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Santa Anita Park presents an exciting nine-race card today, Friday, September 26, 2025, featuring a vibrant mix of maiden specials, challenging allowance races, and competitive claiming contests. With the autumn meet in full swing, anticipation is high for both seasoned runners and lightly-raced prospects as fans return to one of California’s most iconic tracks.
Race Day Overview
Today’s program at Santa Anita Park features a balance of turf and dirt races for maidens, fillies, colts, and seasoned older runners, including both claiming and allowance optional events. Notably, the turf course—regarded as one of the fairest in the nation—should offer opportunities for both early speed and tactical closers. The field sizes are healthy across most races, and several prominent trainers and jockeys are represented, setting the stage for lively betting and competitive racing.
Weather and Track Condition
The weather at Santa Anita Park is expected to be comfortable, with highs around 79°F and patchy morning fog giving way to partly sunny afternoon conditions. Breezes from the south at 0-5 mph should not significantly affect the turf or dirt surfaces. The track is forecast to be fast for dirt and firm for turf, with no precipitation expected for the racing hours, ensuring optimal conditions for both surfaces.
Race-By-Race Analysis
First Race — Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs Turf
A compact field of six lines up for this maiden sprint. Decapo, under Juan Hernandez for trainer John Sadler, stands out with tactical speed and a favorable rail draw. Mescalero, with Umberto Rispoli up for Richard Mandella, projects as a primary threat, especially given the trainer’s turf prowess. Reno may improve with age and class relief, while Joe’s Candy’s connections provide the chance for a lively pace scenario. The projected pace should be honest, giving stalking runners a slight edge. Key angles include Sadler’s turf strike rate and Rispoli’s ability to judge pace. Primary selection: Decapo. Value play: Mescalero.
Second Race — Claiming, 1 Mile Dirt
Fillies and mares line up in a six-horse affair. Lady Rider, light in the weights under Deybis Chavez for Vladimir Cerin, is expected to show early speed. Exington projects as a controlling pace presence, but Perfect Life may be best positioned to inherit the lead should front-runners falter. Girlcanthelpit has back class and could close late if the early fractions prove taxing. Key angles include Cerin’s record with light-weight claimers and Miyadi’s ability to turn around form. Primary selection: Lady Rider. Secondary consideration: Exington. Longshot: Perfect Life should be watched if the pace collapses.
Third Race — Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs Turf (Fillies)
Race 3 at Santa Anita Park on September 26, 2025, is a maiden special weight event for two-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs on the turf. The field of eight presents a blend of interesting debut runners and some with experience, setting the stage for a tactical contest with opportunities for both speed and late runners.
Key Contenders
Umbralle (PP3) will be making her third career start after showing promising early speed and competitive efforts at Del Mar. This filly, by Into Mischief, lands leading turf pilot Hector Berrios and benefits from a trainer switch to John Sadler, whose runners are often primed for improvement in their third outing. Umbralle’s previous races indicate she’s capable of grabbing the early lead or pressing the pace, and her connections suggest a positive move forward today.
Ramayana (PP5), trained by Richard Mandella, debuts following strong morning workouts. This filly is by Uncle Mo and attracts Umberto Rispoli, a top Southern California turf rider. The Mandella-Rispoli combo has notable success in turf sprints at Santa Anita, and Ramayana’s pedigree grants her ample turf ability. She profiles as a major threat if she runs to her worktab.
Surfin’ U. S. A. (PP1) is another debut runner, by Rock Your World, and lands Juan Hernandez, one of Southern California’s premier jockeys. Hernandez is skilled at working out trips from inside posts but will need to manage a tricky rail draw for a first-time starter. The filly’s works are solid, but Leonard Powell runners typically need racing experience before breaking through. Powell’s debut win rate is below par for the circuit, providing a mixed signal on win potential.
Secondary Choices and Longshots
Atina Liz (PP4) and Essential Lady (PP8) show enough upside on paper to consider for exotics and underneath positions. Atina Liz has fair works, while Essential Lady offers some pedigree appeal with Kazushi Kimura aboard. Both could take advantage of a quick pace or any missteps by the favorites.
