Friday’s Race Picks and Insights of Santa Anita Horse Racing

Santa Anita horse racing in Arcadia, California, is set for another day of thoroughbred racing this Friday, April 18, 2025. Handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin Modesti, and Mark Ratzky have provided their consensus selections for the day’s races.​

In the opening race, a maiden claiming event over six furlongs on dirt, Speedy Runner is the top choice. This filly has displayed sharp early speed in previous starts and now takes a drop in class, which could give her the edge she needs to finish stronger. With a favorable post and a rider familiar with her style, she appears well-positioned to take control early and stay competitive through the stretch.

The second race, an allowance optional claiming at one mile on turf, features Green Grass as the preferred horse race pick in Santa Anita horse racing. She brings a solid turf resume and comes off a sharp effort at this distance, where she showed good pace and finishing ability. Her recent workouts indicate she’s maintaining her form, and the field doesn’t present much early pressure, which could play to her advantage. With tactical speed and reliable turf experience, she holds a clear edge in this lineup.

Race three, a maiden special weight over 5.5 furlongs on dirt, sees First Flight as the top selection. This debutant has posted a string of steady works leading into her first start, including a sharp gate drill that hints at early speed. Her connections have a solid track record with first-time starters, and the barn has been firing lately. With a competitive pedigree for sprint distances, she’s expected to be ready to compete right out of the gate.

In the fourth race, a claiming event at 6.5 furlongs on dirt, Claim Victory is favored. With competitive speed figures and a favorable post position, she is well-positioned for success.​

The fifth race, an allowance at one mile on turf, highlights Turf Master as the leading choice. This horse has demonstrated a strong closing kick and is well-suited for this distance in Santa Anita horse racing.​ Race six, a maiden claiming over six furlongs on dirt, features Breaking Ground as the top horse race picks. Dropping in class and showing promise in recent workouts, he is expected to be competitive.​

In the seventh race, an allowance optional claiming event at 1 1/16 miles on turf, Long Stretch stands out as the preferred selection. He’s shown consistent form at both distances and on this surface, making him a dependable option for this spot in Santa Anita horse racing. His recent workouts suggest he’s holding his condition well, and the current field sets up favorably for his running style.

The eighth race, a claiming event over six furlongs on dirt, sees Quick Return as the top contender at Santa Anita horse racing. Having been competitive in a similar company, he is expected to perform well.​

Race nine, a maiden special weight at one mile on turf, features Grass Debut as the leading horse race picks. Showing potential in morning workouts, he is anticipated to handle the turf effectively.​

In the final race of the day, an allowance over 6.5 furlongs on dirt, Final Sprint is the favored choice in Santa Anita horse racing. With a strong late kick and a favorable position, he is well-placed to make a decisive move in the stretch.​

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