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Santa Anita Park will host a competitive 10-race card on Saturday, October 25, 2025, featuring the Grade 2 Twilight Derby as the marquee event. The autumn meet concludes Sunday, making this the penultimate racing day before the circuit moves south to Del Mar.
Track Conditions and Weather
Current weather conditions at Santa Anita show fair skies with temperatures around 76°F and southwest winds at 5 mph. The dirt track is expected to be fast while the turf course should be firm, providing ideal racing conditions. The temporary rail distance has been set at 30 feet for several races.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – Starter Optional Claiming (1 Mile Turf)
Key Contenders: Willa T enters from the Tim Yakteen stable with Umberto Rispoli aboard. The 4-year-old filly drops into starter optional claiming after facing tougher allowance competition. Church Lady (IRE) brings international form for Philip D’Amato while With Love (GB) represents the John Sadler barn.
Secondary Choices: Aleramo (IRE) from Michael McCarthy’s barn could factor with her European breeding, while Happyasaclam (IRE) offers seasoned experience at the claiming level.
Pace Analysis: The mile distance on turf typically sets up for tactical speed and late-running types. Expect a measured early pace with the outcome decided in the final furlong.
Key Angles: Foreign-bred fillies often excel on Santa Anita’s turf course. The class drop for several entrants makes this a competitive opener.
Wagering Selection: Willa T appears the most logical choice at projected 7-2 odds.
Race 2 – Tokyo City Cup Stakes (1 Mile Dirt)
The $85,000 Tokyo City Cup Stakes presents a fascinating four-horse field at one mile on Santa Anita’s main track. This stakes race, formerly graded but now run as non-listed Black-Type due to the distance change from 1.5 miles to one mile, features two Bob Baffert-trained colts as co-favorites.
Key Contenders
Pony Express (4-year-old Gun Runner colt) carries the 6-5 morning line favoritism with Umberto Rispoli aboard for trainer John Sadler. The bay colt enters off a dominant allowance victory in June, recording a solid 101 Beyer Speed Figure in his most recent start. His breeding suggests he should handle the mile distance effectively, and the Sadler-Rispoli combination has been productive throughout the Santa Anita meet.
Gaming (3-year-old Game Winner colt) represents the first of two Bob Baffert entries at 2-1 odds with Hector Isaac Berrios riding. The colt brings proven stakes credentials with Grade 1 experience, including a win in the Del Mar Futurity and strong placing in the American Pharoah Stakes. His recent scratching from the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes suggests connections are targeting this spot specifically.
Privman (3-year-old colt) completes the Baffert stable entry with Santa Anita’s leading jockey Juan Hernandez aboard. At 3-2 odds, he offers the strongest jockey-trainer combination on the card and represents Baffert’s primary chance with the meet’s most successful rider.
Secondary Choices
Mining District (4-year-old gelding) from Doug O’Neill’s barn represents the longest shot at 15-1 with Kazushi Kimura riding. The gelding brings 21 career starts with three wins and has shown some recent form, though he faces a significant class test against this field.
Pace Analysis
The one-mile distance should produce tactical positioning from the start. Pony Express likely shows early speed from his Gun Runner breeding, while both Baffert colts can adapt tactically depending on how the pace unfolds. Gaming profiles as a deep closer while Privman offers more versatility in running style. Mining District will likely need a pace meltdown to factor significantly.
Key Angles to Consider
The Tokyo City Cup’s shortened distance from its traditional 1.5-mile format creates uncertainty about which horses best suit the new configuration. Bob Baffert’s dual entry strategy with Gaming and Privman suggests confidence in his barn’s depth. The race serves as potential preparation for connections eyeing Breeders’ Cup targets, particularly the Dirt Mile.
John Sadler could complete a Santa Anita feature double, having trained the Twilight Derby favorite later on the card. Pony Express’s extended layoff since June requires attention, though his final work patterns suggest readiness.
Trainer and Jockey Factors
Bob Baffert’s 36% win rate with 71% in-the-money percentage provides statistical advantages for both Gaming and Privman. Juan Hernandez’s 37% win rate and 64% in-the-money statistics make Privman particularly dangerous. Umberto Rispoli brings 21% win rate and 60% in-the-money consistency for Pony Express.
The Baffert stable’s recent form includes multiple graded stakes successes, while John Sadler’s operation has shown consistent quality throughout the autumn meet.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Play: Privman offers the strongest combination of form, connections, and rider despite not being the morning line favorite.
