Santa Anita Park Handicapping Report (April 17-19)

Santa Anita Recap for Friday (4-17-26)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three front running winners on dirt (8f, 6.5f, 8f). On the turf course, a closing favorite graduated in the flat mile opener, a 4-1 shot closed from last of 5 to win at 6f, a 6-1 stalker tallied from the inside post at 6f, a 9-2 stalker scored from the inside post at 6.5f, and a 6-1 stalker won the 6.5f finale (rail at 30 feet).

Armando Ayuso guided home a pair of turf sprint winners. Peter Miller saddled two winners.

The $2 Pick 6 pool was $83,734 and there were no tickets with six winners. The 5 out of 6 consolation prize was $2,738.80. There will be a Pick 6 carryover of $44,734 when live racing resumes on Saturday, April 18.

April 17 Claims: Race 3 – Cyprus Moon ($30k, Leonard Powell). Race 4 – Joey Ten ($20k, Bill McLean). Race 5 – Long Mayshe Reign ($25k, George Papaprodromou), Oveta’s Hobby ($25k, Sergio Morfin), Shangrilama ($25k, Peter Miller). Race 8 – Mighty Kai ($8k, Doug O’Neill). Race 9 – Tom Seaver ($20k, Andy Mathis).

Santa Anita Full Card Highlights for Friday (4-17-26)
SA 2 BLAME IT ON JACK ($3.80)
Double (races 1-2, $8.40)
Double (races 2-3, $38.00)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $66.60)
SA 4 SOI NGERN ($4.80), Exacta ($17.40), Trifecta ($54.60)
Double (races 3-4, $17.40)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $56.20)
Double (races 4-5, $44.40)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $165.20)
Early Pick 4 (races 2-5, $447.20)
SA 8 MIGHTY KAI ($4.40), Exacta ($9.60)
Bonus Stakes:
AQU 7 And One More Time/Oversubscribed Exacta ($15.80)
KEE 9 ALPINE PRINCESS ($6.10)

*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Santa Anita Park Report (Feb. 7-9)

Santa Anita Recap for Friday (2-7-20)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners at one mile on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a dueling front runner at 5.5 furlongs, two stalkers at 5.5 furlongs, and a dueling front runner at one mile (rail at 30 feet).

A pair of turf sprint wins for jockey Umberto Rispoli. Trainer Peter Miller saddled a pair of turf winners.       

The Rainbow 6 pool was $93,072 and multiple winning jackpot ticket paid $119.94 each. There will be a jackpot carryover of $157,053 when live racing resumes on Saturday, Feb. 8.   

Baffle Stakes Recap (2-7-20) - Winner: Billy Batts ($6.80)

A very big scratch (Phast Pharoah) changed this race dramatically. Bulletproof One was quicker than her rivals early, and that was hardly a surprise. Big Returns and Air Force Jet chased, and none of those three runners were around at the end. Billy Batts sat behind those three, got the first run, and held off late runners Rager and Rookie Mistake to score by a length and a half. Peter Miller saddled the winner, and he seemingly has plenty of options with this one. He was pretty good at one mile as a juvenile, and now we know he can sprint.

Feb. 8 Claims: Race 4 - Desert Smoke ($10k, Eddie Truman).    

SA Full Card Highlights for 2-7-20
SA 1 AUSTIN’S BOY ($5.00), Exacta ($6.40)
SA 2 Canadian Game/Norski Exacta ($2.90)
Double (races 1-2, $6.20)
SA 3 Homehome/Win Often Exacta (SA Best Bet #1, $16.90)
Double (races 2-3, $11.80)
Pick 3 (races 1-3, $6.10)
SA 6 ROYAL INSIDER ($13.00)
Double (races 5-6, $50.60)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $26.70)
Double (races 6-7, $57.60)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $28.05)

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Santa Anita Recap for Saturday (2-8-20)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners at one mile on dirt (8f, 7f). The turf course winners were a front runner at 5.5 furlongs and three stalkers at one mile.

Riding doubles for Abel Cedillo (turf routes), Flavien Prat (dirt route/sprint), Tiago Pereira (dirt sprints), and Umberto Rispoli (turf). Richard Baltas and Jeff Mullins both saddled a pair of winners.       

The Rainbow 6 pool was $175,924 and multiple winning jackpot ticket paid $624.44 each. There will be a jackpot carryover of $197,331 when live racing resumes on Sunday, Feb. 9.   

