Bushder Stakes video analysis at Aqueduct (2-28-26). This is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (20 10-3-4).
Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Kentucky Oaks 2026 Video Report (2-23-26)
In this Kentucky Oaks 2026 video, I share my updated Fabulous 5 Oaks contenders (2-23-26).
Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.
Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 Report (2-23-26)
There were two Kentucky Oaks 2026 prep races last week and the winners of those events romped on the front end. In this report, I will recap the UAE Oaks and Cincinnati Trophy, update the points standings, and share my top five Oaks fillies.
I cover all of the Kentucky Oaks points race on my Runaway Horse YouTube channel, and through the first 20 points races, my top choices have 10 wins, 3 runner-up finishes, and 4 show finishes. The next Kentucky Oaks points race is the Busher at Aqueduct on Feb. 28. The Davona Dale at Gulfstream Park will also be contested on Feb. 28, and the other Oaks points race this week is the Honeybee at Oaklawn on March 1.
Busher field: 1 – Nycon, 2 – Current Yield, 3 – Paradise, 4 – Blazing Brat, 5 – Interstatelovesong
Davona Dale field: 1 – My Miss Mo, 2 – Blazing Brat, 3 – Paradise, 4 – Omaha Bay, 5 – Imperatrice, 6 – Haute Diva, 7 – Swing Vote, 8 – She Be Smooth, 9 – On Time Girl
Honeybee field: 1 – Take Charge Macy (20-1), 2 – Sneaky Good (8-1), 3 – Grace is Free (30-1), 4 – Newtown Pike (10-1), 5 – Knickleanddime (12-1), 6 – Search Party (9-2), 7 – Counting Stars (15-1), 8 – Classic Glide (30-1), 9 – Explora (7-5), 10 – Taken by the Wind (5-2).
Read more at The Runaway Horse
Santa Anita Park Handicapping Report (Feb. 20-22)
Fast main track and no turf races carded. Three front running winners on dirt (6f, 6,5f, 6f).
Dirt sprint riding doubles for Abel Lezcano and Tiago Pereira.
The $2 Pick 6 carryover pool was $206,561 and tickets with six winners paid $417.60. The 5 out of 6 consolation prize was $12.80.
Feb. 20 Claims: Race 2 – A. P. Again ($25k, Robert Hess, Jr.), Flashy Fritz ($25k, Dan Blacker), Wave With Envy ($25k, Andy Mathis). Race 4 – Austonian ($8k, Isidro Tamayo), Tougherthantherest ($8k, Blaine D. Wright). Race 5 – Ahrens ($32k, John Sadler). Race 6 – The Old Nine ($25k, Jorge Periban). Race 9 – One Smokin Dude ($20k, Ryan Hanson).
Santa Anita Full Card Highlights for Friday (2-20-26)
SA 3 BLACKSMITH ($3.20)
SA 4 AUSTONIAN ($4.00), Exacta ($10.60), Trifecta ($30.40)
Double (races 3-4, $9.80)
SA 5 AHRENS ($5.00), Exacta ($36.80), Trifecta ($71.80)
Double (races 4-5, $15.80)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $19.00)
Double (races 5-6, $24.80)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $37.00)
SA 7 SHARONS BEACH ($2.60), Exacta ($11.40)
Double (races 6-7, $10.80)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $24.40)
SA 8 LINO’S ANGEL (SA Price Play, $9.40)
Double (races 7-8, $17.40)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $53.80)
SA 9 COACH CRONIN (SA Best Bet, $3.60), Exacta ($8.60)
$5 Late Double (races 8-9, $46.50)
$3 Late Pick 3 (races 7-9, $39.00)
Late Pick 4 (races 6-9, $123.20)
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9, $369.60)
Pick 6 (races 4-9, 5 out of 6) – $12.80
*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.
Read more at The Runaway Horse
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Pasadena Stakes 2026 Analysis (2-22-26)
Pasadena Stakes Analysis
With a lot of forward speed likely in this field, Unrivaled Time will need that fast pace to set up his closing kick. He’s shown a strong late burst in previous races, especially with that 23.3-second final fraction in his last effort, and with his solid ratings at this distance and surface, I think he has the ability to close sharply if the race plays out as expected. However, if the pace is slower than anticipated or the other front-runners aren’t as aggressive, he might not get that ideal set-up. But I do trust that his connections will have him prepared for this kind of scenario. That’s where track dynamics and the pace setup are key—it’s not just about the horse, it’s about how the race unfolds.
Greenwich Village is an intriguing horse with a lot of potential in the Pasadena Stakes. His turf form and closing ability make him a strong contender, and with Bob Baffert’s guidance, I think he’ll be able to handle the added distance. The main question is how well he will handle the added challenge of going a mile, but with his running style versatility and ability to finish strong, I see him as one of the top choices in this race.
Read more at Today's Racing Digest
Friday, February 20, 2026
John Battaglia Memorial 2026 Picks (2-21-26)
John Battaglia Memorial Stakes video analysis at Turfway Park (2-21-26). This is a Kentucky Derby 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Derby 2026 video record (21 8-3-2).
Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Santa Anita Park Pick 6 Carryover Analysis (2-20-26)
This post and companion video features In-depth Santa Anita Pick 6 carryover analysis for Feb 20. Race-by-race betting strategy, singles, pace insights and a budget ticket from Today’s Racing Digest.
The Pick 6 carryover amount is $34,288 and the sequence begins with the fourth race.
On a card that looks fairly logical on paper, I’m approaching this sequence with a budget-minded strategy — leaning on pace advantages, projected figures, and a few well-placed singles. The past performance data referenced throughout comes from the Complete Digest, and I’ll be using Fire Numbers, CPR, Fast Figs, and Final Time Ratings to break down each leg.
Race 4 – $8,000 Claiming (1 Mile, Dirt)
Profile: Speed-favoring mile distance.
This race sets up as a two-horse battle on paper.
Top Contenders
- #1 Austonian – Best Fire Number (82), best CPR, and top Final Time Rating (120). Strong overall class profile.
- #6 Tougherthantherest – Front-running type with the top Fast Fig (115).
From a pace standpoint, Tougherthantherest figures to be forward early, and at this mile configuration, that’s often dangerous. Austinian brings the most complete figure profile — pace, class, and finishing ability.
I see this race flowing through those two runners.
My Betting Takeaway: Use #1 and #6. Logical two-deep start to the sequence.
Read more at Today's Racing Digest
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