Alex

Horses, handicapping, and honesty. Because you deserve a real shot at the window.

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

Santa Anita • October 3, 2026 🏇 Races 3–10: Pre-Race Scouting Board + Exacta & Trifecta Ideas | The Long Stretch

#SantaAnita #HorseRacing #OakLeafStakes #AmericanPharoahStakes #RodeoDriveStakes #RacePicks #Exotics

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA — October 3, 2026 | Races 4–6
Pre-Race Scouting Report + #Exotics

Selections and ticket structures were made before results.

SA R4 — 6F Turf | California-Bred/Sired Allowance / Optional Claiming $20K | $67K
Scratches: None

Winner (Top Call): #3 Frank Bullitt
Challenger: #4 Owl
Also Circling: #5 Jetovator
Blind Spot: #1 King’s Ride
Other contenders: #7 Proof He Goes, #8 Pokerknightatvees

Scouting Report

• #3 Frank Bullitt — Turf-sprint figures of 87, 96 and 86 give him the strongest demonstrated ability. A sharp recent Santa Anita work supports his preparation. Stalking the early speed is his preferred winning pathway.

• #4 Owl — Improved from 81 to 84 to 87. Finished ahead of Jetovator and King’s Ride last time despite a wide trip. A cleaner passage makes him a serious challenger.

• #5 Jetovator — Recent figures of 88 and 86 keep this proven Santa Anita specialist competitive. Third start back from a layoff, with a solid recent half-mile work.

• #1 King’s Ride — Finished only 1.60 lengths behind the winner after breaking slowly and checking late. A clean start and ground-saving trip could put him in the finish.

• #7 Proof He Goes — Progressed from 74 to 79 to 85. Returns to turf after a dirt maiden win, but faces stronger company.

• #8 Pokerknightatvees — Has a 91 at today’s turf distance, although his latest turf sprint produced 80. An underneath contender if he avoids spending too much energy early.

#Exotics — $1 base

Exacta: 3 / 1,4,5 — $3
Reverse exacta: 1,4,5 / 3 — $3

Trifecta: 3 / 1,4,5 / 1,4,5,7,8 — $12
Alternative trifecta: 1,4,5 / 3 / 1,4,5,7,8 — $12

Complete package: $30.
These tickets require #3 to finish first or second.

SA R5 — 6F Dirt | California-Bred/Sired Two-Year-Old Maiden | $65K
Scratches: None

Winner (Top Call): #2 Angel’s Ember
Challenger: #5 D’s Four Thumbs Up
Also Circling: #4 Empire of Ash
Blind Spot: #1 Morning Glass
Other contender: #3 Smokem Thirsty
Debut Watch: #7 Fully Favorable

Scouting Report

• #2 Angel’s Ember — His debut 75 at six furlongs is the strongest direct evidence in this field. Regular recent works support preparation. Settling early and preserving his finish are essential.

• #5 D’s Four Thumbs Up — Finished second on debut despite traveling five to six wide. A more economical trip gives him a credible improvement pathway.

• #4 Empire of Ash — Recorded 74 at six furlongs before dropping to 66 against stronger company. Blinkers could improve his positioning, but a rebound remains necessary.

• #1 Morning Glass — His debut 58 followed significant early trouble. A subsequent :47.2 gate work makes him interesting, although he needs a substantial step forward.

• #3 Smokem Thirsty — His debut 65 came in the same race where D’s Four Thumbs Up finished second. Competitive underneath, with improvement needed to win.

• #7 Fully Favorable — A first-time starter from a productive dam, with supportive trainer debut statistics. His preparation warrants attention without proving exceptional readiness.

#Exotics — $1 base

Exacta: 2 / 1,4,5 — $3
Reverse exacta: 1,4,5 / 2 — $3

Trifecta: 2 / 1,4,5 / 1,3,4,5,7 — $12
Alternative trifecta: 1,4,5 / 2 / 1,3,4,5,7 — $12

Complete package: $30.
These tickets require #2 to finish first or second.

SA R6 — 5F Turf | Speakeasy Stakes | $100K
Scratched: #7 Off in the Corner

Winner (Top Call): #6 Arctic Wolf
Challenger: #2 Omaha Spirit
Also Circling: #4 Study Session
Blind Spot: #3 High Pronto
Other contender: #5 Belleza Latina

Scouting Report

• #6 Arctic Wolf — Proven turf figures of 88 and 89 lead the field. Sharp September works support readiness. Shortening from 6½ furlongs and stalking the speed give him a strong winning pathway.

• #2 Omaha Spirit — Unbeaten in two turf starts, improving from 76 to 81. Already a five-furlong winner and a turf stakes winner. Particularly dangerous if he controls the early pace.

• #4 Study Session — Won his dirt debut convincingly with a 74.
#SantaAnita #Exotics

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA — October 3, 2026 | Races 1–3
Pre-Race Scouting Report + #Exotics

Selections and ticket structures were made before results. No scratches reported for these three races.

