Santa Anita Park is set to host a vibrant Saturday of flat racing with ten competitive events on the card, culminating in a $100,000 stakes race on the downhill turf for fillies and mares aged four years and older. The afternoon promises a blend of maiden, claiming, allowance, and stakes-level races, showcasing both rising prospects and proven campaigners.
The action begins with a maiden special weight over 1 1/8 miles, offering a purse of $60,000. This opening event is reserved for maiden fillies and mares aged three to five. Among the nine entrants are Innovative (Ricardo Gonzalez, Philip D’Amato), Nafisa (Juan J. Hernandez, Bob Baffert), and Church Lady (Antonio Fresu, Philip D’Amato), signaling strong connections early in the day.
Race two of Santa Anita Race Card is a six-furlong claiming sprint for three-year-olds with a prize of $34,000. Notable runners include Panuco (Serafin Carmona), Cardinal Spirit (Antonio Fresu), and Winds of Freedom (Kent Desormeaux), each aiming for their breakthrough moment. The third contest is a one-mile claiming race restricted to horses based in Northern California since January 1, 2024, who have never won three races or have recently run for $12,500 tags. Among those entered are Devilnthebluegras, Always On Cay, and Trinidad.
Race four features fillies and mares in a six-and-a-half furlong claiming race with a $32,000 purse. Contenders include Kitty Kitana, Ace Ace Baby, and Diamond Bar Gal. The fifth race, a one-mile maiden claiming event worth $13,500, is open to restricted maidens aged three to five. The field includes Fincairn, Audible Silence, and War Council.
Race six returns to a maiden special weight format over six-and-a-half furlongs for California-bred or sired maidens. This $60,000 race has drawn a full field of thirteen, including Just a Graze, Smiling Capote, and Curlin Command. The seventh race is an allowance optional claiming mile event for California-breds. Worth $61,000, it features Mining District, Royal ‘n Rando, and Windribbon. Another $61,000 allowance optional claiming race follows at six furlongs. Horses like Kangaroo Court, Hawker, and Natural Fighter headline a competitive lineup.
The ninth race is a claiming mile event with a $20,000 purse, restricted to horses that have run for $8,000 tags in 2024–2025 or are entered for $10,000. Familiar names such as Atomic Drop, Sea Dog, and Crown Magic feature here. Closing the card is a $100,000 stakes contest on the iconic downhill turf course. The field includes Chismosa, Uncorked (AUS), and Granny Budgie (GB). With international flavor and quality turf runners, the finale promises a thrilling end to the day. Fans attending Santa Anita on May 17 can expect an engaging day of competitive racing with plenty of betting opportunities and talent on display across every division.
