The grand autumn racing season will reach new heights at Santa Anita Park this Saturday, October 25 with an exhilarating 10-race card featuring a blend of stakes action, maiden challenges, and turf sprints. From the precision of young contenders to the tactical brilliance of seasoned riders every race promises drama, speed and the signature Santa Anita spectacle. Fans can expect fierce duels across the track as California’s finest horses, trainers, and jockeys take center stage in a day brimming with racing excitement.
Race 1: The Claiming (1 Mile) – Purse: $34,000
The opening race will welcome fillies and mares aged three and upward, tackling a mile. With six contenders lined up, the early tempo could be sharp. TIME TO SHINE (J: Antonio Fresu / T: Mark Glatt) will command attention with her recent consistency, while ALERAMO (IRE) (J: Ricardo Gonzalez / T: Michael W. McCarthy) will look to strike with late speed. WITH LOVE (GB) (J: Hector Berrios / T: John W. Sadler) also shapes up well, and WILLA T (J: Umberto Rispoli / T: Tim Yakteen) could make things interesting if she controls the pace up front.
Race 2: The Stakes (1 Mile) – Purse: $85,000
A competitive four-runner field will contest the feature stakes for older horses over one mile. PONY EXPRESS (J: Umberto Rispoli / T: John W. Sadler) will start as the one to beat after his recent strong finishes. Stable rivals from powerhouse barns make this a mouth watering affair PRIVMAN (J: Juan J. Hernandez / T: Bob Baffert) brings class while GAMING (J: Hector Berrios / T: Bob Baffert) is poised to challenge from just off the pace. MINING DISTRICT (J: Kazushi Kimura / T: Doug O’Neill) adds intrigue.
Race 3: The Maiden Special Weight (6½ Furlongs) – Purse: $60,000
Two-year-olds will battle for their maiden glory in this six and a half furlong sprint. Five runners line up in what should be a tactical showdown. BLACKSMITH (J: Juan J. Hernandez / T: Bob Baffert) appears primed for a strong debut while ACKNOWLEDGEMEPLZ (J: Antonio Fresu / T: Doug O’Neill) will try to capitalize on his early speed. RIO GRANDE (J: Hector Berrios / T: Bob Baffert) is another interesting Baffert trainee with plenty of buzz, and POSTMODERN (J: Umberto Rispoli / T: Mark Glatt) could surprise with a strong finish.
Race 4: The Maiden Special Weight (6 Furlongs) – Purse: $60,000
Six fillies and mares will line up for this sprint, promising a fast and fiery clash. INTO THE HALL (J: Hector Berrios / T: John Shirreffs) looks ready to deliver a breakthrough performance. NEKO (J: Juan J. Hernandez / T: Bob Baffert) brings elite connections and raw pace while MAGNIFICAT (J: Mirco Demuro / T: Richard Mandella) will rely on steady progression. DONATA (J: Ricardo Gonzalez / T: Bob Baffert) could also make her presence felt if she jumps cleanly from the gates.
Race 5: The Stakes (1⅛ Miles) – Purse: $200,000
The feature of the afternoon, this prestigious $200,000 stakes race for three-year-olds will see five promising colts take to the classic 1â…› mile trip. TEST SCORE (J: Juan J. Hernandez / T: H. Graham Motion) will start as the heavy favorite after a string of commanding runs. NAMARON (GER) (J: Hector Berrios / T: John Sadler) offers strong European stamina, while SCIPIO (J: Antonio Fresu / T: Richard Baltas) could launch a bold bid from mid-pack. SEPTEMBERSIXTYFOUR (J: Kazushi Kimura / T: Mike Puype) adds depth to a high-class field.
Race 6: The Allowance (6F) – Purse: $35,000
Seven contenders will take on this six-furlong test, with TAPALO (J: Hector Berrios / T: John Sadler) looking like the horse to beat on form. LAST CALL ZONDLO (J: Antonio Fresu / T: Craig Dollase) has strong credentials to challenge, while DROP UM (J: Kyle Frey / T: Felix Rondan) will look to capitalize on any early speed duel. TOUGHERTHANTHEREST (J: Ricardo Gonzalez / T: Blaine Wright) adds a wildcard element in what could be a tight finish.
Race 7: The Allowance (6½ Furlongs, Downhill Turf) – Purse: $65,000
A thrilling turf dash for fillies and mares will bring seven quality runners to the scenic downhill stretch. LUNAR IMPACT (GB) (J: Hector Berrios / T: Dan Blacker) heads the field with class and proven form while MISS LIZZY (J: Antonio Fresu / T: Doug O’Neill) will look to deliver from off the pace. ANTIFONA (FR) (J: Juan Hernandez / T: Vladimir Cerin) has been improving steadily and IMABOUTAGO (IRE) (J: Umberto Rispoli / T: Leonard Powell) will add to the international flavor.
Race 8: The Claiming (6 Furlongs) – Purse: $15,000
A wide-open claiming sprint for fillies and mares features an impressive line up of 11 runners. ROUSING JEWEL (J: Antonio Fresu / T: Steve Knapp) looks ready to take command while DANZING CAT (J: Armando Aguilar / T: Peter Miller) has the pace to pressure from the inside. A ROUSING BABE (J: Ricardo Gonzalez / T: Blaine Wright) could spring a surprise with ROSE OF JERICHO (J: Edgar Payeras / T: Sergio Morfin) likely to stay in contention late.
Race 9: The Claiming (6 Furlongs) – Purse: $18,000
This race will feature a full field of 14, promising a chaotic yet captivating sprint. SELF SUFFICIENT (J: Diego Herrera / T: Andy Mathis) looks the one they’ll all have to catch, while NO MORE DING DONGS (J: Kyle Frey / T: Sean McCarthy) could make a strong closing run. ARIO (J: Juan Hernandez / T: Blaine Wright) and KITTEN IN CHARGE (J: David Cohen / T: Charles Treece) both have the form to contend in what could be a thrilling blanket finish.
Race 10: The Allowance (6½ Furlongs, Downhill Turf) – Purse: $61,000
The curtain closer will see California-bred fillies and mares take on the downhill course in style. MAYACAMA (J: Juan Hernandez / T: Jeff Mullins) will start as the top pick, with her powerful late stride suiting this layout perfectly. TINA TURNER (J: Armando Ayuso / T: Steve Knapp) could make things interesting from the front, while PRINCESA DEL TIGRE (J: Kazushi Kimura / T: Tim McCanna) and BLUE WILDCAT (J: Abel Lezcano / T: Isidro Tamayo) round out a strong lineup.
As the sun sets over the San Gabriel Mountains, the October 25 race day at Santa Anita Park will deliver an unforgettable mix of competition, class, and California charm. With top barns, elite jockeys, and vibrant turf and dirt action across ten captivating races, it’s a day destined to keep fans on their feet and bettors on the edge of their seats.
Nestled in Arcadia, California, Santa Anita Park is one of America’s most iconic racing venues, known for its breath taking mountain backdrop and world-class facilities. From the historic grandstand to its sweeping turf course, Santa Anita has hosted legends of the sport and continues to embody the passion and prestige of thoroughbred racing.
The excitement will roll right into Sunday as Santa Anita Park returns on October 26 with another top-tier race day. For full previews, race insights, and more exclusive coverage, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.com for thoroughbred racing.