SA R1 — 1 Mile Turf | Two-Year-Old Maiden $65K

Winner (Top Call): #1 Dream Seeker
Challenger: #4 Bliksem
Also Circling: #2 Hoaxer
Blind Spot: #7 Et Al
Other contender: #5 Absolution

Scouting Report

• #1 Dream Seeker — Turf-mile figures of 77 and 78 give him the strongest direct evidence for today’s conditions. Sharp recent Santa Anita works support his preparation. Settling early is essential.

• #4 Bliksem — His latest 76 came with checking and late contact in the same race as Dream Seeker. A cleaner trip gives him a realistic chance to reverse that result.

• #2 Hoaxer — Returns from graded company after a 71 at a turf mile. Blinkers could improve his positioning, but he still needs a stronger overall performance.

• #5 Absolution — Debuted with a 73 on dirt and brings a steady sequence of sharp works. A winning threat if he handles his first turf route.

• #7 Et Al — His best figure, 74, came in a turf sprint. Returning to grass makes him interesting underneath, although mile stamina remains unproven.

#Exotics — $1 base

Exacta: 1 / 2,4,5 — $3
Reverse exacta: 2,4,5 / 1 — $3

Trifecta: 1 / 2,4,5 / 2,4,5,7 — $9
Alternative trifecta: 2,4,5 / 1 / 2,4,5,7 — $9

Complete package: $24.
These tickets require #1 to finish first or second.

SA R2 — 6½F Dirt | Chillingworth Stakes G3 | $100K

Winner (Top Call): #5 Toaster
Challenger: #4 Paradise City
Also Circling: #1 Thermal
Blind Spot: #2 No Bad Beats
Other contender: #3 Our Moonlight

Scouting Report

• #5 Toaster — Unbeaten in two starts, improving from 87 to 101. She has already won at 6½ furlongs and carries 118 pounds. The challenge is reproducing that effort against graded company.

• #4 Paradise City — Won a six-furlong stakes with a 94 before facing Grade I company. Shortening from seven furlongs could help her finish from a stalking position.

• #1 Thermal — Has recorded 96 and 104, but faded to 86 in her latest start at today’s distance. Sharp local works keep her dangerous if she manages the early pressure.

• #3 Our Moonlight — Recent figures of 84, 91 and 91 show progress. Two sharp four-furlong works support her preparation; a contested pace would help her closing bid.

• #2 No Bad Beats — Won at this distance with a 99 before a disappointing 61 at Gulfstream. Returning to California and 6½ furlongs gives her a plausible rebound opportunity, with substantial uncertainty.

#Exotics — $1 base

Exacta: 5 / 1,2,3,4 — $4
Reverse exacta: 1,2,3,4 / 5 — $4

Trifecta: 5 / 1,2,3,4 / 1,2,3,4,6 — $16
Alternative trifecta: 1,2,3,4 / 5 / 1,2,3,4,6 — $16

Complete package: $40.
These tickets require #5 to finish first or second. #6 Rosie Jeeks is included only for third.

SA R3 — 1 1/16 Miles Dirt | Oak Leaf Stakes G2 | $200K

Winner (Top Call): #2 Holmby
Challenger: #1 Quattro Passi
Also Circling: #4 Free Closer
Blind Spot: #6 Deluge

Scouting Report

• #2 Holmby — Won the G3 Sorrento with a 97 before finishing third in the G1 Del Mar Debutante with an 87. Her established stakes ability leads the field, but this is her first route.

• #1 Quattro Passi — Improved from 86 to 91 and won her latest maiden by nine lengths. The main threat if she carries that progression into two turns.

• #4 Free Closer — Won the CTBA Stakes with an 88, then recorded 84 against open Grade I company. An efficient stalking trip could put her in contention if the leaders face sustained pressure.

• #6 Deluge — Won her turf-sprint debut with an 82, showing determination in a duel. Regular local works support her preparation, but both dirt and route ability remain unproven.

#Exotics — $1 base

Exacta: 2 / 1,4,6 — $3
Reverse exacta: 1,4,6 / 2 — $3

Trifecta: 2 / 1,4,6 / 1,4,6 — $6
Alternative trifecta: 1,4,6 / 2 / 1,4,6 — $6

#SantaAnita #HorseRacing #ChillingworthStakes #OakLeafStakes #RacePicks

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA SUNDAY 🏇 | September 27, 2026

Our pre-race scouting board for Races 1–9 is ready. Who’s your top call?

#SantaAnita #HorseRacing #ThoroughbredRacing #RaceDay

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA — September 27, 2026 | Races 8–9
Pre-Race Scouting Report + #Exotics

SA R8 — 1¹⁄₁₆M Dirt | Zenyatta Stakes G2
No scratches

Winner: #4 Om N Joy
Challenger: #1 Majestic Oops
Also Circling: #7 Magnificat
Blind Spot: #6 Rabecca

Scouting Report

• #4 Om N Joy — Her recent 102, 95 and 100 figures give her the strongest current form in this field. The 95 came at today’s distance, supporting the move back from her latest 1¼-mile race.

• #1 Majestic Oops — Proven at this distance, with recent 94 and 98 figures. She becomes especially dangerous if the early pace is contested.

• #7 Magnificat — Comes in off a 94 at a mile. She has a winning path if she carries that form through the extra sixteenth.