Exacta Strategy: Key Privman on top with Pony Express and Gaming underneath. The Baffert-Hernandez combination provides the edge in this competitive field.
Trifecta Value: Include Mining District in third position for potential value if the pace scenario develops favorably.
The shortened distance and reduced grading create handicapping challenges, but the proven class of the Baffert entries and Sadler’s consistent stable form make this a race where experience and connections should prevail.
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight (6.5 Furlongs Dirt)
Key Contenders: Blacksmith from Bob Baffert with Juan Hernandez projects as the 6-5 favorite in this 2-year-old maiden special weight. The connections have dominated juvenile racing at Santa Anita this meet.
Secondary Choices: Rio Grande offers another Baffert-trained option while Easy Company from Richard Mandella brings proven stable form.
Longshots: Acknowledgemeplz from Doug O’Neill could surprise at longer odds with Antonio Fresu riding.
Pace Analysis: The 6.5-furlong distance favors speed and tactical pace positioning from the start.
Wagering Selection: Blacksmith represents the strongest maiden combination at Santa Anita.
Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight Fillies (6 Furlongs Dirt)
Key Contenders: Into the Hall from John Shirreffs with Hector Isaac Berrios projects as the 6-5 favorite. The connections have shown strong form with older maiden fillies.
Secondary Choices: Donata from Bob Baffert and Neko with Juan Hernandez provide proven stable form. Magnificat from Richard Mandella offers another solid option.
Pace Analysis: Six furlongs for maiden fillies typically sees early speed duels with closers having opportunities.
Wagering Selection: Into the Hall appears most ready to graduate at first asking.
Race 5 – Twilight Derby Grade 2 (1 1/8 Miles Turf)
The $200,000 Twilight Derby represents the marquee event on Santa Anita’s closing weekend card, featuring a compact field of five 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles on turf. This Grade 2 showcase traditionally serves as a Breeders’ Cup prep race, though the field size suggests quality over quantity in this year’s edition.
Key Contenders
Test Score (4-5 favorite) enters as the overwhelming choice for trainer H. Graham Motion with Juan Hernandez riding. The son of Lookin At Lucky brings the strongest credentials to this field as a Grade 1 Belmont Derby winner who dominated that same 1 1/8-mile turf distance at Saratoga. His July victory at Saratoga showcased his trademark late-running style, as he stormed from third position to win by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:45.56.
Test Score’s form line includes a game runner-up finish in the Grade 1 American Turf at Churchill Downs, where he finished just 1 1/4 lengths behind Zulu Kingdom. That effort earned him a career-best 88 Beyer Speed Figure and confirmed his ability at the highest level. The colt has earned over $1.3 million for Amerman Racing and trainer Motion, who previously sent out 2022 Twilight Derby runner-up Speaking Scout.
Namaron (GER) (2-1) represents the most intriguing storyline as the German Group 3 winner makes his American debut for trainer John Sadler. Hronis Racing purchased the gelding for $271,260 at the Goffs London Sale, targeting him specifically for American turf racing. His German form shows consistent quality, having won or placed in each of his six career starts to date.
Sadler’s track record with European imports and his current dominance at Santa Anita make Namaron a formidable threat. The booking of Hector Isaac Berrios, who has shown particular strength on turf courses, adds confidence to this runner’s chances. His recent workout pattern at Del Mar suggests he’s well-prepared for this American introduction.
Secondary Choices
Scipio (9-2) brings proven Santa Anita form for trainer Richard Baltas with Antonio Fresu aboard. The colt captured the listed Baffle Stakes at Santa Anita in February, demonstrating his affinity for the local turf course. Baltas freshened him up after a disappointing fourth-place finish in a Churchill Downs stakes during the spring, and the break appears to have benefited him.
Scipio’s multiple Grade 3 placings show he can compete at this level, and his tactical speed could prove crucial if the pace scenario develops favorably. The combination of local course experience and freshening makes him a dangerous upset candidate.
Longshots
Septembersixtyfour (6-1) represents the lone early speed in this field, having won a five-furlong turf race in August. The Mike Puype-trained gelding faces his first attempt beyond one mile, creating questions about his stamina for the 1 1/8-mile distance. However, his rail post position and uncontested early lead scenario could set up a steal if the closers fail to coordinate their moves.
Maaz (FR) (15-1) completes the field as the longest shot for trainer Michael McCarthy. The French-bred colt brings international breeding but faces a significant class test against this caliber of competition.