Las Virgenes Stakes (G2) Recap (2-8-20) - Winner: Venetian Harbor ($2.60)

How good is Venetian Harbor? I am really not sure, and we did not learn much in this spot. The impressive sprint maiden winner only faced four foes in this flat mile route test, and she cruised to a very easy early lead. It was game over after an opening quarter in 23.52. She was already six lengths in front at that point. Flavien Prat slowed things down in the middle, and Baffert trainees Stellar Sound and Gingham were within a length. Venetian Harbor opened up again in the stretch and was 9+ in front of Gingham at the end. She was geared down late. Gingham was 2+ in front of Stellar Sound. Big Blue Nation was far back in 4th and Cholula Lips was a distant last.

Thunder Road Stakes (G3) Recap (2-8-20) - Winner: River Boyne ($11.60)

This is one of the most wide open divisions in SoCal. They take turns beating each other, and River Boyne had his turn in this one mile affair. Kingly set the pace as expected, and Take the One O One chased him. River Boyne sat the right trip in 3rd, got first run, and scored comfortably by 2-1/2 lengths. It was a blanket finish for the minor awards, and 50-1 bomber Camino Del Paraiso just nabbed 2nd over True Valour, Kingly, and Frontier Market. Majestic Eagle was another neck back in 6th, and was followed by Ronald R, The Hunted, and Take the One O One.   

Feb. 8 Claims: Race 3 - Edna ($10k, Alfredo Marquez), Todos Santos ($10k, Jeff Metz).     

SA Full Card Highlights for 2-8-20
SA 2 Kustom for Karl/Rakassah/Dipping In Trifecta ($11.80)
SA 6 FRENCH ROSE (SA Best Bet, $5.40)
Double (races 5-6, $8.00)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $32.80)
SA 9 Fivestar Lynch/Trojan Magic/Camps Bay Trifecta ($55.90)
AQU 8 MONTAUK TRAFFIC ($7.60), Exacta ($25.00)
OP 8 SHARE THE UPSIDE ($6.80), Trifecta ($56.00)

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Santa Anita Recap for Sunday (2-9-20)

Fast main track and firm turf course. One dueling front running winner at seven furlongs on dirt. The turf course winners were a midpack at 5.5 furlongs, two stalkers at one mile, and a closer at a mile and an eighth (rail at 20 feet).

Riding double for Joel Rosario. Training double for Patrick Gallagher.         

The Rainbow 6 pool was $140,508 and multiple winning jackpot ticket paid $255.30 each. There will be a jackpot carryover of $140,508 when live racing resumes on Friday, Feb. 14.   

San Vicente Stakes (G2) Recap (2-9-20) - Winner: Nadal ($2.60)

I liked this victory very much. Nadal was returning in three weeks and only had one work for this. Also, this was not his first intended goal. They were talking about the Southwest Stakes as his second start. Baffert called an audible and it worked out perfectly. Ginobili flashed sharp speed from the outside box and beat Nadal to the early lead. Nadal cruised up inside of Ginobili and those two matched strides throughout. Joel Rosario aboard Nadal always seemed confident and the edged clear in late stretch to prevail by a bit less than a length. Ginobili easily held 2nd in an excellent effort for Abel Cedillo and Richard Baltas. Fast Enough was a solid enough 3rd but was never going to threaten the top pair. Storm the Court missed 3rd by a neck in a race he needed. The BC Juvenile (G1) hero will stretch back out next time, and will have to run much better. It was 15+ back to Ra’ad, and brief pace presser Party Town eased. Nadal got plenty out of this race and is ready to stretch out. The Rebel Stakes is probably his next target.

Feb. 9 Claims: Race 1 - Drift Away ($25k, Mark Glatt), Square Peggy ($25k, Vladimir Cerin). Race 4 - Winning Element ($40k, Ryan Hanson).      

SA Full Card Highlights for 2-9-20
SA 2 Arc Nation/Arch Ability Exacta ($13.70)
SA 4 WINNING ELEMENT ($2.80), Exacta ($4.50)
Double (races 3-4, $8.40)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $10.75)
Double (races 4-5,$12.80)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $11.80)
SA 7 NADAL ($2.60), Exacta ($6.00)
Double (races 6-7, $9.00)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $15.75)
AQU 6 Local Hero/Shalako Exacta ($30.80)
AQU 8 More Mischief/Newly Minted Exacta ($13.80)

Article by Jarrod Horak

Please visit The Runaway Horse Sales page to purchase my daily Santa Anita picks.

