Santa Anita Park Picks & Betting Analysis for October 8

Santa Anita Park and their October Meet are in full swing after a big opening weekend! This Friday's 9-race card is sure to be a challenging one for even the most-seasoned handicappers.

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the stakes action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! 

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Friday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Liar Liar #1, 3/1):

This 1st time gelding is coming back to Santa Anita to run for the 13th time … that speaks to experience. Trainer Peter Miller is looking to get this 4-yr-old his 1st win … since May. Back then he was in Richard Baltas’ care, but when he came to his new barn there was much promise. That has not materialized in 3 starts (1@SA, 2@DMR). Maybe it was the large fields … troubled trips … poor choices by jockeys. Miller is hoping to get him on track for Slam Dunk and Altamira Racing. Maybe Flavien Prat is the answer, as he is after yet another riding title.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #1

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Basilia #4, 6/1):

Another Peter Miller member enters the fray, and this 3-yr-old filly is looking to win at the “OC” level for the 1st time. Though her last attempt in an OC80k was a miss (4th), she did not have that terrible a trip. After all, the race prior was a CLM32k, so leaping into higher company was a big ask. Her fitness level in this cycle is extremely high, and expect her, guided by Abel Cedillo again, to be pretty game. I am hoping she will drift up from 6/1, and land closer to 9/1 or even 10/1. We can hope …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, 6F, OC80k, F&M 3+):

Santa Anita gave us a glimpse of the fun that can be had on the Hillside Course last weekend, but they are moving back to the 6F configuration that was inaugurated recently. The Saturday “Feature” is not a stakes race, but it does have some nice storylines attached to it. That all translates to excellent betting opportunities for the retail horseplayer.

Tops on many a list will be Richard Baltas’ filly by Fast Anna, a runner named Gidgetta #1. The Jungle Racing homebred guided by Flavien Prat was in a 5F OC62.5k at Del Mar back in mid-August, and she failed to win at a ridiculously short price. She looked like a deserving “fave” coming out of the Wilshire (G3), but that was specious reasoning when she had no zip late. Maybe a return to the LA Area will be just the ticket …

Looking at a few other options that should entice, what about the power of John Sadler’s Bruja Escarlata #3? The filly rattled off 3 wins in-a-row to start her career. Sadler licked his chops, and sent her into the Daisy Cutter $80k at Del Mar in late July. She was in too deep … finishing 6th. I see her as one to use, especially since Hronis Racing has a history with great turf sprinters. However, I am a bit cautious … she might need more experience.

When it comes to a price play, I am pretty keen on Brian Koriner’s Road Rager #5. The mare already has 15 starts under her saddle, and though she only has 2 wins in that time, the angle that is inviting is the switch to turf. She has the pedigree lines (Quality Road/She Is Raging) to make this happen, and it might be coming at the proper time. This conditioner has some numbers that support such a move, and maybe Drayden Van Dyke can get his fortunes back on track. It has not been easy for the lad, who is no longer that … hope for the best for him.

That should round out a nice exotic play … I would tend to back Baltas’ entry, but I would not turn my back on Koriner’s own … could be a nice overlay!

Wagering Recommendation: Trifecta Box, 1/3/5

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Enjoy some racing from wonderful Santa Anita! Best of luck on another run at “The Great Race Place!”