Pace Analysis
The pace setup strongly favors the closers, with Septembersixtyfour representing the only committed early speed. This creates an ideal scenario for Test Score’s deep-closing style and should benefit Namaron’s European tactical approach. The 1 1/8-mile distance allows plenty of time for positioning, and the likely moderate early fractions should set up for a dramatic stretch drive.
Key Angles to Consider
Test Score brings proven form at this exact distance and surface combination, having dominated the Belmont Derby at the same 1 1/8-mile turf trip. His partnership with Juan Hernandez, Santa Anita’s leading rider, provides additional confidence in tactical positioning and timing.
Namaron’s European form translates well to American turf racing, and John Sadler’s expertise with imported runners gives him significant advantages. The fact that connections specifically targeted this race after purchasing him suggests confidence in his ability to handle the transition.
The small field size eliminates traffic concerns that often plague larger turf fields, allowing each runner clear paths to execute their preferred running styles.
Trainer and Jockey Factors
Graham Motion’s 23% win rate with turf runners and his previous Twilight Derby experience with Speaking Scout provide tactical advantages for Test Score. Juan Hernandez’s 37% win rate and exceptional turf statistics make him the jockey to beat.
John Sadler’s remarkable success with European imports and his current hot streak at Santa Anita support Namaron’s chances. The trainer’s quote about Namaron showing “a lot of heart” in his German victories suggests the gelding possesses the determination needed for American racing.
Richard Baltas has shown patience in developing Scipio, and the freshening period appears to have rejuvenated the colt for this assignment.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Play: Test Score represents the class of the field despite short odds. His proven ability at this distance and surface combination, paired with the leading jockey, makes him a confident selection.
Value Play: Namaron offers intriguing exacta value underneath Test Score. His European form and Sadler’s expertise create a compelling case for his American debut success.
Upset Special: Scipio at 9-2 odds provides the best value for upset-minded bettors. His local course knowledge and tactical speed could exploit any pace scenario breakdown.
Trifecta Strategy: Box Test Score, Namaron, and Scipio for the top three positions while including Septembersixtyfour for potential value if the pace setup develops perfectly.
The Twilight Derby’s positioning as a Breeders’ Cup prep race adds significance beyond the immediate purse, with connections likely eyeing the Turf or other championship events at Del Mar. Test Score’s class and distance-proven ability make him the logical choice, but Namaron’s European credentials and Scipio’s local knowledge provide compelling alternatives in what should be a tactical and competitive renewal.
Race 6 – Ratings Handicap (6 Furlongs Dirt)
Key Contenders: The expert analysis favors Drop Um and Tapalo as the main contenders. Drop Um shows improved form in recent starts while Tapalo drops from higher-level allowance company.
Secondary Choices: Tougherthantherest brings consistent form while Last Call Zondlo could factor from an outside post.
Pace Analysis: Six furlongs typically sees early speed battles with tactical positioning crucial.
Wagering Selection: Drop Um and Tapalo offer the best combination for exacta wagering.
Race 7 – Ratings Handicap Fillies & Mares (6.5 Furlongs Downhill Turf)
The $65,000 ratings handicap for fillies and mares presents one of Santa Anita’s most tactically challenging races, featuring six runners navigating the unique 6.5-furlong downhill turf course. This race requires specialized course experience and tactical positioning more than traditional handicapping factors, as Santa Anita’s downhill configuration creates advantages unlike any other track in America.
Course Configuration and Tactical Considerations
Santa Anita’s downhill turf course begins with horses breaking from a conventional gate before immediately turning right and descending the famous hillside. Within seconds of the start, runners cross the main dirt track before straightening for their descent toward the finish. This unique layout creates significant tactical challenges that favor horses with course experience and specific running styles.
Statistical analysis reveals that inside posts 1-3 face considerable disadvantages, particularly in larger fields, while outside posts 4-6 provide better positioning for the right-hand turn and descent. Front-runners and stalkers maintain significant advantages over closers, as horses establishing early position rarely surrender their tactical benefits on the descent.
Key Contenders
Lunar Impact (GB) (Post 1, 123 pounds) represents the class of this field despite drawing the challenging rail position. The 5-year-old Zoustar mare demolished a similar field in May 2025, winning a stakes race over this exact course configuration by five lengths under Hector Isaac Berrios. Trained by Dan Blacker, she has compiled an impressive 11-4-0-1 record with $210,860 in earnings and possesses the course experience that often proves decisive in downhill turf racing.