Santa Anita Park Report Featuring Horses to Watch for May 11-14

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 11

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire sprint winner on dirt (5.5f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner down the hill, a downhill stalker, and a downhill closer (rail at 30 feet).

Rafael Bejarano and Tiago Pereira both booted home a pair. Matthew Chew saddled two winners.

Check out Today's Racing Digest for handicapping products, analysis, and more! Kenda capture above courtesy of Today's Racing Digest.  

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 12

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winner on dirt (5.5f, 8.5f). The winning downhill turf course running styles were three dueling front runners (rail at 20 feet).

Kent Desormeaux and apprentice Evin Roman both booted home a pair.

Stop the Violence finished well for the show (6 lengths clear of 4th) at 4.5f for juvenile first timers. He probably won’t be a maiden much longer for Miller.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 13

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner down the hill, a downhill stalker, a downhill closer, and a flat mile stalker.

Tyler Baze (dirt sprints) and Flavien Prat (downhill sprints) both booted home a pair. Peter Eurton (turf) and Peter Miller both saddled two winners.

First timer Omega Moon was ready to roll in his debut for Baffert but experienced foe Pioneer Lad was a length better (show finisher 6 lengths back). They paid $500k for Omega Moon and he will probably click at low odds next time.

Heavy favorite American Pastime ran out of ground in today’s third race at 5.5f (Stormy Rocit wire-to-wire). The Hess trainee fell a 1/2 length short and was clearly second best. He earned quality TRD numbers in his winning debut March 11 (92 FIRE + 134 CPR) and can make amends next time.

Cistron had every reason to win the Desert Code. He was the only multiple winner and the early/pressing type broke from an advantageous outer post. He opened up a clear lead in the stretch but second timer Arms Runner went past him easily (show finisher 7.5 lengths back). The latter smartly won his April 20 downhill debut (81 FIRE + 126 CPR) and looks like a good one for Miller. 

American Anthem turned back and got back on the beam in the G3 Laz Barrera for Baffert. He easily held off my top choice Kimbear and the top two were both exiting the SA Derby.

Cheekaboomboom loved the turn back in distance and rolled home from off the pace to graduate in the hillside sixth for Prat/Miller. She was my best bet on the card and paid a generous $11.20.

Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: May 14

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at nine furlongs, a downhill stalker, a stalker at one mile, and a dueler/stalker down the hill (rail at 10 feet).

Flavien Prat booted home a pair on turf. Peter Miller saddled three winners. Richard Baltas saddled two turf winners.

Post time favorite Kenda ended up a clear 2nd behind Madam Dancealot in her first start vs. winners in today’s fourth race. She earned decent TRD numbers graduating down the hill April 21 (81 FIRE + 120 CPR) and was hardly disgraced landing the place behind a horse exiting the stakes ranks. She is a decent downhill performer.

Selcourt dueled and finished 3rd behind two Baffert runners (Faypien, Noted and Quoted) in the Angels Flight. She earned nice TRD Pace Ratings in her first two starts (140, 146) and jockey Tyler Baze said she was too headstrong today. She is going to be a tough customer if she learns to relax a bit.  

Santa Anita Park Report with Horses to Watch (April 20-23)

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: April 20

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on a speed favoring dirt oval (6.5f, 8f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner down the hill, a downhill presser, and a downhill stalker (rail at 20 feet).

Joe Talamo rode the early double.

Jill Madden coasted to a wire job maiden win as the heavy favorite in the fourth (Mcl-30k, 8f) but Warrior Vixen is the horse to watch. The latter stalked moderate splits, gained 2nd at the 6f mark, and pulled well clear of the rest (show finisher 9+ back) while cutting into the winning margin in the lane. She can graduate next time with a similar effort.

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: April 21

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8.5f, 6, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a patient runner at 12f, and a downhill stalker (rail at 10 feet).

Tyler Baze booted home a pair.

County Lineman raced wide throughout and ended up an okay 3rd as the favorite (beaten 1.5 lengths) in the flat mile turf opener for the productive Bejarano/Cerin team.

