Horse Racing Picks: Ack Ack Stakes, Eddie D, John Henry Turf Championship & Oklahoma Derby – 09/26/26

Churchill Downs Race 9 Ack Ack Stakes Grade 3

4 Bishops Bay makes his second start off the layoff for trainer Brad Cox. 6 year-old was last seen winning Grade 3 at Monmouth Park while clocking in with a 103 dirt Bris speed figure. He has good tactical speed and does his best running second start off the bench. Win Contender 

3 Owen Almighty enters here off back-to-back strong performances at this mile distance. After finishing second in a Grade 3, this Colt was able to win a 200k Stake at Elli Park. He’s in sharp form right now and appears to be sitting on a big effort. Win Contender 

2 Arrowthegreat is an intriguing Longshot in here. This Gelding came off a year layoff took down Allowance/Optional 100K foes at Del Mar at 19-1 odds. Trainer Dan Blacker, who strikes at 29% clip with shippers, must see sonething special in this son of Arrogate to step him up into Grade 3 company. Live Longshot

Selections 4-3-2-6

Santa Anita Race 5 Eddie D Stakes Grade 2

1 Sumpter offers the best value in this evenly matched race. Gelding has run well on this downhill turf course in the past and has been working well for his return. This multiple Graded Stakes winner offers a sweet value at 6-1 morning line. Win Contender

3 Freedom’s Not Free has faced some salty competition in his last two starts, so don’t let those off-the-board finishes discourage you off this son of Omaha Beach. Those races were at Del Mar, this Colt does his best running right here at Santa Anita where he has won 4 of 5 with a third on the lawn here. Win Contender 

6 Sorrento Sky comes off a Grade 2 victory at 5 furlongs at Del Mar and has a tight work tab. My problem with this morning line favorite is that he rarely puts wins back-to-back races. Use Underneath 

Selections 1-3-6-7

Santa Anita Race 7 John Henry Turf Championship Grade 2

7 Atitlan has a tremendous late turn of foot and if there’s a decent pace upfront today, I can see this closer mowing them down at the wire. He exits from neck loss in the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap. This Richard Mandella rainee makes his third start of the form cycle today. He’s the deserving favorite. Top Pick

1 Mondego made a premature move in the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap at faded at the wire to finish 5th beaten by only 1-length. He now cuts back in distance and gets a Jockey upgrade to Juan Hernandez. I like this ones chances here. Win Contender 

6 Flashiest does win much but seems to outrun his monster odds and usually cashes a paycheck. I would love to see this bomber win but he’s more likely a deep exoctic play. Don’t Ignore 

Selections 7-1-6-3

Remington Park Race 12 Oklahoma Derby Grade 3

6 Fuzzbuster has run 2 very good races in his two starts on the turf, a 4th place finish in a Grade 2 two races back, then a 3rd place finish in the 1750k Gun Runner Stakes at Kentucky Downs. He gets back on the
dirt today where I believe he’s a much better runner. He broke his maiden on the dirt and defeated a very good horse in Banksy, who just one a Graded Stakes yesterday. He should be able to get this distance today and is a must play at the 12-1 morning line. Live Longshot 

4 Zihnal comes out of a dominating 6 length victory in the West Virginia Derby. Any repeat of that effort would get the job done today. Win Contender 

2 Silent Tactic has been facing much tougher. Colt fits well here. Win Contender 

Selections 6-4-2-9

Today’s Most Likely Winner 

Santa Anita Race 7 
#7 Atitlan

Top Value Play

Santa Anita Race 5
1 Sumpter(6-1)

Longshot Play of the Day

Remington Park Race 12
#6 Fuzzbuster(12-1)