• #6 Rabecca — Unbeaten in three starts and already a graded-stakes winner. She faces a tougher field today, but a clean forward trip gives her a credible upset chance.

Exacta ($1):
4,1,7,6 / 4,1,7,6
12 combinations — $12

Trifecta ($0.50):
4,1,7,6 / 4,1,7,6 / 4,1,7,6,5,2
48 combinations — $24

—

SA R9 — 1M Turf | California-Bred/Sired Allowance–Optional Claiming $67K
Scratched: #4, #13

Winner: #7 Feeling Lucky
Challenger: #10 Cardiff Crack
Also Circling: #5 Stylishlyacclaimed
Blind Spot: None qualified

Scouting Report

• #7 Feeling Lucky — His latest 94 at 1¹⁄₁₆ miles is a strong recent turf-route performance. Cutting back to a mile gives him a chance to sustain his run to the wire.

• #10 Cardiff Crack — Recent turf-route figures of 94 and 90 make him a serious win alternative. A contested pace would give him a useful target.

• #5 Stylishlyacclaimed — Returned from a layoff with turf-route figures of 86 and 92. Another step forward puts him firmly in the win conversation.

• #11 Highlandsdrifter — His route form makes him a candidate underneath. #8 We Can has an older 93 at a turf mile but must prove his readiness after a long absence; #9 Cal’s Goal tries a route for the first time.

Exacta ($1):
7,10,5 / 7,10,5,11
9 combinations — $9

Trifecta ($0.50):
7,10,5 / 7,10,5,11 / 7,10,5,11,8,9
36 combinations — $18

Selections and tickets are pre-race. Repeated horses are excluded within each combination.

#SantaAnita #SantaAnitaPark #HorseRacing #ThoroughbredRacing #Exotics

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA — September 27, 2026 | Races 5–7
Pre-Race Scouting Report + #Exotics

SA R5 — 1 Mile Dirt | $16,000 Claiming, N3L
Scratched: #1 Millbo Baggins

Winner (Top Call): #4 Tessuto
Challenger: #8 Fomo Joe
Also Circling: #7 Hondo Crouch
Blind Spot: #9 Fight Back

Scouting Report

• #4 Tessuto — Ran a 95 while dueling against tougher company last time and has already shown he can handle a dirt mile. He is the horse to catch, though an early battle would make the finish less comfortable.

• #8 Fomo Joe — His 91 in a dirt mile gives him a direct route to victory if he returns ready after 52 days away.

• #7 Hondo Crouch — Comes off a dirt-mile win with an 86. He moves up from the $10,000 N2L level, so this field is his next test.

• #9 Fight Back — Returns to a dirt mile after a sprint. His two recent 86s at this distance make him dangerous if the leaders press each other.

Exacta ($1):
4,8,9 / 4,7,8,9
9 combinations — $9

Trifecta ($0.50):
4,8,9 / 4,7,8,9 / 2,4,5,7,8,9
36 combinations — $18

—

SA R6 — 1 Mile Dirt | $20,000 Maiden Claiming
Scratched: #10 Marion Magic

Winner (Top Call): #3 Whynotanotherone
Challenger: #5 Hoosick Falls
Also Circling: #7 Sharons Maxfield
Blind Spot: #6 Freddy Five Four

Scouting Report

• #3 Whynotanotherone — His earlier 92 and 90 in dirt routes are the best proven performances in this field. He held second after dueling last time, but that effort came with a drop to 66. A cleaner pace trip is key.

• #5 Hoosick Falls — Ran an 82 around two turns in August. He contested the pace and finished third last time; conserving more energy could bring him back to his stronger form.

• #7 Sharons Maxfield — Has faced more expensive maiden company in both starts. The class drop gives him an opening, while his first attempt at a mile remains the question.

• #6 Freddy Five Four — Drops sharply from $62,500 maiden claiming company after a 72 sprint figure. He has a path to an upset if the added distance suits him, but he has yet to prove it in a route.

Exacta ($1):
3,5,6,7 / 3,5,6,7
12 combinations — $12

Trifecta ($0.50):
3,5,6,7 / 3,5,6,7 / 2,3,5,6,7,9
48 combinations — $24

—

SA R7 — 6F Turf | California-Bred/Sired Maiden $65K, Two-Year-Olds
No scratches reported.

Winner (Top Call): #11 Chiseled in Stone
Challenger: #1 Golden Club
Also Circling: #9 Hallagrey
Blind Spot: #2 Little King

Scouting Report

• #11 Chiseled in Stone — Opened with an 85 on turf and followed with a 79 while finishing second. He has the strongest two-race grass record in this young field.

• #1 Golden Club — Improved to an 84 when switched to turf and finished third. That gives him a proven winning path if he is ready after 52 days away.

• #9 Hallagrey — Improved from 59 to 74 in his two turf starts. Another step forward puts him in the fight for the placings, especially with the right early trip.

• #2 Little King — Returns to maiden company after facing stakes runners and tries turf for the first time. His better dirt efforts make him an upset candidate if that ability carries onto grass.

Exacta ($1):
11,1,2 / 11,1,2,9
9 combinations — $9

Trifecta ($0.50):
11,1,2 / 11,1,2,9 / 11,1,2,3,8,9,10
45 combinations — $22.50

Selections and ticket structures are pre-race calls. Horses appearing in multiple positions are used only in valid combinations.