Chocolate Coated did well to rally for the place in the hillside finale after a slow start under Stevens. Kenda was the perfect trip stalk/pounce winner as the chalk from the outside post while Chocolate Coated broke from the difficult inside post and was clearly second best.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: April 22

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on a speed favoring dirt oval (5.5f, 6.5f, 9f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a downhill closer (last-to-first), a stalker in the 14f San Juan Capistrano, a stalker at 9f, and a pace prompter in the 6.5f Mizdirection.

Martin Garcia and Bob Baffert teamed up for two wins including Collected in the G2 Californian. Richard Baltas saddled two turf winners including Inordinate in the G3 San Juan Capistrano.

Incredible Luck ran a winning race in the seventh (MSW, 9T). He dueled on the lead and fought hard throughout but eventual winner Marckie’s Water sat a perfect stalking trip and ran him down under Bejarano. The top two were well clear of the rest.

Collected was much the best in the G2 Californian but Follow Me Crev did well to rally for the place on the speed favoring surface. They may meet again in the Gold Cup at SA.

Sunday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: April 23

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 7f, 8f, 7f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner at 9f and two downhill stalkers (rail at 20 feet).

Rafael Bejarano booted home a pair. Peter Miller saddled two winners including razor sharp downhill specialist Stormy Liberal in the Siren Lure.

Patentar got back to his winning distance and beat stakes winners Frank Conversation and Up With the Birds in the grassy nine furlong opener. He was my top choice based on his strong Today’s Racing Digest numbers earned in his last SA victory at 9f. 

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Santa Anita Park Winter Meet Recap (March 16-19)

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: March 16

Fast main track and firm turf course. No wire-to-wire winners on dirt. The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner down the hill, a front runner down the hill, and a downhill closer (rail at 10 feet).  

Three wins for Tyler Baze. He almost made it a four-bagger but was taken down in the 7th race aboard Anita Partner.

I mentioned in my full card that Bolitar frequently promises more than he delivers. Maybe that will change for his new trainer Peter Miller, who nabbed him out of the 6th race for $16k.

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: March 17

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 7f). The winning turf course running styles were a front runner down the hill, a downhill stalker, and a patient runner at one mile (rail at 30 feet).

Riding double for Flavien Prat.

Aotearoa was the only horse entered for a tag in the opener and sharp trainer Phil D’Amato reached out and took him for $40k. He likes the downhill course and ended up 2nd in today’s optional claimer down the dip.

You can read the rest of my Santa Anita Park Report at The Runaway Horse...

Santa Anita Park Winter Meet Recap (March 2-5)

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: March 2

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile and two downhill stalkers (rail at 20 feet).

Norberto Arroyo Jr. and Peter Miller teamed up to win the late daily double including Calculator in the downhill feature. Steve Miyadi saddled two winners including $53 first timer General Mach Four in the opener.

As mentioned earlier, Miyadi saddled a pair of winners and almost made it three with first timer Catfish Hunter, who finished a troubled 3rd (beaten 2 lengths) under Tyler Baze in the six race for $50k maiden claimers at six furlongs.

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: March 3

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8f, 6.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a patient runner at ten furlongs, and a downhill stalker (rail at 30 feet).

No riding or training doubles on Friday.

You can read the rest of my Santa Anita Park Report at The Runaway Horse...

Santa Anita Park Winter Meet Rewind (Dec 26-Jan 2)

The Santa Anita Park winter meet started off in typical fast and firm fashion but the weather went downhill quickly after opening day.

Monday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Dec 26

Fast main track and firm turf course. Dueling front runners captured the first two dirt sprints of the meet (6.5f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a closer at 9f, an outside stalker down the hill, and a front runner at one mile.

Flavien Prat and Joel Rosario both booted home a pair.

Thursday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Dec 29

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two of the three flat mile dirt races produced a wire job and a dueling front running winner. The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a downhill closer, and another stalker at one mile (rail at 10 feet).

Flavien Prat booted home a pair.

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: Dec 30

Wet fast main track and the lone downhill race was moved to the dirt oval. Turf course good. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8f, 6.5f). The lone turf race was captured by stalker Vending Machine in the one mile Eddie Logan Stakes  (rail at 20 feet).

Hat trick for Norberto Arroyo Jr. Peter Miller saddled both stakes winners (Bad Ju Ju, Vending Machine) and Arroyo rode both.

You can read the rest of my Santa Anita Park Report at The Runaway Horse...

Del Mar 2016 Fall Meet Rewind (Nov 24-27)

With one week to go in the Del Mar 2016 fall meet, Peter Miller won't stop saddling winners and jockey Drayden Van Dyke surged with a riding triple on Friday and a stakes double on Saturday. 