Cosmo Friday (PP6), trained by Doug O’Neill, has some local works and can improve but appears better suited to minor awards unless showing significant progress. Darlin’ Duchess (PP2) and Kizazi (PP7) round out the field and are best watched for experience and potential pace heating.
Pace Analysis
This race is likely to feature a swift early tempo, with Umbralle and Surfin’ U. S. A. among the likely pace-setters. The presence of several debut runners, paired with established speed, should guarantee honest fractions. Stalkers and closers—including Ramayana and possibly Atina Liz—stand to benefit if the leaders tire in the stretch.
Key Angles
Watch for the impact of the Mandella-Rispoli pairing, historically profitable at Santa Anita in turf sprints, and Sadler’s strong third-start win percentage. Riders like Hernandez and Berrios add tactical depth to the contest in a field with several rookie runners.
Wagering Angles and Picks
Best bet: Umbralle appears set for a breakthrough with experience and favorable connections. Value play: Ramayana, debuting in a competitive spot with top turf partners. Surfin’ U. S. A. is dangerous if able to clear early from the rail. Suggested wagers include an exacta box of 3-5-1 and including secondary choices like Atina Liz and Essential Lady in trifectas for potential upside.
Selection
Primary: Umbralle
Secondary: Ramayana
Third: Surfin’ U. S. A.
Exotic consideration: Atina Liz, Essential Lady.
This competitive maiden turf sprint should be watched for strong performances from debut runners, particularly those with proven connections and sharp recent works, while experienced fillies like Umbralle hold the key to both betting and race outcomes.
Fourth Race — Claiming, 5.5 Furlongs Dirt
A wide-open group of seven enters this sprint with several possible pace setters. Robarando, drawn inside for Jerry Wallace II, should be prominent early. Uplift and Whats the Buzz add to expected pace pressure, while Kitten in Charge could benefit if the leaders duel. Excessive Thievery is an old pro with tactical speed and deserves inclusion if able to stalk. Angle to note: Sprints at Santa Anita often favor inside speed, but with multiple front-runners, a closer like Kitten in Charge or Excessive Thievery is intriguing. Primary selection: Robarando. Value: Excessive Thievery.
Fifth Race — Maiden Claiming, 1 Mile Turf (Fillies and Mares)
Church Lady (IRE) for Philip D’Amato looms as a turf specialist and leads on class and pedigree. Musical Song for Ruben Gomez has competitive figures, while Silver Flirt brings age and experience. Justivar, handled by Armando Ayuso, is interesting based on connections. The pace should be moderate, with Church Lady and Eastwick controlling early. Angles: D’Amato’s turf record and Ayuso’s proficiency at picking up mounts with upside. Primary selection: Church Lady (IRE). Value: Justivar.
Sixth Race — Maiden Claiming, 5.5 Furlongs Dirt (Cal-Bred Fillies and Mares)
Race 6 at Santa Anita Park on September 26, 2025, is a maiden claiming event for California-bred or California-sired fillies and mares aged three, four, and five. The contest is set for 5.5 furlongs on dirt, with a $50,000 claiming price and a purse of $33,000. Nine runners are entered, all seeking their first career win.
Key Contenders
West Fresno, ridden by Kyle Frey and trained by Jeff Bonde, will attract significant attention as one of the more proven runners in the group. Bonde’s runners often fire fresh and show early speed, and West Fresno’s local works point to readiness. From her inside draw, she should be prominent early and has competitive maiden claiming form from previous starts.
Dramaticattraction, with Kazushi Kimura for Bill McLean, also makes appeal. She has displayed flashes of early speed in her short career and is well-drawn to initially track the leaders. Kimura’s presence is a positive, given his growing reputation in California racing.
