Daily Picks

Santa Anita Picks & Predictions — June 5, 2026

Friday, June 5, 20269 racesSanta Anita

It's a beautiful Friday afternoon at Santa Anita — clear skies, 82°F, and the kind of Southern California weather that makes the turf firm and the dirt fast. Nine races are on the board today, split evenly between the grass and the main track, which means pace scenarios and surface biases are going to matter all afternoon long.

With five turf routes and four dirt races spread across the card, the story today is versatility. You'll need to think about which horses are comfortable routing, who can handle a quick pace on the grass, and where the real value is hiding beneath the morning line chalk. Speaking of chalk — Eternal Reign opens as a heavy 4/5 favorite in Race 3, but there are some intriguing prices elsewhere that deserve a close look.

TrackWiz has full analysis on all nine races. Three of them — Races 1, 2, and 3 — are completely free, no subscription required. The remaining six are unlocked for premium members.

Best Bets

Race 1

8:00 PM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi · Turf

A one-mile turf claimer with a clear class standout at the top, but three horses with similar speed figures clustered in the mid-80s make the exotics worth building around.

win5Dea MatronaML 9/5

Dea Matrona is the most dominant horse on paper in this field, posting a TrackWiz rating of 88.83 that towers over the rest. Trainer Richard Baltas has a strong reputation with turf routes at Santa Anita, and Antonio Fresu gets the call in what looks like a favorable setup. The 9/5 morning line reflects the crowd's confidence, and with a 20% career win rate, she's no stranger to hitting the board consistently.

place7Cameron SloughML 7/2

Cameron Slough is the logical backup at 7/2, sporting a TrackWiz rating of 82.21 — second only to the top pick in this field. Neil D. Drysdale is a savvy conditioner for turf routes, and Armando Ayuso has been a reliable partner for Powell-barn horses this meet. At mid-range odds, she's an appealing piece in exactas underneath the favorite.

show6Free and HumbleML 6/1

Free and Humble draws a bit of value attention at 6/1, with a rating of 66.13 and an average speed figure of 55 that matches the top tier of this field on pure numbers. Kazushi Kimura is one of the sharpest turf pilots on the Southern California circuit right now, and trainer Peter Miller rarely sends horses out without a plan. If the pace gets hot up front, this one has the profile to sneak into the superfecta.

Race 2

8:32 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

Two horses separate themselves from the pack on a one-mile dirt strip, setting up a potential match race between the top two on the morning line with a longer-priced contender lurking underneath.

win1Ryan's GirlML 6/5

Ryan's Girl carries the top TrackWiz rating in this field at 89.71 and has a career win percentage of 30% — by far the best closing number among these starters. Trainer Genaro Vallejo knows this horse well, and Kazushi Kimura is an excellent booking for a horse that should control her own destiny in a one-turn mile. The 6/5 morning line makes her the clear public choice, and the numbers back that up.

place3TheresasilverlininML 3/2

Theresasilverlinin is nearly as strong at 80.38 and brings a 31% career win rate to the table, edging out even the win pick on that specific metric. Armando Ayuso gives this a qualified pilot, and trainer Steve R. Knapp has the experience to have her fit and ready for a mile on the main track. She looks like the most natural exacta partner with the favorite at a price that should still offer some juice.

show5Unbridled ScholarML 6/1

Unbridled Scholar rates as the clear third wheel at 61.25, a sizeable gap above the fourth horse in this field. The 6/1 morning line offers genuine value for a horse whose rating separates her from the bottom half of the field. Kyle Frey has been a solid, underrated rider on this circuit, and trainer Blaine D. Wright's starter optional claiming runners tend to be spotted with purpose.

Race 3

9:02 PM EDT

Starter Allowance · 1 mi · Turf

Philip D'Amato sends out two horses in this one-mile turf starter allowance, with one of them carrying a near-perfect rating that makes this race feel like a foregone conclusion — unless connections have other ideas.

win4Eternal ReignML 4/5

Eternal Reign draws a TrackWiz rating of 90.0 — the highest of any horse on today's entire card — and carries a 33% career win rate that screams consistency. Philip D'Amato is one of the elite turf trainers in the country, and Antonio Fresu has been crisp this meet. The 4/5 morning line is short, but when the numbers are this far ahead of the field, you follow the data.

place2Wildfire PrincessML 3/1

Wildfire Princess rates at 77.28 with an average speed figure of 56, giving her the highest raw speed mark in this race. Joel Rosario is an elite jockey who rarely gets on horses without a realistic shot, and trainer Robert B. Hess Jr. knows how to place horses on the turf. At 3/1, she's the most logical exacta partner for the favorite and brings real upside.

show5UpchargeML 9/2

Upcharge is the second D'Amato entrant in the race at 9/2, and the barn's track record suggests connections believe both horses have a run in them. The 71.63 TrackWiz rating is legitimate, ranking third in the field, and Kazushi Kimura is an ideal turf rider for a horse that may need to be managed off a pace set by stablemate Eternal Reign. Exotic players should consider including both D'Amato horses in their coverage.