Thursday DEL MAR Recap: Nov 24
Fast main track and firm turf course at Del Mar on Thursday. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (7f, 8f, 6f, 5.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at one mile, a closer at five furlongs, and a stalker at eleven furlongs (rail at 18 feet).

Norberto Arroyo Jr. booted home three winners. Peter Miller saddled three more winners and Arroyo rode two.

Friday DEL MAR Recap: Nov 25

Fast main track and firm turf course at Del Mar on Friday. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were a closer at one mile, a dueling front runner at five furlongs, a stalker at twelve furlongs, and a patient runner at one mile.

Hat trick for Drayden Van Dyke.

You can read the rest of my Del Mar Report at The Runaway Horse...

Del Mar 2016 Fall Meet Rewind (Nov 17-20)

The 2016 Del Mar Fall Meet is in full swing and hot trainer Peter Miller finished out the second week with two wins on the 19th and three more on the 20th.

Thursday DEL MAR Recap: Nov 17

Fast main track and firm turf course at Del Mar on Thursday. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 8f). The winning turf course running styles were a stalker at 8 furlongs, a front runner at one mile, and a stalker at 8.5 furlongs (rail at 24 feet).

Fernando Perez and Flavien Prat both booted home a pair. Richard Baltas saddled two flat mile turf winners.

Friday DEL MAR Recap: Nov 18

Fast main track and firm turf course at Del Mar on Friday. Just one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (8f). The winning turf course running styles were a  patient runner at one mile, a dueling front runner at five furlongs, and a stalker at one mile (rail at 24 feet).

Drayden Van Dyke booted home a pair.

Marckie’s Water (even 4th in 8th race) ran much better on turf second time out (stalked inside, edged for 3rd).

You can read the rest of my Del Mar Report at The Runaway Horse...

Santa Anita Park report (10-12-16)

It is time to catch up with leading jockey, trainer, and track bias information for the current 2016 fall race meeting at Santa Anita Park. Norberto Arroyo Jr. and Peter Miller are off and running!

Friday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: September 30

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 7f). The winning turf course running styles were a downhill closer, a flat mile stalker, a downhill stalker, and another downhill stalker (rail at 10 feet).

Hat trick for Kent Desormeaux.

Saturday SANTA ANITA PARK Recap: October 1

Fast main track and firm turf course. Early-pressing types strong on dirt with three wire-to-wire winners  (5.5f, 8.5f, 9f). The winning turf course running styles were a flat mile stalker, a flat mile closer, a ten furlong wire job, and a downhill wire job.

Four wins for jockey Victor Espinoza (3 Grade 1 wins). Rafael Bejarano booted home a pair. Bob Baffert saddled two winners.

You can read the rest of my Santa Santa Park report at The Runaway Horse...

Last week at Santa Anita Park (June 16-19)

Last week at Santa Anita, we said goodbye to turf racing. The new turn course will be revealed before the start of the Breeders' Cup meet in the fall. Rafael Bejarano and Flavien Prat continue to battle for leading rider. Advantage Bejarano since turf racing is finished. 

Thursday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 16

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winner on dirt (5f, 5f, 6f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at 9f and two flat mile stalkers (rail at 10 feet).

Phil D’Amato and Peter Miller (turf) both saddled two winners.

Friday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 17 

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6f). The winning turf course running styles were a patient runner at a flat mile and two stalkers at one mile (rail at 20 feet).

Hat trick for Flavien Prat (2 flat mile turf wins).

Saturday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 18

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6f, 7f). The winning turf course running styles were a flat mile front runner, a flat mike stalker, a nine furlong front runner, and a flat mile stalker.

Riding doubles for Tyler Baze, Edwin Maldonado, and Mike Smith. Mark Glatt saddled two winners at one mile on turf.

Sunday Santa Anita Park Recap: June 19

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winner on dirt (4.5f). The winning turf course running styles were a flat mile stalker, a flat mike closer, a front runner at one mile, and a nine furlong closer (rail at 20 feet).

Riding doubles for Rafael Bejarano, Kent Desormeaux, and Santiago Gonzalez.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards. 

Last Week at Santa Anita Park (April 7-10)

It was a wet closing weekend at Santa Anita Park and Exaggerator threw his hat into the Kentucky Derby ring with a dominating victory in the Santa Anita Derby.

