Free Santa Anita Picks & Predictions

Promissio carries the morning-line favoritism at 9/5 for a reason — an 81.18 TrackWiz rating is second-best in the field — but a 9% career win rate raises a flag about closing the deal. The place position suits Promissio's profile well; Emisael Jaramillo is a capable handler on the green, and this horse figures to be competitive without necessarily stealing the show.

American Glory comes in at 69.19 on our ratings and checks in at 2/1 on the morning line, making it a reasonable exotics anchor for the show slot. The 13% career win rate ties Kimura's mount for best in the field, and the consistent 55 average speed figure matches the pace of the top contenders. Trainer Leonard Powell gives this one a shot at picking up a piece.

She's Back at 9/2 brings a 58.65 rating — third-best in this field — and Jamey Thomas conditions her for a competitive effort. Jeremy Laprida gets the call, and at that morning-line price, she represents a reasonable underneath play in exactas and trifectas. The slightly lower average speed at 52 suggests she may need things to set up right pace-wise, but she's equipped to be in the mix for a piece.

Howmanymoretimes checks in with a 53.33 rating, the second-highest mark in the field, and fires from post 5 with Welfin Orantes in the irons for trainer Daniel Azcarate. The 54 average speed figure matches the favorite stride for stride on paper. At 5/1, this one offers some show ticket value and a viable spot in multi-horse exotics if you're trying to beat the chalky winner.

Throwthefirstpunch comes in second on our ratings at 72.91 and is the morning-line second choice at 5/2 under Emisael Jaramillo for Doug O'Neill. O'Neill is one of the most active barns at Santa Anita, and Jaramillo has been a strong partner for the outfit on turf. This horse projects as a reliable underneath finisher — the kind of consistent performer that shows up in exactas even on days when the win doesn't come.

No Joke Antares rates a solid 70.91 — third-best in this field — and represents interesting value at 3/1 on the morning line. Sean McCarthy does solid work with MSW turf routes, and Hector Isaac Berrios gets the mount. At that price, No Joke Antares is nearly as short as the place pick but posts a very comparable rating, making it a fine exotics inclusion and a legitimate hedge if you're spreading on top.