The racing week at Santa Anita Park kicks off Friday afternoon at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT. The 8-race slate is headlined by a pair of state-bred first-level allowance events over the main track. Here are the horses I plan to build my day around in Arcadia.


Race 2:
My first spot play of the racing week out west comes in this state-bred $50k maiden claimer over the main track where I landed on #8 Hungover. The Halladay gelding debuted at this same level on February 28 for trainer Ryan Hanson. The 3YO gelding was beaten out of his inside draw in that initial try, but moved up to find a pocket spot just off the pace of the eventual gate-to-wire winner. Hungover remained along the inside throughout, was in tight a good deal of the way, and was looking for room throughout much of the stretch drive. I am not sure how much horse the $23k FTD purchase had late, but it simply was not an easy voyage for a first-time starter to handle. Now, he remains at the same level, but moves to a more favorable outside draw after gaining invaluable racing experience last out. He should take a sizeable step forward in career start number 2.

Play: #8 Hungover (4-1 ML)


Race 6:
#8 Central Dispatch was made the 9-5-ML favorite in this open $25k claimer at 6-furlongs over the grass. The class dropper for trainer John Sadler should theoretically be primed for his best third off the layoff, but clearly seems to have lost a step when away from racing in 2025. The draw is favorable, but he is likely to get over bet. I will take my chances with 3-1-second choice #3 Mubtadaa. The 8YO gelding makes his first start since December ’24 for trainer Vladimir Cerin. Cerin has not started many runners at the Classic Meet, but has meant business with the ones he has sent out. In fact, he is 3 for 5 over the last 60 days at Santa Anita Park for an ROI of $2.96. It is likely the Holly and David Wilson owned runner has seen his best days, but was competitive when we saw him last. He will not have to be all that much to find his way back to the winner’s circle to kick off the late Pick 3.

Play: #3 Mubtadaa (3-1 ML)


Race 7:
I will ride a hot barn locally as well in this state-bred first-level allowance event at 5.5-furlongs where #5 Tiger in My Tank is listed at a fair 8-1-ML price. The son of Smiling Tiger was unable to hold off #1 Jaguar Jon last out in an open company allowance, but that came at the 6-furlong distance. The half-furlong may not seem like much, but it clearly has been a difference maker for this 5YO gelding evidenced by his 5 for 8-record at the distance. Add to the fact, he is sent out by hot training Librado Barocio and you have a runner capable of getting to the front and having enough left late at a solid ML offering. Kyle Frey will be back onboard the Mia Familia Racing Stable runner in the start of the late Double.

Play: #5 Tiger in My Tank (8-1 ML)