#SantaAnita #SantaAnitaPark #HorseRacing #ThoroughbredRacing #Exotics #HorseRacingPicks

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA — September 27, 2026 | Races 1–4
Pre-Race Scouting Report + #Exotics

Selections and ticket structures below were made before results.

SA R1 — 1 Mile Turf | California-Bred/Sired Maiden $65K
Scratched: #1

Winner (Top Call): #7 Platinum Groove
Challenger: #4 Alittletoofabulous
Also Circling: #5 Danzing Daisy
Blind Spot: #3 Unusualexis

Scouting Report

• #7 Platinum Groove — Her 82 in a mile-turf maiden race is the strongest direct evidence for today’s conditions. She has already shown she belongs at this trip.

• #4 Alittletoofabulous — Ran an 82 and finished second in her debut. She has talent and recent preparation, but turf and a mile are new questions.

• #5 Danzing Daisy — Brings turf experience and stronger sprint efforts. She needs to improve on her two visible mile performances to win.

• #3 Unusualexis — Her turf figures have climbed from 66 to 72 to 77. Continued improvement and a contested pace give this 20/1 morning-line runner an upset path.

Exacta:
7,4 / 7,4,5,3
5,3 / 7,4

Trifecta:
7,4 / 7,4,5,3 / 7,4,5,3,2,9
5,3 / 7,4 / 7,4,5,3,2,9

—

SA R2 — 1 Mile Dirt | $8,000 Claiming
Scratched: #3

Winner (Top Call): #6 Theresasilverlinin
Challenger: #1 Rythem Girl
Also Circling: #4 Perfect Life
Blind Spot: #2 Mastery Kat

Scouting Report

• #6 Theresasilverlinin — Owns an 88 best at the distance and older mile efforts of 87–88. Her latest 36 is a serious warning: this call depends on a return toward her established route form.

• #1 Rythem Girl — Comes off an 81 and a third-place finish at this claiming level. She is in current form, but must prove she can stretch her sprint ability to a mile.

• #4 Perfect Life — Has been steady in recent sprints, with figures of 76, 77, 76, and 76. She becomes more dangerous if the leaders soften one another.

• #2 Mastery Kat — An older 84 at the distance makes her worth watching on the class move, but her latest 67 does not yet show that form returning. She is a third-place consideration, not a promoted win call.

Exacta:
6,1 / 6,1,4
4 / 6,1

Trifecta:
6,1,4 / 6,1,4 / 6,1,4,2,5

—

SA R3 — 1 Mile Turf | $80,000 Optional Claiming / Allowance
No scratches

Winner (Top Call): #6 Cortina d’Amprezzo
Challenger: #4 Mesmerize
Also Circling: #5 Waiting For You
Blind Spot: #1 Dare Greatly
Other Win Threat: #2 Soul Sister

Scouting Report

• #6 Cortina d’Amprezzo — Her 89 turf-mile win is the field’s strongest demonstrated performance at today’s setup. She recorded an 81 last time after pulling and encountering a difficult trip; a cleaner journey matters.

• #4 Mesmerize — Improved from an 82 debut to an 86 while winning a turf route in her second start. She has genuine upside, though this is a step up from maiden company.

• #5 Waiting For You — Ran an 84 and finished second in a recent mile-turf allowance. Her relevant, consistent route form gives her a legitimate winning chance with the right trip.

• #2 Soul Sister — Won a turf mile with an 85 in May and has since posted 82 and 79 against allowance company. She belongs in the upset conversation.

• #1 Dare Greatly — Returned with an 83 in a dirt sprint and has an older 90 turf-route effort. She has an intriguing restoration path, but still must show that her former route form is available today.

Exacta:
6,4 / 6,4,5,2,1
5,2,1 / 6,4

Trifecta:
6,4 / 6,4,5,2,1 / 6,4,5,2,1,3
5,2,1 / 6,4 / 6,4,5,2,1,3

—

SA R4 — 6F Dirt | Santa Anita Sprint Championship G2
Scratched: #2, #3

Winner (Top Call): #1 Listenupshance
Challenger: #5 Maximum Bourbon
Also Circling / Blind Spot: #4 March of Time

Scouting Report

• #1 Listenupshance — Won the six-furlong Bing Crosby G1 with a 100, defeating #5. With another speed horse scratched, he has the clearest opportunity to control this three-horse race.

• #5 Maximum Bourbon — Finished second to #1 with a 100 in that same race and owns a 103 best at six furlongs. A reversal is entirely credible if he gets the stronger trip.