Fly At Knight (with apprentice Chavez up for Mark Glatt) and Dixie’s Delight (Abel Lezcano for Blaine Wright) both enter off decent morning works. Fly At Knight is lightly raced and could improve sharply on the drop-in trip, while Dixie’s Delight gets class relief and a favorable pace scenario.
Godavri, with Armando Ayuso up for Dan Blacker, is another to consider for exotics at a price. She has only moderate prior form, but Ayuso has an affinity for getting the most from mid-pack-type runners in these maiden claiming sprints.
Analysis of Secondary Choices and Longshots
The field lacks proven winners and features several that have struggled to threaten in maiden company. Newport Dreamz, Big A’s Little One, and Jennys Wine Girl fit this profile; all appear best used at the bottom of trifectas or superfectas. Turkey Bird and Jennys Wine Girl have slight pedigree angles that could play out, but overall their form does not inspire for the win slot without significant improvement.
Pace Analysis
There is enough early speed among the inside half of the field—namely West Fresno and Dramaticattraction—to ensure a contested tempo up front. Fly At Knight, drawn mid-pack, and Dixie’s Delight may benefit as pressing or stalking types if the pace is hotter than expected. Godavri and Newport Dreamz are candidates to save ground and try to pick up tired rivals late.
Key Angles to Consider
- Trainers Bonde and McLean have good records in similar Cal-bred maiden claiming company, frequently striking with fillies dropping out of tougher spots.
- Jockey Kyle Frey’s aggressive style fits well with West Fresno’s tactical speed.
- Pace figures suggest a field that could come apart late if the early going is quick, favoring closers and those drawn wide enough to avoid early traffic.
Wagering Angles and Picks
West Fresno looks like the one to catch and could wire the field if able to break on top. Dramaticattraction has enough pace to be involved throughout and may offer value depending on the odds. Exotics players should use Dixie’s Delight and Godavri, as both have the right running style for a potentially collapsing pace scenario.
Selection
Primary: West Fresno
Secondary: Dramaticattraction
Third: Dixie’s Delight
Longshot/Exotics: Godavri
This wide-open maiden sprint should favor whichever filly is able to secure a clean, forward trip early, but the lack of standout form leaves room for surprises and rewards for deeper exotics bettors.
Seventh Race — Allowance Optional Claiming, 6 Furlongs Turf (Cal-Bred Fillies and Mares)
Race 7 at Santa Anita Park on September 26, 2025, is a $61,000 Allowance Optional Claiming event for California-bred or California-sired fillies and mares, three years old and upward, running 6 furlongs on turf. Ten horses are entered, with several possessing noteworthy turf form and tactical speed for this distance.
Key Contenders
Willow Cove (PP6), returning from a lengthy layoff for trainer Mike Puype, is a lightly-raced five-year-old mare who won her last turf start over this course at Del Mar. She has trained smartly in preparation for her return, drawing regular partner Juan Hernandez. Her versatile running style allows her to adapt to pace scenarios, and her freshness from a layoff is a plus in sprint turf events where stamina off the bench is valuable.
Lady Gregory (PP8 or 9, AE), a seasoned six-year-old mare for Jeff Mullins, boasts a 32-race résumé with eleven wins, lending her a strong class edge over most rivals. She excels on Santa Anita turf, with four podium finishes in her last five local starts, including a win in similar conditions last March. With Hector Berrios aboard, she offers both reliability and a strong late kick, making her a top contender if she draws in from the also-eligible list.
Press Your Luck (PP7 or 8), for Doug O’Neill, enters off trying recent efforts and has been rapidly improving. She tends to rally late and fits well at this level, potentially capitalizing if the speed falters. Her consistency and ability to pass tiring rivals make her appealing in exotics and for the show slot.
Magical Miss (PP4), representing Richard Baltas, ran an encouraging sixth in her latest against winners and seems poised for further improvement stretching out slightly in distance. Baltas has a record of success with dirt-to-turf moves, and her tactical speed is an asset in a field with several pace factors.
