Santa Anita Park is set for an action-packed Friday, 26th September, promising an exciting day of Thoroughbred racing as fans return to the iconic Southern California track. With nine races on the card, the lineup features a mix of maiden specials, claiming contests, and allowance events that will test the speed, stamina, and tactical acumen of the competing horses and their riders. From precocious two-year-old fillies to seasoned older mares and colts, the card offers compelling matchups that could shake up the standings and delight racing fans as the fall season approaches.
The opening race, a six-furlong Maiden Special Weight event with a $60,000 purse, features three- to five-year-olds seeking their first victory. Decapo leads the lineup. Facing him are Mescalero with Umberto Rispoli aboard for Richard E. Mandella, Reno for Peter Eurton, and Joe’s Candy ridden by Kazushi Kimura. This sprint promises early speed and a tightly contested finish.
Race two, a one-mile claiming race for fillies and mares that have yet to win twice, carries a $26,000 purse. Step It Out (IRE) draws attention, while Exington, ridden by David Cohen, and Lady Rider under Deybis Chavez look to control early fractions. Perfect Life, guided by Serafin Carmona, rounds out a competitive field where pace will be pivotal in determining the winner.
The action continues with a six-furlong Maiden Special Weight for two-year-old fillies, featuring a $60,000 purse. Umbralle, trained by John W. Sadler with Hector Isaac Berrios riding, is expected to feature prominently. Challengers include Surfin’ U.S.A. with Juan J. Hernandez, Ramayana under Umberto Rispoli, and Essential Lady guided by Kazushi Kimura. The race should see precocious juveniles vying for early positioning before a sprint to the wire.
Race four drops back to five-and-a-half furlongs for a claiming event worth $18,000 for horses three years old and upward. Kitten in Charge (Abel Lezcano) is expected to contest the lead, with Whats the Buzz (Diego Herrera), Seager Man (Edwin Maldonado), and Spiritist (Armando Ayuso) all set to apply pressure. This short sprint could be decided in the final furlong, testing the tactical judgment of jockeys in a tightly packed field.
A mile-long Maiden Claiming for fillies and mares carries a $33,000 purse in race five. Double Bay (IRE), with Juan J. Hernandez up, is likely to figure prominently in the race. Justivar, ridden by Armando Ayuso, Church Lady (IRE) under Kazushi Kimura, and Without a Pout (IRE) guided by Welfin Orantes are all expected to contest the early pace. The contest is likely to feature strategic positioning and late bursts of speed as competitors seek their first win.
Race six features a five-and-a-half-furlong Maiden Claiming for California-bred or sired fillies and mares with a $33,000 purse. Godavri, ridden by Armando Ayuso, is expected to be a key contender, while Fly At Knight (Deybis Chavez) and Big A’s Little One (Diego Herrera) could make strong finishes. Jennys Wine Girl and West Fresno add depth to the field, promising a fast and tactical sprint over a sharp distance.
Race seven, an allowance optional claiming for California-bred or sired fillies and mares, spans six furlongs with $61,000 on offer. Lady Gregory, ridden by Hector Isaac Berrios, draws attention, while Willow Cove with Juan J. Hernandez and Freya under Armando Ayuso provide solid competition. Magical Miss (Diego Herrera) and Press Your Luck (Kyle Frey) are expected to feature prominently in what should be a tightly contested allowance sprint.
The eighth race, a one-mile claiming for three-year-olds and upward with a $20,000 purse, sees Saqeel (Armando Ayuso) among the leading contenders. Austonian, under Kent Desormeaux, and Mystic Flyer ridden by Assael Espinoza are strong early competitors. Upstart Yankee, guided by Welfin Orantes, could disrupt the leaders if given a clear path in the stretch run, making this mile race one to watch for strategic moves.
Race nine closes the card with another mile-long Maiden Claiming for fillies and mares, offering $33,000. Rehearsal (IRE) with Umberto Rispoli is expected to play a prominent role. Thea, guided by David Cohen, and Infinity Dream under Hector Berrios will likely be prominent throughout, while Nakota (IRE), ridden by Armando Ayuso, could mount a late surge.
Friday at Santa Anita Park promises a full day of Thoroughbred competition, blending emerging talent and experienced runners across various distances and conditions. From the early sprints to the concluding mile contests, jockey tactics, pace, and late-closing speed are expected to play pivotal roles in deciding the outcomes. Fans can anticipate a mix of thrilling finishes, tactical battles, and the possibility of breakout performances from several promising contenders as the track showcases a memorable fall racing afternoon.
For more update on race previews stay tuned to Racebuzz.com.
