Raymond Track Report: Santa Anita Park Picks (12/29/25)

Santa Anita Park – Monday, December 29, 2025

Presented by Ray the Bull

“Ray doesn’t bet every race. He looks for structure, intent, and price.”

Santa Anita’s Monday card offers a mix of turf routes, maiden chaos, and a few stakes races where the public will overplay connections. The Raymond Track Report focuses on ride intent, trainer patterns, and distance suitability — not guesswork.

Ray the Bull’s approach today:
✔ Stay patient early
✔ Respect turf specialists
✔ Don’t chase low-value favorites

🏇 RACE 1 – Claiming $28,000

1 1/8 Miles | Turf | Post 3:00 PM

Ray’s Read:
This is a pace-controlled turf route where rider intent matters more than raw speed.

Top Order

• 🥇 (7) Aleramo – Prat takes the call, strong turf profile
• 🥈 (1) Sakura Flavor – Rail saver with late punch
• 🥉 (4) True Patriot – Honest grinder, fits underneath

Ray’s Play:

• Exacta Boxes: 7/1, 1/4, 4/6
• Trifecta focus: 7–1–4

Ray says: “Prat on turf isn’t a trend — it’s a signal.”

🏇 RACE 2 – Maiden Special Weight

6 Furlongs | Dirt | Post 3:30 PM

Ray’s Read:
Young speed with sharp barns — expect aggressive intent.

Top Order

• 🥇 (5) A Great Shaking – Escobedo winning at 40% is no accident
• 🥈 (7) Billie Holiday – Logical pace presser
• 🥉 (1) Goje – Rispoli cleanup candidate

Ray’s Play:

• Exacta: 5/7, 7/1
• Trifecta: 5–7–1

“When barns are live, Ray doesn’t argue — he prices it.”

🏇 RACE 3 – Stakes $100,000

1 Mile | Turf | Post 4:00 PM

Ray’s Read:
Turf class meets consistency. This is not the race to get cute.

Top Order

• 🥇 (5) Wild Like the West
• 🥈 (4) La Ville Lumiere
• 🥉 (2) Hypergamy

Ray’s Play:

• Exacta: 5/4, 4/2
• Trifecta: 5–4–2

🏇 RACE 4 – Maiden Special Weight

6½ Furlongs | Dirt | Post 4:30 PM

Ray’s Read:
Volatile race. Look for upside, not perfection.

Top Order

• 🥇 (6) Manhattan Beauty – Prat upgrade
• 🥈 (5) Sparrow – Live price
• 🥉 (1) Lubie’s Music

Ray’s Play:

• Spread exactas
• Trifecta: 6–5–1

“Ray accepts chaos — but only when paid for it.”

🏇 RACE 5 – Starter Allowance

1 Mile | Turf | Post 5:00 PM

Top Order

• 🥇 (6) American Glory
• 🥈 (3) Mr. Leasure
• 🥉 (5) Cathal

Ray’s Angle:
Strong turf riders, honest mile profiles. Let the race come to you.

🏇 RACE 6 – Starter Optional Claiming

6 Furlongs | Dirt | Post 5:30 PM

Top Order

• 🥇 (2) Uncle Chilly
• 🥈 (7) Ballyhooligan
• 🥉 (4) Tessuto

Ray’s Note:
Speed holds if breaks clean. No hero bets.

🏇 RACE 7 – Stakes $200,000

6½ Furlongs | Downhill Turf | Post 6:00 PM

Ray’s Read:
Downhill turf = trip matters more than name value.

Top Order

• 🥇 (1) Imagination
• 🥈 (10) Sumter – Price play
• 🥉 (7) Unconquerable Keen

Ray’s Play:

• Exacta: 1/10, 10/7
• Trifecta: 1–10–7

“Ray loves a price… when the setup earns it.”

🏇 RACE 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming

1 Mile | Dirt | Post 6:30 PM

Top Order

• 🥇 (8) Known Idea
• 🥈 (9) Oubabe
• 🥉 (4) Strongerthanbefore

🏇 RACE 9 – Maiden Special Weight

1 Mile | Turf | Post 7:00 PM

Top Order

• 🥇 (4) Rio Grande – Strongest profile on paper
• 🥈 (10) Biggiebiggiebiggie – Live longshot
• 🥉 (8) Essos

Ray’s Closing Thought:

“Final race doesn’t mean final chase. Protect the bankroll.”

🐂 Ray the Bull’s Final Market Advice

• Not every race is an investment
• Turf favors patience
• Rider intent > public noise

📊 Full Raymond Track Reports, deeper pools, and long-term ROI angles available at ATSStats.com

Ray’s watching the market.
Are you?