Santa Anita Park is set to deliver a spectacular showcase of Thoroughbred racing on September 28, as a competitive ten-race card promises edge-of-the-seat excitement for racing enthusiasts. From maiden specials to high-stakes events, fans will witness some of California’s finest horses and jockeys clash on the storied Santa Anita turf and dirt. With the rail set at 10 feet and prize purses ranging from $17,000 to $200,000, each race offers its own brand of intrigue and anticipation.
Race 1: The Maiden Special Weight – 1 Mile – $60,000
The card will kick off with a tenacious field of 11 contenders in a California-bred and sired maiden test. FIGHT BACK, under Umberto Rispoli, will look to assert early dominance, while MAV MAN and ZAGREUS, both trained by Leonard Powell, are primed to challenge. Longshots like KISS FOR LULU and IRISH ELEMENT may add intrigue to the mix, setting the stage for an unpredictable opening.
Race 2: The Maiden Optional Claiming – 6½ Furlongs – $35,000
Next, a field of 5 fillies and mares will sprint six and a half furlongs in an enticing maiden optional claiming race. Market favorite A FRIEND OF MINE is expected to impose authority under Rispoli, but challengers GATHERED and DEEP BLUE are sure to press for an upset. JOYFUL MISCHIEF adds flair with her tactical speed, promising early fireworks.
Race 3: The Claiming – 1 Mile – $17,000
A field of 5 fillies and mares will contest this mile-long claiming event, with TWILIGHT EMPIRE drawing attention as the likely frontrunner. OLE SILVER and IVORY MOON appear poised to contest the lead, while VIOLET STORM could surprise late with a strong finishing kick.
Race 4: The Allowance Optional Claiming – 6 Furlongs – $61,000
Santa Anita’s sprint fans will revel in a field of 10 fillies and mares taking on six furlongs. DARE TO FLY and SUNGLOW (IRE) are expected to set a furious pace, with YELLOW SUN DRESS and INVINCIBLE MOLLY (GB) looking to capitalize in the stretch. The mix of seasoned sprinters and rising stars promises an electric showdown.
Race 5: The Claiming – 6 Furlongs – $26,000
Six furlongs of non-stop action await a 9-horse field of fillies and mares that have yet to capture two victories. MAXIMUN GOLD and LIL’ BOOM BOOM are likely early leaders while SEI BELLA and APPROVAL RATING loom as potent challengers for late glory.
Race 6: The Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs – $60,000
The card’s juvenile division features a 12-horse field of two-year-olds, all California-bred or sired. MO HOLLAND DRIVE and BOOKED CLUBHOUSE are expected to dictate early fractions while SCATALOTADINGDONG and EYE OF THE SMILEY present strong late-running possibilities, promising fireworks in the six-furlong sprint.
Race 7: The Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles – $200,000
The highlight of the afternoon, this high-stakes event will feature 5 elite fillies and mares. CAVALIERI under Juan Hernandez, enters as the likely favourite with RICHI (CHI) and LA KIKA (PER) prepared to challenge in what is expected to be a tactical, hard-fought contest. SUGAR FISH and HOWIN round out the field, setting up a showdown of strategy, stamina, and skill.
Race 8: The Allowance Optional Claiming – 1 Mile – $61,000
A 14-horse field of California-bred fillies and mares will contest a mile-long allowance optional claiming race. LADY MENDELSOHN and QUANTUM INNERGY will be eye-catching figures while LAVENDER LOVE and WE THE HOBBY are set to challenge for supremacy in what promises to be a tactical test of endurance.
Race 9: The Stakes – 6 Furlongs – $200,000
Three-year-olds and upward will tackle six furlongs in a top-level stakes contest featuring 8 contenders. STRAIGHT NO CHASER and DR. VENKMAN headline the field with IMAGINATION providing a late-running threat. SPEED BOAT BEACH and WOUND UP may also shake up the outcome, ensuring high-octane action from the break.
Race 10: The Allowance Optional Claiming – 1 Mile – $61,000
The card will conclude with a mile-long test for 14 three-year-old fillies. TAKE A BREATH (GB) and SLICK (IRE) are projected to control early fractions while DELIGHTFUL LAURA and EDGE OF MALI (IRE) provide strong outside threats. CAT THE CONFIDANTE (IRE) and RIBBONS could upset with well-timed moves in the stretch.
As September 28 unfolds, Santa Anita Park will showcase a thrilling blend of speed, stamina, and strategy. Fans can expect explosive starts, dramatic stretches, and a day full of racing drama that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats. Looking ahead, anticipation is already building for the next Santa Anita Park card on October 3, which promises another day of elite racing action.
For complete previews, expert insights, and real-time updates, stay tuned to Racebuzz.com for all the latest Santa Anita Park coverage.
