Santa Anita Picks — Shoemaker Mile, Hollywood Gold Cup & Gamely Stakes Predictions and Preview (May 26)

A high-quality afternoon of horse racing action is set for Memorial Day in the U.S. on Monday, May 26, 2025. Santa Anita hosts three competitive graded races, which include features in Grade One company such as the Gamely Stakes and the Shoemaker Mile. You can find our Santa Anita picks for the busy day at the track in California here.

Santa Anita Memorial Day Racing

Shoemaker Mile Odds

Shoemaker Mile Picks

Formidable Man will be a strong favorite for the Shoemaker Mile on Monday. It was hard not to be taken aback by his win in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes win in March, and that previous course and distance win makes him the one to beat.

However, I like the chances of the consistent Mi Hermano Ramon for trainer Mark Glatt. The five-year-old had no luck in the G1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile, but he still plugged on to finish fifth.

He already has winning experience over a mile after winning the G2 Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar last year, and his figures indicate that he shouldn’t be that far away if getting better luck on Monday.

Hollywood Gold Cup Odds

Hollywood Gold Cup Picks

Skippylongstocking is a horse that I have always liked, and he holds solid claims after already winning once from three starts this season. However, the limited experience at Santa Anita, as well as his growing age, are both red flags for the short-priced favorite.

Therefore, the lightly-raced but fast-improving Extensive could be the most logical selection for the Michael McCarthy team. The four-year-old steps up into graded company for the first time after winning on back-to-back starts at Santa Anita.

On his last run, he recorded an Equibase rating of 106, which is more than good enough to feature in the race for a place finish on Monday. Should still have untapped potential.

Santa Anita Picks May 26, 2025