• #4 March of Time — Ran a 98 at six furlongs #sataanita

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

🏇 Santa Anita Saturday: Ten Races, Four Graded Stakes, One Full Pre-Race Scouting Board. Here are the horses and exotic combinations we’re watching. 🌴

#SantaAnita #HorseRacing #ThoroughbredRacing #Exotics #TheLongStretch

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

🏇 SANTA ANITA SATURDAY — RACES 9 & 10 | PRE-RACE SCOUTING

R9 — John C. Harris Stakes (G3), 6½F downhill turf
Top Call: #10 Little Opal
Challenger: #4 Yours Sincerely
Also Circling: #8 Day to Day
Blind Spot: #6 Surfin’ U. S. A.
#10 brings the strongest recent form, while #4 has proven herself at this distance. A contested pace could bring #8 or #6 into the finish. #5 scratched.
Exotics: 10–4–8–1–6–9

R10 — 6F turf maiden
Top Call: #3 Zuzu’s Classic Gal
Challenger: #1 Sally’s Wish
Also Circling: #5 Helping Hand
Blind Spot: #6 Blame the Track
#3 has the steadiest recent form. #1 owns the best proven six-furlong turf figure in the field; #6 is the upset watch in her first grass start. #12 and #13 scratched.
Exotics: 3–1–6–5–9

#SantaAnita #HorseRacing #TurfRacing #Exotics

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA — September 26, 2026 | Races 5–8
Pre-Race Scouting Report + #Exotics

R5 — 6½F Hillside Turf | Eddie D. Stakes G2
Scratched: #3, #9

Winner: #6 Sorrento Sky
Challenger: #8 First Peace
Also Circling: #1 Sumter
Blind Spot: #4 Amorita

Scouting Report

• #6 Sorrento Sky — Comes off a turf G2 win and has already run well at 6½ furlongs. The strongest current case.

• #8 First Peace — Won this race at the exact distance in 2024. A return toward that form makes him the main threat.

• #1 Sumter — Has strong turf figures to draw on, though his latest race raises a rebound question.

• #4 Amorita — His recent dirt mile may hide a better turf-sprint effort. He needs the right pressing trip to spring an upset.

Exacta ($1): 6,8 / 1,6,7,8 — $6
Trifecta (50¢): 6 / 1,7,8 / 1,2,4,5,7,8 — $7.50
Trifecta (50¢): 8 / 1,6 / 1,2,4,5,6,7 — $5

—

R6 — 6F Dirt | California-Bred Filly Maiden Special Weight $65K
No scratches reported

Winner: #3 Not So Merry Mary
Challenger: #1 Sauced Up
Also Circling: #5 Runaround Sue, #2 Ember Royale
Blind Spot: #4 Pavular

Scouting Report

• #3 Not So Merry Mary — Improved to a 75 while finishing second at this distance and level. She brings the clearest recent race performance.

• #1 Sauced Up — Consistent recent dirt-sprint efforts put her in the mix, but she still needs another step to win.

• #5 Runaround Sue — Made some late progress after a slow start in her debut. A cleaner second start gives her an upset path.

• #2 Ember Royale — A first-time starter with encouraging preparation and family history. Her race-day ability remains unknown.

• #4 Pavular — Returns to dirt and a sprint after a turf mile. Her troubled 6F dirt debut is the performance worth revisiting.

Exacta ($1): 3,1 / 1,2,3,5 — $6
Trifecta (50¢): 3 / 1,2,5 / 1,2,4,5,8 — $6
Trifecta (50¢): 1,5 / 3 / 1,2,4,5,8 — $4

—

R7 — 1¼M Hillside Turf | John Henry Turf Championship G2
No scratches reported

Winner: #7 Atitlan
Challenger: #1 Mondego
Also Circling: #3 Atomic Age
Blind Spot: #4 Balladeer

Scouting Report

• #7 Atitlan — His 101 last out is the strongest current figure in the field. The shorter distance and race tempo are the questions.

• #1 Mondego — Beaten less than a length last time and owns a 105 at today’s distance. A serious alternative.

• #3 Atomic Age — Comes off a 100 and is capable of getting into the win conversation with another forward step.

• #4 Balladeer — The clearest early-speed horse. If he controls the tempo and rebounds from his recent figures, he can make the favorites work for it.

Exacta ($1): 7,1,4 / 1,3,4,5,7 — $12
Trifecta (50¢): 7 / 1,3,4,5 / 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 — $12
Trifecta (50¢): 1,4 / 7 / 1,2,3,4,5,6,8 — $6

—

R8 — 1⅛M Dirt | Goodwood Stakes G1
No scratches reported

Winner: #4 Original Sin
Challenger: #7 Forged Steel
Also Circling: #9 Nevada Beach
Blind Spot: #5 Midnight Mammoth

Scouting Report

• #4 Original Sin — Comes off a 105 and a second-place finish in the Pacific Classic. His recent dirt-route form gives him the top call.

• #7 Forged Steel — Earlier graded-stakes figures of 104 and 107 make him dangerous if he rebounds from his latest race.

• #9 Nevada Beach — Proven at this distance, but his long layoff makes current readiness the key question.

• #5 Midnight Mammoth — Has shown a 107 in graded dirt-route company. He needs to rediscover that level and avoid an early pace battle to threaten at a price.

Exacta ($1): 4,7,9,5 / 4,5,7,8,9 — $16
Trifecta (50¢): 4 / 5,7,8,9 / 2,5,6,7,8,9 — $10
Trifecta (50¢): 5,7,9 / 4 / 2,5,6,7,8,9 — $7.50

These are pre-race selections and ticket ideas; no results or placed wagers are implied.

