1 morning line — that's solid value for a horse with a TrackWiz rating of 52.96 that clusters right at the top of the remaining pack. The 6% career win rate is modest, but at this claiming level over 4 1/2 furlongs, hitting the board is a realistic outcome, especially with trainer Alberto Ruvalcaba placing her here for a reason.

show5St BoadinML 4/1

St Boadin at 4/1 rounds out our show ticket as a hedge in what could be a scrambled finish behind Pine Run. Trainer Gloria Haley has two horses in this race, which signals some barn confidence in the conditions. The 52.83 rating edges out most of the field, and Francisco Orduna-Rojas aboard gives the connections a competent pilot to secure a piece.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 5 runners

Race 2: Free with an Account

Race 2

11:11 PM EDT

Claiming · 1000 yd · Dirt

The 1000-yard dash features a clear top two in the ratings but a live longshot angle and an intriguing high-win-percentage closer lurking in the six hole.

win2Winning LoverML 8/5

Winning Lover comes in with the highest TrackWiz rating in the field at 89.12 and backs it up with an average speed figure of 56, matching the best raw numbers in this bunch. Trainer Vann Belvoir sends out Edgar Payeras — the same combo that anchors Race 1 — and that barn is clearly firing right now. A 16% career win rate is solid for this level, and the 8/5 morning line reflects a horse the connections expect to handle 1000 yards with authority.

place5Gunnin for GoldML 3/1

Gunnin for Gold at 3/1 has our attention as the place selection — a 71.82 rating puts this horse solidly in the second tier of this field, and trainer Jorge Farias drops in here with what looks like a well-spotted entry. The career win rate of 10% is modest, but the morning line price suggests the market respects the horse's chances without anointing it a favorite.

show4SarkML 5/1

Sark at 5/1 is worth including in your exotics at a price that offers some cushion. The 63.68 TrackWiz rating is mid-field but respectable, and with a 55 average speed figure, the raw foot is there to compete in this 1000-yard claiming event. Trainer Gloria Haley again has representation here, and Francisco Orduna-Rojas is a capable hand if the horse breaks cleanly.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

Our three free races tonight hit the early part of the card and give you a solid foundation to work with. Pine Run opens the night in Race 1 as a 6/5 morning-line favorite over 4½ furlongs — a short sprint where our model has him rated 89.71, the highest mark among the free picks. Winning Lover draws our attention in Race 2 at 1000 yards, posting an 89.12 TrackWiz rating at 8/5 on the morning line. And in Race 3, Cioppina Pasadina comes in as a 7/2 overlay candidate — a name worth watching if the crowd underestimates her at the window.

On a clear, fast night like this, early speed is king at Los Al. All three free picks profile as horses who want to be on or near the lead from the break. If the pace scenario sets up the way our models project, there's no reason to get cute — back horses with gate presence and don't look back.

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Full Card Analysis

Race 3

11:35 PM EDT

Claiming · 4 1/2 fur · Dirt

Wide-open filly and mare affair at 4 1/2 furlongs where two horses separate themselves on ratings but a deep supporting cast makes exacta construction tricky.

win4Cioppina PasadinaML 7/2

Cioppina Pasadina earns our top selection with an 86.35 TrackWiz rating — second only to the field leader on raw numbers but carrying better morning line value at 7/2. Cesar Ortega picks up the mount for trainer Charles S. Treece, and the combination of a strong rating and favorable price makes this our win play. The 13% career win rate won't blow you away, but at this claiming level the class edge should be decisive.

place1Miss JoannieML 5/2

Miss Joannie at 5/2 is the morning-line favorite and posts the top rating in the field at 76.84, so she's impossible to leave off the ticket. Salvador R. Vargas rides for trainer Jorge Farias, and a 15% career win rate at this level is workmanlike. We slot her as a place horse because the price is thin for a win play, but she should be involved at the finish.

show8Dallas AliceML 8/1

Dallas Alice at 8/1 is a legitimate value add for exotics — a 63.33 TrackWiz rating puts her solidly ahead of the bottom half of this eight-horse field, and the price more than compensates for the risk. A 7% career win rate is low, but the average speed of 54 is functional at 4 1/2 furlongs, and Francisco Orduna-Rojas is no stranger to finding a piece late in tight claiming fields.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 8 runners

