Santa Anita Park Handicapping Report (April 17-19)

Santa Anita Recap for Friday (4-17-26)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (8f, 6.5f, 8f). On the turf course, a closing favorite graduated in the flat mile opener, a 4-1 shot closed from last of 5 to win at 6f, a 6-1 stalker tallied from the inside post at 6f, a 9-2 stalker scored from the inside post at 6.5f, and a 6-1 stalker won the 6.5f finale (rail at 30 feet).

Armando Ayuso guided home a pair of turf sprint winners. Peter Miller saddled two winners.

The $2 Pick 6 pool was $83,734 and there were no tickets with six winners. The 5 out of 6 consolation prize was $2,738.80. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $44,734 when live racing resumes on Saturday, April 18.

April 17 Claims: Race 3 – Cyprus Moon ($30k, Leonard Powell). Race 4 – Joey Ten ($20k, Bill McLean). Race 5 – Long Mayshe Reign ($25k, George Papaprodromou), Oveta’s Hobby ($25k, Sergio Morfin), Shangrilama ($25k, Peter Miller). Race 8 – Mighty Kai ($8k, Doug O’Neill). Race 9 – Tom Seaver ($20k, Andy Mathis).

Santa Anita Full Card Highlights for Friday (4-17-26)
SA 2 BLAME IT ON JACK ($3.80)
Double (races 1-2, $8.40)
Double (races 2-3, $38.00)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $66.60)
SA 4 SOI NGERN ($4.80), Exacta ($17.40), Trifecta ($54.60)
Double (races 3-4, $17.40)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $56.20)
Double (races 4-5, $44.40)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $165.20)
Early Pick 4 (races 2-5, $447.20)
SA 8 MIGHTY KAI ($4.40), Exacta ($9.60)
Bonus Stakes:
AQU 7 And One More Time/Oversubscribed Exacta ($15.80)
KEE 9 ALPINE PRINCESS ($6.10)

*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Kentucky Derby 2026 Report (4-19-26)

The horses are starting to arrive at Churchill Downs as we inch closer to Kentucky Derby. In this report, I will take a look at the latest news, update the points standings, and share my exceptional eleven Derby contenders.

Ottinho dropped out of the Derby field yesterday and that allowed Chief Wallabee to jump into the body of the race. Grittiness was removed from Derby consideration on Saturday as well.

On Sunday, Nearly and Bravaro were dropped from consideration. The former will go to Centennial Farms for some rest and relaxation after training unsatisfactorily in recent weeks. Bravaro is targeting the Mike Lee Stakes for New York-bred 3-year-olds at Saratoga on June 3.

Chip Honcho, 21st on the points list, breezed 5f in 59.80 (6/39) at CD on April 18. He galloped out 6f in 1:12.72 and 7f in 1:25.73. He worked in company with last-out New Orleans Classic (G2) runner-up Corporate Power. Steve Asmussen’s colt has early-pressing speed and could play a big pace role if he gets into the Derby field.

Intrepido, currently 22nd on the points list, worked a half-mile in 47.20 (2/97) at Santa Anita on April 19. Hector Berrios will ride if he makes the 20-horse field.

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Kentucky Derby 2026 Top 20 Contenders (4-19-26)

 In this Kentucky Derby 2026 video, I update the points leaderboard and share my Top 20 contenders. 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Kentucky Derby & Oaks 2026 Video Update (4-18-26)

In this Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks 2026 video, I share the latest Derby and Oaks news (4-18-26). Ottinho will not run in the Derby and Chief Wallabee is the newest addition to the field. 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

I also covered all of the Kentucky Oaks 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (31 14-7-5).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Kentucky Derby & Oaks 2026 Video Update (4-17-26)

In this Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks 2026 video, I share the latest Derby and Oaks news (4-17-26). 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

I also covered all of the Kentucky Oaks 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (31 14-7-5).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Oaklawn Handicap 2026 Analysis (4-18-26)

The Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap headlines the Saturday, April 18 card as Race 11, offering a $1.25 million purse for older horses going 1 1/8 miles on the main track. This is a fascinating matchup between elite older runners and top-class four-year-olds returning from layoffs.

I’m approaching this race as a classic distance-versus-class puzzle, where pace, trip, and conditioning will ultimately decide the outcome.

---

Meet the Field

1 – White Abarrio (7-2)

A proven Grade 1 performer, but now a seven-year-old who has not won since March 2025. While his runner-up finish in the Pegasus World Cup was solid, his record away from Gulfstream Park raises concerns.

2 – Liberal Arts (15-1)

Returning from a long layoff and winless at Oaklawn. Despite some ability, this looks like too steep a class test.

3 – Sovereignty (4-5)

The accomplished favorite with victories in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, Jim Dandy, and Travers. Elite résumé—but this is his first start since August and not his ideal distance.

4 – Duke of Duval (20-1)

Outclassed based on recent figures and form.

5 – Journalism (5-2)

A highly consistent Grade 1 winner who quietly ran strong races against top competition last year. The distance may be key to unlocking his best effort.

6 – Publisher (15-1)

Comes in sharp with three straight wins at Oaklawn, two on off tracks. Improving, but faces a major class hike here.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Kentucky Derby + Kentucky Oaks 2026 Update (4-16-26)

In this Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks 2026 video, I share the latest Derby and Oaks news (4-16-26). 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

I also covered all of the Kentucky Oaks 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (31 14-7-5).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.