#SantaAnita #SantaAnitaPark #HorseRacing #ThoroughbredRacing #EddieDStakes #JohnHenryTurfChampionship #GoodwoodStakes #Exotics

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA — September 26, 2026 | Races 1–4
Pre-Race Scouting Report + #Exotics

Selections and ticket structures are locked before results. R3 #1 Teao is scratched; no scratches were reported for R1, R2, or R4.

SA R1 — 1 Mile Turf | California-Bred/Sired Maiden Claiming $50K

Winner: #5 Going Nowhere
Challenger: #7 Doing Time
Also Circling: #8 Heroic Dose
Blind Spot: #9 Daddys Star

Scouting Report

• #5 brings repeatable turf form and a tactical trip. #7 has the strongest sustained recent turf-route figures and is a genuine win alternative. #8 has finished second twice at this level.
• #9’s dirt ability creates an intriguing surface-and-distance switch, but turf-mile ability remains unproven.

$1 Exacta: 5,7,8 / 2,5,7,8 — 9 combinations, $9
50¢ Trifecta: 5,7,8 / 2,5,7,8 / 1,2,3,5,7,8,9 — 45 combinations, $22.50

—

SA R2 — 6½F Dirt | Open Claiming $16K

Winner: #4 Piper’s Causeway
Challenger: #5 Gypsy Tears
Also Circling: #2 B Grayson
Blind Spot: #3 Mici’s Express

Scouting Report

• #4 returns to dirt with established sprint ability and the clearest potential pace-control trip. #5 owns a strong recent dirt-sprint sequence.
• #2 won last out but now faces open company at a longer distance. #3’s older sprint form offers an underneath restoration pathway, not a proven current win case. #1 Naftis also has conditional win eligibility.

$1 Exacta: 4,5,2,1 / 4,5,2,1 — 12 combinations, $12
50¢ Trifecta: 4,5,2,1 / 4,5,2,1 / 1,2,3,4,5 — 36 combinations, $18

—

SA R3 — 1 Mile Turf | City of Hope Mile G2
#1 Teao scratched

Winner: #5 Irish Aces
Challenger: #6 King of Gosford
Also Circling: #2 El Potente
Blind Spot: #3 Cabo Spirit

Scouting Report

• #5 arrives with graded turf-mile figures of 94 and 97. #6 won their recent Del Mar G2 matchup and is a full win threat. #2 has proven class and distance form.
• With #1 out, #3 has a clearer potential lead. If he controls the tempo, his win pathway is real—not merely an exotic inclusion.

$1 Exacta: 5,6,2,3 / 5,6,2,3 — 12 combinations, $12
50¢ Trifecta: 5,6,2,3 / 5,6,2,3 / 2,3,4,5,6 — 36 combinations, $18

—

SA R4 — 6½F Dirt | Optional Claiming $50K/N1X

Winner: #1 Liam Smith
Challenger: #4 Clouseau
Also Circling: #2 For All Mankind
Blind Spot: #3 Duke Silver

Scouting Report

• #1’s latest 105 at this distance is the field’s strongest current figure. The test is whether he repeats it with several runners seeking forward position.
• #4’s recent 101 and prior sprint form make him dangerous if the pace heats up. #2’s latest 98 gives him a legitimate win pathway. #3 has a 96 at this exact distance but must rebound from two weaker races against winners.

$1 Exacta: 1,4,2 / 1,2,3,4 — 9 combinations, $9
50¢ Trifecta: 1,4,2 / 1,2,3,4 / 1,2,3,4,5 — 27 combinations, $13.50

These are pre-race scouting opinions and illustrative ticket structures—not a claim that wagers were placed. Results will be audited against the locked calls and actual combinations without hindsight changes.

#SantaAnita #SantaAnitaPark #HorseRacing #ThoroughbredRacing #Exotics

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

🏇 SANTA ANITA OPENING DAY | SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

The Long Stretch is live: our full Races 1–8

#SantaAnita #OpeningDay #HorseRacing #Exotics

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA — September 25, 2026 | Opening Day
Races 5–8 Scouting Report + #Exotics

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SA R5 — 6F Dirt | $20K Maiden Claiming

Winner: #3 Mrsaintpatrick
Challenger: #6 Here Comes Too Too
Also Circling: #8 Big Time Coach
Blind Spot: #2 Patricia’s Boy

Scouting Report

• #3 Mrsaintpatrick — His latest 71 matches the race par. He showed tactical speed and a strong improvement from his debut, making him the clearest proven win candidate.

• #6 Here Comes Too Too — Drops sharply in class and has enough early speed to take control. His latest fade is the concern: he must carry that speed farther.

• #8 Big Time Coach — Has run a 63 in both starts. A cleaner trip after being bumped and squeezed last time could move him into the exacta.

• #2 Patricia’s Boy — A first-time starter with a recent 5F work ranked 5/75 and a dam that has produced five winners. His race ability is unknown, but the preparation gives him a real debut upset path.

