Santa Anita Picks & Predictions — June 5, 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.