After two busy days of racing earlier in the week, Santa Anita returns with a high-quality ten-race program on Saturday, September 27. The Arcadia track has stacked the card with a mix of maiden specials, allowance and optional-claiming events, plus a cluster of stakes that should command attention across dirt and downhill turf. Temperatures and track conditions aside, the day promises a sharp test of speed and stamina from state-bred youngsters chasing their first wins to seasoned turf specialists lining up in rich prize races.
The card opens with a six-furlong Maiden Special Weight for fillies and mares (purse $60,000). Eleven runners go to post in this early sprint, among them Della Terra, Naturally Blonde, Mendelssohns Angel and Tiger of the Sea, a compact field where quick positioning and clean breaks will be decisive for any filly chasing a maiden breakthrough.
Next up is a six-furlong Allowance Optional Claiming (purse $61,000). Six starters include Miracle Mark, Ghost of Midnight, Grubauer and Berlin Wall. This race mixes seasoned sprinters with improving types and will reward those that can find a crisp rhythm from the break.
A second juvenile sprint follows: a six-furlong Maiden Special Weight for two-year-old California-bred fillies (purse $60,000). Six youngsters feature, led on paper by Cashed and Jacklyn Lucas, with Billie Holiday and Cash in Toknight also in the mix. Expect speed and raw potential as these first-time winners search for daylight.
The afternoon’s first big test is a one-mile stakes event with a $200,000 purse for three-year-olds and up. Six accomplished horses are entered, including Johannes, Almendares, Final Boss and Cabo Spirit. This mile looks set to be a tactical, high-class affair where instruction, composure and the ability to change gears will matter.
A six-furlong juvenile maiden (purse $60,000) brings the spotlight back to Bob Baffert’s string, with Provenance and Rio Grande among six starters, joined by Army Man and Plagarist. This cluster of juveniles will be watched closely for early signs of class and future black-type potential.
The turf deepens in the card’s mid-afternoon with a 1¼-mile downhill turf stakes carrying $200,000. Seven runners include Stay Hot, Gold Phoenix, Mondego and Rastaman Vibe. This unique downhill configuration often produces tactical puzzles and late surges; stamina and downhill experience will be useful assets here.
Returning to shorter trips, a six-furlong sprint with a $29,000 purse features nine entrants. Devil Among Us, Supernal, Four O Six Creed and Hot Box are among the names to watch; the contest shapes up as a short, sharp test of gate speed and position through the early stages.
The downhill turf stakes for three-year-old-and-up fillies (six and a half furlongs, $200,000) is another marquee event. Eight fillies will contest this specialised test, with Reef Runner, Yellow Card, Sorrento Sky and First Peace all present. Expect incisive downhill tactics and a finish where balance and timing matter most.
A rich 1 1/8-mile stakes worth $300,000 follows, a true mid-afternoon feature for three-year-olds and upward. Seven go to post, including First Mission, Full Serrano, Privman and Gaming. This is the day’s most valuable prize and should produce a memorable duel between established stakes operators and emerging challengers.
The card closes with a six-and-a-half-furlong downhill turf stakes for fillies (purse $100,000). Thirteen make the trip to the post in this competitive finale, highlighted by Warming, Tight Squeeze, Casalu and Favor to You. The downhill sprint is a specialist’s game: balance, courage and a clean line through the turn will be essential as the day draws to a close.
Santa Anita’s September 27 program is a tightly woven showcase of sprint speed, juvenile promise and turf craftsmanship. Across ten varied contests, the track offers opportunities for breakthrough winners, tactical master classes and headline stakes performances.
With another big day scheduled on Sunday, September 28, the autumn meet’s momentum looks set to continue for full coverage stay tuned to RaceBuzz.com.