Exacta:
3 / 2,6,8
2,6,8 / 3

Trifecta:
3 / 2,6,8 / 1,2,6,7,8

—

SA R6 — 1M Turf | $80K Optional Claiming

Winner: #2 Jordi Bear
Challenger: #3 Iriseach
Also Circling: #6 Piedra Fria
Blind Spot: #5 Caro Buono

Scouting Report

• #2 Jordi Bear — His last-out 96 at a longer turf route is the strongest proven performance in this field. He also faced tougher company.

• #3 Iriseach — Comes in with a current 94 and established turf-mile ability. She has the form and distance profile to challenge the favorite directly.

• #6 Piedra Fria — Won his turf debut and followed with a sharp 5F work. The move from five furlongs to a mile is the major unknown.

• #5 Caro Buono — A recent 91 exceeds today’s par, and two sharp works support her condition. The cutback may help her finish better; at 12/1 on the morning line, she deserves win consideration.

Exacta:
2 / 3,5,6
3,5,6 / 2

Trifecta:
2 / 3,5,6 / 1,3,5,6

—

SA R7 — 5½F Dirt | $12.5K Claiming N2L

Winner: #2 Harbor Code
Challenger: #6 Battle School
Also Circling: #1 My Man Joe Roldan
Blind Spot Review: #3 Kiddo Light

Scouting Report

• #2 Harbor Code — Owns an 86 at this distance. The return to dirt, class drop, and recent works give him the most complete sprint setup.

• #6 Battle School — Won his latest race with an 84 and a strong late-pace figure. He faces winners now, but his current sprint form makes him the principal threat.

• #1 My Man Joe Roldan — Earned an 84 last time, yet that came in a route. He needs that ability to transfer to a much shorter race.

• #3 Kiddo Light — His old 82 and last-out win caught our attention. After more than eight months away, his recent works do not justify promoting him as a win pick. #7 Desert Kat remains an additional contender on his prior 81.

Exacta:
2 / 1,6,7
6,7 / 2

Trifecta:
2 / 1,6,7 / 1,5,6,7

—

SA R8 — 6F Turf | $65K Maiden Special Weight

Winner: #5 Vallendar
Challenger: #1 Goldenlynn
Also Circling: #8 Thebeachisback
Blind Spot: #7 Miss Midterm

Scouting Report

• #5 Vallendar — The only runner here with a turf race. She improved to an 80 in that start and finished well; a small step forward puts her at today’s winning requirement.

• #1 Goldenlynn — A first-time starter with consecutive fast 5F works. She looks prepared, though she has yet to show how she handles race pressure.

• #8 Thebeachisback — Brings the strongest overall ranking and drops from tougher maiden company. Her early speed is clear; her turf ability remains untested.

• #7 Miss Midterm — Her dam has produced two turf winners, and she changes surface after a poor dirt debut. That makes her an interesting underneath discovery, but the 54 debut figure does not support a win promotion.

Exacta:
5 / 1,8
1,8 / 5

Trifecta:
5 / 1,8 / 1,2,7,8

#SantaAnita #SantaAnitaPark #OpeningDay #HorseRacing #ThoroughbredRacing #Exotics

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

SANTA ANITA OPENING DAY — September 25, 2026 | Races 1–4
Scouting Report + #Exotics

SA R1 — 6F Turf | Maiden $65K

Winner (Top Call): #3 Conquer We Must
Challenger: #5 Smashing Machine
Also Circling: #4 Ruler of Law
Blind Spot: #2 Deucari

• #3 Conquer We Must — The strongest established turf-race case. His latest 79 came at 1⅛ miles; his earlier turf figures of 87 and 88 make the return to a sprint especially relevant.

• #5 Smashing Machine — Brings the field’s best last-race figure, 96, and likely early speed. Both starts were on dirt, so today tests whether that ability transfers to turf.

• #4 Ruler of Law — Ran an 88 at this turf distance in his debut. A sharp gate work supports readiness after a long layoff. He has a legitimate win path, not merely an underneath role.

• #2 Deucari — First-time starter with a pair of fast five-furlong works. His ceiling is unknown; the race evidence has yet to arrive.

Exacta: 3,4 / 3,4,5
Trifecta: 3,4 / 3,4,5 / 3,4,5

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SA R2 — 6F Dirt | California-Bred/Sired Maiden Claiming $50K

Winner (Top Call): #5 Druliner
Challenger: #6 Magic Advice
Also Circling: #3 Sissy Girl
Blind Spot: #2 Queen of Bantry

• #5 Druliner — Returns to dirt, drops in class and adds blinkers. Her prior dirt-sprint form supplies the strongest proven case, though she still needs improvement against today’s printed speed par.

• #6 Magic Advice — Debuts off a fast gate work, with four winners from five starters produced by her dam. The preparation gives her an immediate win ceiling; the lack of race evidence keeps confidence measured.

• #3 Sissy Girl — Her earlier 80 in a turf sprint shows ability, and blinkers go on for the return to a sprint. Dirt is the unanswered question.

• #2 Queen of Bantry — Second-start development and a sharp recent work create an improvement path. Her debut 66 still leaves ground to make up.