Race 4

11:59 PM EDT

Claiming · 1000 yd · Dirt

A loaded 1000-yard claiming sprint where three horses are clustered tightly at the top of the ratings — this one could come down to the break.

win3Golf DramaML 5/1

Golf Drama leads our analysis for Race 4 with an 84.17 TrackWiz rating and a 23% career win rate — one of the stronger win percentages at the top of the field. Trainer Angela Maria Aquino has been active on this card, and Damian Diaz Cruz brings solid hands to the gate. The 5/1 morning line is genuinely attractive given the rating edge, making this our top value play in what is a premium race.

place6Slew's JoyML 5/2

Slew's Joy at 5/2 is a serious contender — an 83.99 rating is essentially a dead heat with our win pick on raw numbers, and a 25% career win rate is the best among the top-rated horses in this field. Ricardo S. Ramirez gets the mount for trainer Jesus J. Uranga, and an average speed figure of 56 means this horse can flat-out run. The tight price reflects real talent, and a place ticket here is nearly a must.

show4Autism PuzzleML 9/2

Autism Puzzle rounds out our suggested exotics at 9/2, sporting an 80.65 rating and matching that 23% career win rate alongside Golf Drama. Edgar Payeras is a dependable pilot in these short-distance sprints, and trainer Genaro Vallejo has the horse positioned to hit the board. With three horses within five rating points of each other at the top, the show spot in this race is well-protected.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 5

12:23 AM EDT

Claiming · 1000 yd · Dirt

Fairlawns Way looks like the class edge in a 1000-yard field that lacks a clear second option on the ratings sheet, setting up an interesting value play further down the ticket.

win6Fairlawns WayML 9/2

Fairlawns Way carries our strongest endorsement in Race 5 — an 84.9 TrackWiz rating leads the field by a clear margin, and a 33% career win rate is outstanding for this level. Trainer Charles S. Treece has positioned this horse at 9/2 on the morning line, which is genuine overlay territory given the rating dominance. Damian Diaz Cruz picks up the mount, and if Fairlawns Way breaks cleanly over 1000 yards, the others will be running for the minor spots.

place4Free NominationML 10/1

Free Nomination at 10/1 is the place value play we're leaning into — a 72.83 TrackWiz rating is second-best in the field and is paired with a 54 average speed figure that can hold its own at this distance. The 5% career win rate is low, but the rating suggests the ability is there, and Pedro Flores gives the barn an experienced hand. At double-digit odds, even a place ticket here is a profitable find if the ratings hold.

show7Jager AngelML 7/2

Jager Angel at 7/2 is a solid show option with a 65.93 rating that slots into third in the field — right where you want a show selection. Trainer Robert J. Lucas sends out Cristobal Herrera, and while a 3% career win rate is thin, the race structure here is straightforward enough that the third-best horse on paper should get a piece. The 7/2 price offers a touch of value for exotics builders.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 6

12:49 AM EDT

Allowance · 1000 yd · Dirt

The allowance at 1000 yards features a horse with elite rating numbers but the 8/5 favorite has a career win percentage that demands respect — this could be a clash of form versus raw talent.

win3Sensational Z ZML 3/1

Sensational Z Z leads our Race 6 analysis with the top TrackWiz rating in the field at 87.08 and an impressive 33% career win rate — that combination of rating and winning consistency is hard to argue with. Edgar Payeras climbs aboard for trainer Francisco Rodriguez, and an average speed of 55 at 1000 yards sets this horse up well over the Los Alamitos strip. The 3/1 morning line represents fair value on what our model sees as a clear top selection.

place2UffdaML 5/2

Uffda at 5/2 is a strong place contender — an 80.41 rating is second-best in the field and a 26% career win rate tells you this horse knows how to finish. Salvador R. Vargas rides for trainer Jorge Farias, and a 56 average speed figure matches the best raw numbers in the race. The price is tight, but the talent warrants inclusion on all exacta and trifecta tickets.