The first three races give us a nice cross-section of today's card: a turf claiming mile to kick things off, a dirt Starter Optional Claiming mile in Race 2, and a Starter Allowance back on the turf in Race 3. Our free best bets are Dea Matrona (9/5, Race 1), Ryan's Girl (6/5, Race 2), and Eternal Reign (4/5, Race 3) — and across all three, TrackWiz ratings land between 88.83 and 90, which is a tight cluster that suggests consistent, dependable form at the top of each field.

One thread connecting these free picks: pace. On a clear, fast-playing surface day like today, horses that can settle early and finish strong have a structural edge in routes. Watch the early fractions closely — if the pace is honest, closers get a boost; if it collapses, the on-pace horses can steal it. All three of our free picks have the profile to handle either scenario, which is part of why they grade out on top.

Full Card Analysis

Race 4

9:32 PM EDT

Maiden Special Weight · 6 fur · Dirt

A maiden special weight sprint on the dirt that's unusually deep for an MSW — three horses with legitimate TrackWiz ratings in the 80s make this more competitive than the average first-time or lightly-raced field.

win2Jacklyn LucasML 2/1

Jacklyn Lucas heads the TrackWiz ratings at 88.54 — the top mark in this field — and draws the important booking of Antonio Fresu, who has been excellent this meet. Trainer Steven Miyadi has a reputation for getting horses fit for their debut or early starts, and the 2/1 morning line suggests the public already has her spotted as the one to beat. In a maiden sprint, a horse this far ahead on ratings with a quality jockey deserves win-single consideration.

place7Joyful MischiefML 5/1

Joyful Mischief is an intriguing second choice here, posting a 80.55 rating and an average speed figure of 55 — both numbers are comfortably above the middle tier. Trainer Melanie W. McDonald has placed this filly intelligently, and Tyler Baze is a seasoned hand for the job at 5/1. She offers the best win-price alternative in the field and is the natural top to your exacta underneath Jacklyn Lucas.

show8Very SmartML 3/1

Very Smart rates at 56.67 and brings a solid 55 average speed figure, putting her right in the mix among the mid-tier horses in this sprint. Trainer Peter Eurton has a well-earned reputation for getting maidens ready, and Hector Isaac Berrios adds a capable rider at a price of 3/1. She's the right horse to fill out trifectas and superfectas if the top two hold their spots.

Race 5

10:02 PM EDT

Claiming · 1 mi · Turf

Crazy Cavalier is a scratch, trimming this one-mile turf claimer to six active runners — and with the field condensed, the top two rated horses look poised to dominate a race with very little pace pressure at the top.

win4Mr. LeasureML 5/2

Mr. Leasure tops the TrackWiz ratings in this field at 87.81, and with an average speed figure of 55 matching the best in the race, the numbers point strongly in his direction. Tim Yakteen is a sharp conditioner for turf routes, and Antonio Fresu has been in outstanding form. The 5/2 morning line is fair — this horse looks like the class of the field post-scratch.

place5EnterdadragonML 6/1

Enterdadragon is the second-rated horse in the field at 79.03 and boasts the highest average speed figure in the race at 56, suggesting he may have a gear others don't. Joel Rosario is a major upgrade in the irons, and Philip D'Amato — one of the best turf trainers in the country — clearly likes this spot. At 6/1, he's a standout exacta and value play to win in his own right.

show1Lord BullingdonML 3/1

Lord Bullingdon rates at 58.04 and draws the rail in a one-mile turf route, which at Santa Anita can be a significant tactical advantage depending on how the early pace develops. Trainer Steve M. Sherman has been steady with this horse, and the 3/1 morning line makes him a reasonable hedge in trifectas. Ricardo Gonzalez knows this course well and can exploit a clean path along the inside.

Race 6

10:32 PM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

A maiden claiming mile on the dirt where the top-rated horse is priced like a value play rather than a heavy favorite — creating an interesting disconnect between the morning line and the TrackWiz numbers.

win1Bitter TruthML 7/2

Bitter Truth leads this field with a TrackWiz rating of 86.35 — a commanding margin over the second-rated horse at 58.33. What makes this more interesting is that Bitter Truth is priced at 7/2 on the morning line, not as the short-priced chalk, suggesting there may be more value here than the raw odds imply. Trainer Jose R. Valdez gets Armando Aguilar up for the ride, and the 53 average speed figure is competitive for this level. This is the horse the numbers like most, and the price is fair.

place4Kitty MacML 2/1

Kitty Mac holds the second-best rating in the race at 58.33, and with a 55 average speed figure — the highest of any starter in this field — she clearly has raw ability. The 2/1 morning line makes her the public's top choice, and trainer Dan Blacker with Hector Isaac Berrios is a capable pairing for a maiden claimer. She's the most likely to challenge for the exacta spot if the top pick handles the distance.

show3GogotizML 5/2

Gogotiz rates third in the field at 56.66 and draws a natural pace scenario working off whatever happens up front. Armando Ayuso gives the barn a solid veteran in the irons, and trainer Isidro Tamayo has the horse primed for a competitive effort in a maiden claimer on the dirt. At 5/2, she's close to even-money value for place and show, making her a sensible third ticket in your trifectas.