Exacta: 5,6 / 2,3,5,6
Trifecta: 5,6 / 5,6 / 2,3

—

SA R3 — 5½F Dirt | Claiming $10K

Winner (Top Call): #2 Miz Clubcali
Challenger: #1 Eltonsingsanother
Also Circling: #7 Ro Town
Blind Spot: #4 Chasing Kat

Scouting Report

• #2 Miz Clubcali — Recent figures of 82, 82 and 80 give her the steadiest current form. She drops from $12,500 and has already won twice at Santa Anita.

• #1 Eltonsingsanother — Ran a 90 two starts ago and now drops in class. Her winning case depends on restoring that higher level after a 76 last time.

• #7 Ro Town — Drops in class with recent dirt figures of 83 and 79. Her tactical position could help if the leaders contest the pace.

• #4 Chasing Kat — The 56 last time is concerning, but it followed 85 and 84, and the race comment notes gate trouble. Class relief gives this Blind Spot a specific rebound path and first-position protection.

Pace watch: #1, #4 and #6 could make this a contested sprint. #3 Giant Kid also belongs in the exotics: third off a layoff, dropping in class, with a sharp five-furlong work.

Exacta: 2,3 / 1,2,3,7
Rebound saver: 1,4 / 2,3
Trifecta: 2,3 / 1,2,3,7 / 1,2,3,7

SA R4 — 1⅛M Turf | Maiden Claiming $50K

Winner (Top Call): #6 Mighty Toro
Challenger: #4 Moluccan
Also Circling: #1 Fausto
Blind Spot: #3 After Dawn

• #6 Mighty Toro — Owns the field’s top Prime Power and best turf figure, 84. He was second at this claiming level last time and has a sharp recent five-furlong work. The added distance and short 1/1 morning line are the concerns.

• #4 Moluccan — Drops from an $80,000 maiden after running a 79 in his first start back. A forward step gives him a credible upset path at a better morning-line price.

• #1 Fausto — Ran an 82 last time and owns an 83 at today’s distance. The class drop helps, but 13 starts without a win demand caution. His exact-distance evidence still earns win protection.

• #3 After Dawn — Lightly raced and trying turf for the first time for Richard Mandella. The surface switch makes his ceiling uncertain and gives him a conditional upset path.

#SantaAnita #SantaAnitaPark #HorseRacing

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

🏈 Week 2 final calls are locked.
#NFL #NFLWeek2 #FootballPicks #SportsAnalysis

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

Santa Anita opening day is September 25, and I’ll be resuming my scouting reports that day.

I focus primarily on one track at a time so I can study the horses, race conditions, pace dynamics, form cycles, and overall field as closely as possible. The goal is quality over quantity fewer tracks, deeper analysis, and the most accurate scouting information I can provide.

Looking forward to getting back to analysis at Santa Anita Fall meet.
#LongStretch #horseracing #scoutreports

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

THE NFL IS BACK — WEEK 1 IS HERE

Football season is finally back. Here’s my Week 1 board winners, spreads, totals and projected scores.

Just for fun and to kick off the 2026 season with some friendly competition. Let’s see how the picks hold up when the games are played.

Welcome back, NFL.

#NFL #NFLWeek1 #NFLKickoff #FootballIsBack #Havefun #GoRams

[UCLA Football @UCLAFootball]

All 11 working together 💪

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

A quick note on how to read these reports:

These are not traditional “picks.”

The four horses shown on the graphic are the horses my analysis identifies as having the strongest overall ability to compete for a spot on the board based on their current form, ability, development, pace profile, class, surface, distance, connections, and projected race conditions.

• Production is the current leader of the scouting board.

• Challenger is the horse with the strongest case to beat the Production horse if the race develops differently or another part of the profile becomes more important.

• Also Circling is a horse that may rank just behind the top two overall but still has a legitimate competitive pathway into the race.

• Blind Spot is the horse I believe may be more dangerous than the obvious numbers or market perception suggest.

Those labels are organizational tools, not finishing-order predictions. A Blind Spot can ultimately be the best horse in the race. A Production horse can disappoint or be downgraded as new information develops.

The full written scouting report I post before the graphic is the actual analysis. That is where I explain why each horse belongs on the board and what conditions give them their strongest pathway to perform.

The image is simply a quick-reference cheat sheet.

And like any scouting report, the analysis cannot account perfectly for every variable once the race begins. Trips, breaks, pace changes, traffic, rider decisions, surface behavior and other race-day circumstances can change the outcome.

The goal is not to claim that these four horses will finish 1-2-3-4.

The goal is to identify the horses that, based on the available evidence before the race, have the strongest competitive pathways to hit the board and explain why.

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

Yeah, I had Queen Bay over Miss Hellfire. My thinking was Queen Bay had already proven she could handle this exact 5F turf setup, while Miss Hellfire still had to show me she could transfer that dirt form to turf. Famous Forza ended up beating both of them, and that’s the part I’m taking from this race.

[Alex @TheLongStretch]

Labor Day at Del Mar — One Last Ride of the Summer Meet

Closing Day at Del Mar. Thank you to everyone who followed along, read the scouting reports, shared the cards, and supported the project throughout the summer. It’s been a hell of a meet. We’ll finish it the same way we started — studying the athletes, trusting the process, and taking one more shot at the window.

#DelMar #LaborDayRacing #HorseRacing #TheLongStretch