show1Calm Down KimmieML 8/1

Calm Down Kimmie at 8/1 is worth a look as a show price play with an intriguing profile — a 40% career win rate is the fourth-highest in the field and stands out for a horse posted at this price. Trainer Sheldon W. Paldanius sends her in with Francisco Monroy up, and at 8/1, the value is legitimate if she fires her best effort. The 64.98 rating suggests she's not the top class in the field, but the win percentage says she's been competitive when conditions align.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

Race 7

1:13 AM EDT

Maiden · 300 yd · Dirt

A maiden sprint at 300 yards where the entire field has a 0% career win rate, putting all the weight on ratings and trainer patterns — buyer beware, but the numbers do tell a story.

win5Val CamelML 5/2

Val Camel stands out in this maiden field with an 81.15 TrackWiz rating that leads the seven-horse field by a meaningful margin — the next-best horse checks in more than 24 points lower. At 5/2, the morning line prices this horse as the clear choice, and trainer Ramiro Lopez Zuazo sends out Salvador R. Vargas, a jockey who has been busy and effective across this card. In a field where everyone is looking for a first win, a significant rating edge matters more than ever.

place6Call Me ChampionML 3/1

Call Me Champion at 3/1 earns our place nod with a 56.67 rating that slots neatly into second among this maiden group — exactly where you want a place pick to live. Henry Reynoso Lopez rides for trainer Jose Antonio Flores, who also saddles Cowboy Down Perry in this race, suggesting the barn has multiple chances and likely some live intelligence on the conditions. At 3/1, the price is workable for a maiden looking to hit the board in its first or early starts.

show3Emperador FelixML 4/1

Emperador Felix at 4/1 rounds out the exotics with a 55.62 rating that sits just behind Call Me Champion for third in the field. Trainer Jesus Nunez sends out Armando R. Cervantes, and in a maiden sprint as short as 300 yards, gate speed and post position luck play huge roles — this horse is priced right to include without overinvesting. A show ticket at 4/1 gives you a fighting chance at a positive return in a race where the outcome is genuinely uncertain.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 8

1:37 AM EDT

Handicap Stakes · 350 yd · Dirt

The night's feature is a Handicap Stakes at 350 yards headlined by a dominant short-price favorite, but the supporting cast has enough career wins to keep the show and exacta pools interesting.

win5Mayor HumdingerML 7/5

Mayor Humdinger is the standout of the entire card tonight — an 89.42 TrackWiz rating leads all horses in Race 8, and a 50% career win rate is simply exceptional at any level of racing. Trainer Michael V. Casselman sends out Martin Arriaga, and while the 7/5 morning line makes this a thin bet to win, the profile demands respect. In a Handicap Stakes at 350 yards, horses like this don't get beaten often — the question is whether exotics offer better value than the straight win pool.

place1Sm My ValentineML 9/2

Sm My Valentine at 9/2 is our place selection with the second-best rating in the field at 78.15 and a solid 27% career win rate — both figures speak to a horse that consistently competes and finishes near the front. Trainer Adan Farias also saddles Sg Jacob Jay in this race, but the ratings clearly favor Sm My Valentine, and Eduardo Nicasio has a straightforward task if the horse breaks clean. The 9/2 price on a horse this capable in a stakes race is where the value lives on the ticket.

show7SlatedtoshineML 9/2

Slatedtoshine at 9/2 closes out our show analysis with a 53.4 rating that places this horse fifth on the raw numbers but fourth among the win contenders — solid enough for a show play in a seven-horse field. A 30% career win rate is genuinely impressive and gives confidence that this horse can secure a board finish when it runs its race. Gabriel Angel Gomez Lara gets the mount for trainer Roman Figueroa, and at co-equal odds with our place pick, the show ticket here offers reasonable insurance in a race where Mayor Humdinger should dictate the tempo.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

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Tonight at Los Alamitos, Pine Run, Winning Lover, and Cioppina Pasadina are our free best bets to get you started — and Mayor Humdinger in the Handicap Stakes is the race we've been circling all week. It's a fun, fast card on a beautiful summer night. Play it sharp, manage your bankroll, and remember — even the best figures don't guarantee anything once the gate opens. Good luck out there.

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