Race 7

11:02 PM EDT

Allowance Optional Claiming · 1 mi · Turf

A sprawling 11-horse turf allowance optional claiming field where Philip D'Amato enters three runners — the barn's depth dominates the ratings, and the race shape could get chaotic with this many bodies on the grass.

win2The White LadyML 3/1

The White Lady leads all starters in this field with a TrackWiz rating of 87.08 and carries a 33% career win rate — a strong figure for an allowance-level turf horse. Philip D'Amato is a dominant force on the Santa Anita turf, and Antonio Fresu is the right rider for a horse that likely needs to be in good position early in a crowded field. The 3/1 morning line seems fair given the competition, and the numbers make her the clear top choice.

place4RipassareML 8/1

Ripassare is a fascinating angle at 8/1 — a 50% career win rate is eye-popping and suggests a horse that hits the board with regularity when fit and placed correctly. The 73.02 TrackWiz rating ranks second in the field, and Joel Rosario is simply one of the best turf jockeys in the sport when he wants a horse. A D'Amato barn that runs three horses here likely has honest intentions for all of them — Ripassare looks like a sneaky value in the exacta.

show10Roselee MayML 12/1

Roselee May at 12/1 is the longshot angle in our selections here, but the case has merit: a 30% career win rate is legitimate, and Kazushi Kimura is one of the sharpest turf riders in Southern California. The 58.96 TrackWiz rating ranks fourth in the field, and trainer Michael W. McCarthy is more than capable of setting horses up to fire at a big price. In an 11-horse field, getting a 12/1 shot with these credentials in your trifecta and super is excellent value.

Race 8

11:32 PM EDT

Allowance Optional Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

A competitive allowance optional claiming mile on the dirt with a heavy favorite at the top and two mid-priced horses that rate close enough to the chalk to make the exotics interesting.

win1MagnifyML 9/5

Magnify posts the top TrackWiz rating in this field at 88.83 and draws Kazushi Kimura, who has been one of the sharpest dirt riders at the meet. Trainer Tim Yakteen gets horses into career-best form regularly, and the 9/5 morning line reflects a public that agrees this is the one to beat. The 16% career win rate might look modest, but in allowance company that's within a normal range, and the overall rating profile makes this a strong single.

place8Midway LaneML 6/1

Midway Lane rates second in the field at 77.02 and brings a 25% career win rate to a one-mile dirt test with trainer John W. Sadler — one of the most respected conditioners in Southern California. Antonio Fresu takes the mount, which is a strong booking, and the 6/1 morning line gives you genuine exacta value if you're keying the favorite on top. Sadler horses in allowance spots tend to be fit and ready.

show4Berlin WallML 4/1

Berlin Wall rates third at 74.73 and a 20% career win rate in what is a deep field for this level. Trainer Steve R. Knapp saddles the horse for a competitive effort, and Tiago Josue Pereira gives the horse a capable partner. At 4/1 on the morning line, Berlin Wall is a solid trifecta piece and worth including in your exacta underneath if you're spreading.

Race 9

12:02 AM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 1 1/8 mi · Turf

A maiden claiming route at 1 1/8 miles on the turf — the distance is a separator in a field of mostly unproven runners, and our top pick holds a commanding rating advantage at a price that won't last long.

win9JustivarML 7/5

Justivar leads all nine starters with a TrackWiz rating of 88.18 and is correctly installed as the 7/5 morning line favorite for trainer Mike Puype and jockey Armando Ayuso. The extra distance — 1 1/8 miles — is a unique test that often favors horses with better stamina profiles, and the rating gap between Justivar and the field suggests she's a cut above in overall ability. In a maiden claiming turf route, a horse this dominant on the numbers deserves significant win consideration.

place4Sugar ReignML 8/1

Sugar Reign at 8/1 is one of the more interesting value plays on the card, carrying a 79.79 TrackWiz rating — the second-best in the field and a genuine surprise at that morning line price. The 56 average speed figure is the highest of any horse in this race, suggesting she has a higher ceiling than her odds imply. Trainer Jeff Bonde is a solid handler for turf routes, and Armando Aguilar has a clear path to a strong finish if she gets any setup at all.

show3Icons OnlyML 7/2

Icons Only rates third in this field at 61.56 with a 54 average speed figure, and trainer Carla Gaines is one of the more underrated conditioners in the Southern California circuit for exactly this type of route event. Emisael Jaramillo is a dependable rider who can manage pace well in a long turf race where the fractions can get slow and bunched. At 7/2, she's a reasonable trifecta closer and worth including in wider exotic coverage.

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Today's Santa Anita card is a solid nine-race program with real betting opportunities from the first race to the nightcap. Free members, don't miss Eternal Reign in Race 3 — that's our highest-rated pick on the card. And if you want the full picture, including pace projections, exotic ticket breakdowns, and analysis on all six premium races, subscribe to TrackWiz and get it all before the gates open. Good luck out there — let's have a big Friday.

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