Thursday Santa Anita Park Recap: April 7

Fast main track and firm turf course. The fourth race was originally scheduled for the downhill turf course and moved to the main track. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8f, 6f, 5.5f).  The two turf races were taken by a flat mile front runner and a flat mile stalker (turf rail at 30 feet).

Riding doubles for Martin Pedroza and Flavien Prat. Leading trainer Phil D’Amato saddled two more winners.

Friday Santa Anita Park Recap: April 8

Main track started out fast by was sloppy by the sixth race. The third race was taken off the downhill turf course but the seventh race stayed on the grass at one mile. The turf course was listed as good and the rail was at 20 feet. Two wire-to-wire winners on dirt (8.5f, 8f).  The flat mile turf feature was nabbed by a prominent throughout runner.

Riding double for Flavien Prat.

Saturday Santa Anita Park Recap: April 9

Sloppy (sealed) main track and yielding turf course. The opening race was originally scheduled for nine furlongs on turf and moved to wet dirt. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 8.5f, 6.5f). The G3 Providencia at nine furlongs on turf was nabbed by a late runner (rail at 20 feet) and the G3 Thunder Road at one mile on turf was captured by a midpack stalker (turf rail down).

Kent Desormeaux was the riding star of the day with a graded stakes hat trick. Riding doubles for Rafael Bejarano and Flavien Prat. Keith Desormeaux saddled two graded winners and his brother Kent rode both. Peter Miller saddled two maiden sprint winners. Leading trainer Phil D’Amato saddled two winners.

Sunday Santa Anita Park Closing Day Recap: April 10

Drying out (wet fast) main track was upgraded to fast by the fourth race. All turf races were moved to dirt except the San Juan Capistrano, which was changed in distance to fifteen furlongs. Eight of the ten main track winners went wire-to-wire or were all over the pace. The grassy featured was nabbed by a patient type (course yielding).

Hat trick for Tyler Baze. Leading trainer Phil D’Amato saddled two winners and Baze rode both.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards. 

Last Week at Santa Anita Park (March 31-April 3)

Leading rider Rafael Bejarano had a double on Friday and a triple on Saturday. Leading trainer Phil D'Amato had a double on Friday and a triple on Sunday. Trainer Peter Miller enjoyed a productive week and recently hot rider Edwin Maldonado finished the week with a riding double. Kent Desormeaux ended the racing week on a high note and let's see if he can keep the ball rolling into SA Derby week. 

Thurs­day Santa Anita Park Recap: March 31

Fast main track and firm turf course. One wire-to-wire winner on dirt (6f). The three turf races were taken by a flat mile stalker, a downhill stalker, and a flat mile wire-to-wire winner (rail at 30 feet).

Trainer Peter Miller saddled two winners.

Fri­day Santa Anita Park Recap: April 1

Fast main track and firm turf course. Three wire-to-wire winners on dirt (6.5f, 6f, 6.5f). The three turf races were taken by a patient downhill runner, a downhill front runner, and a flat mile stalker (rail at 20 feet).

Riding doubles for Rafael Bejarano and Flavien Prat. Phil D’Amato saddled two turf winners.

Satur­day Santa Anita Park Recap: April 2

Fast main track and firm turf course. Four wire-to-wire winners on dirt (5.5f, 8f, 6f, 8.5f).  The four turf races were taken by a patient downhill runner, a flat mile front runner, a downhill pace prompter, and a flat mile closer.

Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano and Tyler Baze booted home a pair. Peter Miller saddled three winners and Jeff Mullins and Doug O’Neill both saddled a pair of winners.

Sun­day Santa Anita Park Recap: April 3 

Fast main track and firm turf course. Only one wire-to-wire winners on dirt (7f).  The four turf races were taken by two patient flat mile runners, a nine furlong front runner, and a downhill front runner (turf rail at 10 feet).

Hat trick for Kent Desormeaux and Edwin Maldonado booted home a pair in dirt sprints. Leading trainer Phil D’Amato saddled three more winners and Neil Drysdale saddled two flat mile turf winners.

If you are interested in full card analysis, I am selling Santa Anita full cards each weekend at The Runaway Horse. You can check out full card recaps with highlights on our What You Missed page.

I also post free daily tickets from Santa Anita Park at Pick 6 Blog. You can also read my recaps at Pick 6 Blog.  

Santa Anita Park photos by Stacy Edwards.