Santa Anita Picks & Predictions: Brad Free’s Best Bets – March 8th

Santa Anita Park will host a compelling card on Sunday, March 8, 2026, with Daily Racing Form handicapper Brad Free identifying Incanto as his best bet in the fourth race. Free’s analysis, along with selections for the remaining eight races, provides a detailed look at the day’s competition.

Fourth Race: Incanto Poised for Victory

Free is confident in Incanto’s chances in the N3L starter turf sprint. The gelding’s runner-up finish in a N2X allowance race and a solid sixth-place showing in a $250,000 stakes race at Remington Park demonstrate his potential. Free notes that Incanto has faced tougher competition throughout his career and possesses the fastest time in the field. He predicts a 1-2-3 finish of Incanto, Re Armed Jon, and Vancougar.

Re Armed Jon, returning from a four-month break and dropping in class from N1X, is expected to set the pace. However, Free points out that most six-and-a-half furlong turf sprints at Santa Anita this winter have been won from off the pace. Vancougar, a stablemate of Incanto, is predicted to finish third, benefiting from a favorable position and potentially taking the lead if Re Armed Jon falters.

Race-by-Race Analysis: Free’s Picks

First Race

Free favors Blame Eve, a maiden-20 runner-up, over Ghostess, a first-time dirt runner. He believes Blame Eve’s recent performance and proven ability on dirt give her an edge. Watershed Moment is selected for third.

Second Race

Himika is the top pick in the $100,000 turf stakes for 3-year-old fillies, despite the uncertainty of her ability to handle two turns. Free highlights her runner-up finish in a hillside stakes as evidence of her stamina. Hypergamy and Counterbalance are predicted to follow.

Third Race

Another Zero is favored in the sprint for Cal-bred 3-year-old maiden fillies, based on her strong debut performance. Christa McAuliffe is considered a potential upset candidate, while Surprise D’ Oro is selected for third.

Fifth Race

Scatify, dropping to a $10k claiming N2L race, is expected to perform well, given his trainer’s recent success with favorites. Magic Connection and No More Ding Dongs are predicted to finish second and third, respectively.

Sixth Race

Voldemort is the reluctant choice in the N1X dirt mile, despite concerns about his tendency to squander leads. Free acknowledges his recent fast times but cautions against overconfidence. Ghazaaly and Mc Vay are selected to follow.

Seventh Race

Sammy Davis is favored in the N1X hillside sprint for 3-year-olds, with Free citing his potential on turf and a beneficial surface switch. Ventry Strand and Caro Buono are predicted to finish second and third.

Eighth Race

French Blue is tipped to upset BC Juvenile Fillies winner Super Corredora in the G3 route. Free believes French Blue’s potential and strong training make her a contender. Forced Entry is selected for third.

Ninth Race

Lubie’s Music is the top pick in the final race, based on her promising performance in her first route and turf attempt. Victorious Dream and Bint Al Dandy are predicted to follow.

Free’s insights, available through the Daily Racing Form, offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the Santa Anita card. For those looking to deepen their handicapping knowledge, DRF.com provides access to past performances, expert picks, and clocker reports. A special package is currently available, offering a 37% discount on key handicapping essentials through Kentucky Derby day.

Fans can find additional horse racing picks from the Daily Racing Form on VSiN’s Horse Racing page.