Santa Anita Park will come alive on October 3, 2025 as a thrilling nine-race card showcases some of the West Coast’s finest Thoroughbreds. From promising two-year-old fillies in maiden events to seasoned claimers battling for supremacy this race day will be a master class in speed, stamina and strategy. Fans can expect tense stretch drives, tactical jostling and heart-stopping finishes under clear autumn skies, making this an unmissable day for horse racing enthusiasts.
RACE 1: The Maiden Special Weight Opener – 1M – $60,000
The opening race will spotlight twelve ambitious two-year-old fillies seeking their first win. TIZ GRACE, CONQUISTADORA and YURAK emerge as early favorites in this competitive field. Each contender will test the pace and positioning, jockeys navigating the rail at 30 feet with precision. With young talent eager to announce themselves, the maiden special weight promises both strategy and speed, setting the tone for a high-stakes afternoon.
RACE 2: The Claiming Sprint – 6F – $19,000
Next a six-furlong dash brings seven hopefuls to the gate. MYSTIC FLYER, INVINCIBLE, ZOMBO BOMBO and JARAMA will seek to assert early control as the claiming conditions reward tactical positioning and explosive finishes. Three-year-olds and older horses carrying 122–124 lbs will challenge the track’s speed dynamics ensuring fans witness a compelling blend of experience and ambition.
RACE 3: The Midday Claiming Showcase – 6F – $39,000
Race three features eight contenders ready to test endurance and timing over six furlongs. DANIEL’S MAGIC, DONCIC, PROOF HE RIDES and SHARP AZA TACK will likely set the pace while jockeys maneuver for decisive stretch advantages. With allowances in play strategic rides could define the outcome as these claimers aim to capitalize on both speed and stamina.
RACE 4: The Allowance Optional Claiming – 6½F – $61,000
Four-year-old and two-year-old California-bred fillies will stretch for early supremacy in this allowance contest. LIBERATION, CARA ROSE, MY KAT and CRUNCHY are the standouts, blending class and tactical speed. With claiming this race will reward patience, positioning, and a well-timed late surge as the young fillies navigate the Santa Anita turf and dirt surfaces.
RACE 5: The Claiming for Fillies and Mares – 1 1/8M – $26,000
This extended route for older fillies and mares will bring ten contenders to battle over a mile and an eighth. HEY DEMPS, MS BRIGHTSIDE (IRE), BLUE OASIS and LADY OF POWER are primed for early tactical advantage as jockeys jockey for position and timing. Endurance, strategy, and bursts of speed will define this contest, promising an edge-of-the-seat finish for punters and fans alike.
RACE 6: The Maiden Claiming – 1M – $20,000
A broad field of fourteen will take the track featuring MAGATON MAN, BALLYHOOLIGAN, TAP AND GO and TOPPERS AT SEASIDE as top prospects. These three- to five-year-olds will test their mettle under claiming conditions, with jockeys aiming for precision in the first strides and a decisive kick in the stretch. With a large field and varied experience, this race is poised for dynamic shifts and dramatic conclusions.
RACE 7: The Allowance Optional Claiming – 1M – $61,000
The seventh race highlights three-year-olds contesting allowance conditions. BROSKI (IRE), STYLE CAT, TARUFF and TEMPUS VOLAT are set to challenge for dominance. Speed, tactical acumen and timing will be crucial as the contenders maneuver for position in this mile-long showdown.
RACE 8: The Late Afternoon Claiming Sprint – 6F – $26,000
Nine horses will sprint for glory with NO MORE DING DONGS, MR. MACHUPICCHU, CHASING RAIN and ARIO emerging as key players. Claiming conditions favor well-timed moves and clean breakaways, ensuring the finale keeps fans engaged with high-octane speed and competitive tactics.
RACE 9: The Allowance Optional Claiming Finale – 1M – $61,000
Santa Anita will conclude with eleven elite fillies and mares tackling the mile under allowance optional claiming conditions. RUNAMILEINMYSHOES, SHE’S A JOKER, SUMMER LAKE and ISSA COURT are highlighted for stamina and late-charging potential. With jockeys orchestrating timing, pace and positioning, this race promises a thrilling end to a packed October 3 card.
October 3 at Santa Anita Park will offer fans a spectacular fusion of emerging talent and experienced campaigners across turf and dirt, showcasing the nuances of high-level Thoroughbred racing. Each contest promises drama, strategic rides and stretch-long excitement that defines West Coast racing.
Anticipation will already shift to October 4, as Santa Anita prepares for another blockbuster line up brimming with talent, speed and stakes.
For full previews, live updates and in-depth analysis, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.com.