Pace and Tactical Analysis
Several entrants show early zip, with Amanda Rose and Blue Wildcat possible pace-setters joined by others seeking early position. Willow Cove’s versatility lets her press or stalk just off the leaders, while Lady Gregory and Press Your Luck benefit from a setup featuring contested fractions. The turf at Santa Anita typically rewards strong finishers if the pace is contentious, but ground-saving trips are also crucial.
Secondary Choices and Longshots
Brookys Gal (PP10), Magical Miss, and Rizzleberry Rose have enough speed or late punch to factor in the top four if better-known contenders falter. Freya and Wild Card (Brookys Gal) bear consideration for exotics, with Freya rallying for third last time and primed for improvement with trainer Peter Miller.
Wagering Angles and Picks
Given the competitive field and mix of layoff runners, local specialists, and tactical types, the best wagering approach considers Willow Cove and Lady Gregory for horizontal wagers and exacta/trifecta boxes with Press Your Luck, Magical Miss, and Brookys Gal included.
Selection
Primary: Willow Cove
Secondary: Lady Gregory
Third/Show: Press Your Luck
Wildcard: Brookys Gal
Alternate: Magical Miss, Rizzleberry Rose
Eighth Race — Claiming, 1 Mile Dirt
Come Out Fighting, for Bill McLean, has form for the distance and could control the pace if allowed an uncontested lead. Austonian and Mystic Flyer also rate as logical contenders in a field where tactical speed is prized. Upstart Yankee, with Orantes up, might be an upset candidate if ratings improve. Angle: McLean’s ability to keep horses sharp in claiming races warrants respect. Selection: Come Out Fighting. Upset chance: Upstart Yankee.
Ninth Race — Maiden Claiming, 1 Mile Turf (Fillies and Mares)
Thea, breaking from the rail for Tim McCanna, projects to improve stretching out. Rehearsal (IRE), trained by Philip D’Amato, brings turf credentials to bear, while Gladly, under Ricardo Gonzalez for Michael McCarthy, is a progressive type worth consideration. Infinity Dream and Nakota (IRE) offer depth for exotics. The pace should be manageable, allowing stalkers and closers their shot late. Angles: D’Amato’s young turf runners and McCarthy’s ability to prep first-time grass horses. Primary selection: Rehearsal (IRE). Value play: Gladly.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Santa Anita’s leading riders today include Juan Hernandez, Umberto Rispoli, and Armando Ayuso, all of whom excel on turf and possess superior gate skills. Hernandez routinely maximizes ground-saving rides, while Rispoli’s turf timing is exceptional and Ayuso often mounts live horses for sharp barns. Kazushi Kimura, recently landed from Canada, brings strong technical ability, adding depth to the colony. Watch for improvement from younger riders such as Chavez and Orantes who get opportunities on lighter-weight mounts.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Prominent conditioners like John Sadler, Richard Mandella, and Philip D’Amato are well-represented throughout the card, especially on turf. D’Amato’s runners consistently perform above average in maiden turf routes, particularly imports. Mandella’s record with lightly-raced juveniles is outstanding, and Doug O’Neill’s barn is positioned for improvement with price plays. Track trends point to Cerin, Gomez, and McCarthy as reliable sources of value in claiming races.
Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Santa Anita’s turf sprints favor stalkers and ground-savers; key horses with tactical speed or riders adept at taking the shortest path should be prioritized in multis and exotics. The main track favors inside posts, especially in routes, and lightly-raced runners with improving figures can provide value. Multi-race wagers should lean on key favorites in the third and fifth races, while deeper races like the seventh and ninth offer live longshots and greater payout potential. Look for overlays involving D’Amato-trained imports and horses ridden by Rispoli or Hernandez. Best value: Freya in the seventh, Gladly in the ninth.
Image Credits
In-Article Image Credits
Santa Anita Park via Wikimedia Commons by Rennett Stowe with usage type - Creative Commons LicenseFeatured Image Credit
Santa Anita Park via Wikimedia Commons by Rennett Stowe with usage type - Creative Commons License