Her dominant May victory showcased her tactical speed and ability to control the pace down the hill, suggesting she can overcome the inside post disadvantage through early positioning. The Berrios-Blacker combination has proven effective with turf runners, and their familiarity with this mare’s tactical needs provides additional confidence.
Antifona (FR) (Post 3, 126 pounds) brings proven European form and the services of Juan Hernandez, Santa Anita’s leading rider with exceptional turf statistics. The 4-year-old carries the highest weight assignment, indicating respect from the handicapper for her previous performances. Hernandez’s tactical expertise and current hot streak make this French import particularly dangerous from the favorable middle post position.
The veteran jockey’s 37% win rate and exceptional positioning skills could prove decisive in navigating the downhill configuration. Vladimir Cerin’s training provides European expertise in developing turf performers, and the post position advantage allows tactical flexibility for Hernandez’s patient riding style.
Secondary Choices
Miss Lizzy (Post 4, 125 pounds) represents Doug O’Neill’s primary chance with Antonio Fresu riding. The 5-year-old mare brings proven form and favorable post positioning from the outside, where she can avoid early traffic while maintaining clear racing room during the descent. O’Neill’s expertise with turf runners and Fresu’s growing reputation add credibility to this runner’s chances.
Her recent form pattern shows consistency at similar class levels, and the weight assignment suggests handicapper respect for her abilities. The outside post provides tactical advantages on the downhill configuration, allowing her to position strategically during the crucial early stages.
Spicybug (Post 6, 123 pounds) completes the field for trainer Michael McCarthy with Ricardo Gonzalez aboard. The 5-year-old mare draws the outside post, which historically provides advantages on this unique course configuration. McCarthy’s proven ability with turf runners and the favorable post position create upset potential at likely attractive odds.
Longshots and Dark Horses
Imaboutago (IRE) (Post 2, 122 pounds) brings Irish breeding for trainer Leonard Powell with Umberto Rispoli riding. The 4-year-old filly faces her first attempt on Santa Anita’s downhill course, creating form questions despite solid credentials. The inside post position compounds the challenge, though her light weight assignment suggests competitive ability.
No Other Like You (Post 5, 120 pounds) represents O’Neill’s second entry with Tyler Baze aboard. The 3-year-old filly receives significant weight relief and draws a favorable outside post, creating potential for improvement from her previous efforts. The combination of youth, light weight, and tactical post position offers upset possibilities.
Pace Analysis and Trip Scenarios
The downhill configuration typically produces moderate early fractions before acceleration during the descent phase. Lunar Impact’s tactical speed could prove crucial from the rail, while Antifona’s mid-pack positioning allows tactical flexibility. The outside horses (Miss Lizzy, No Other Like You, Spicybug) can avoid early trouble while positioning for their preferred running styles.
Course experience heavily influences outcomes in downhill turf racing, with horses familiar with the configuration maintaining significant advantages over first-time runners. The right-hand turn immediately after the break creates positioning challenges that favor horses with prior course success.
Key Angles and Wagering Strategy
Course Experience: Lunar Impact’s dominant course victory in May provides the strongest credential for handling this unique configuration. Her proven ability to control pace and positioning down the hill outweighs the challenging rail post.
Jockey Factor: Juan Hernandez’s exceptional meet statistics and tactical expertise make Antifona a compelling choice from the favorable post position. His ability to position horses perfectly for late runs could prove decisive.
Post Position Value: The statistical disadvantages of inside posts (1-3) in downhill turf sprints suggest caution with Lunar Impact and Imaboutago, despite their individual merits. Outside posts 4-6 provide clearer tactical advantages.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Play: Lunar Impact despite the challenging post position. Her proven course dominance and tactical speed provide the best combination of class and experience for this specialized configuration.
Value Play: Antifona offers excellent exacta value with Juan Hernandez’s hot streak and favorable post position creating optimal conditions for European form translation.
Upset Special: Miss Lizzy from Doug O’Neill’s barn provides the best longshot value with her favorable post position and consistent form pattern.
Exotic Strategy: Key Lunar Impact and Antifona in exacta and trifecta combinations while including Miss Lizzy and Spicybug for potential upsets from favorable outside posts.
The downhill turf course’s unique demands make this race more about tactical positioning and course experience than traditional speed figures, with Lunar Impact’s proven dominance over this specialized configuration providing the strongest foundation for wagering confidence.
Race 8 – Claiming (6 Furlongs Dirt)
Key Contenders: Expert analysis favors A Rousing Babe and Rousing Jewel as the main contenders in this $6,250 claiming event. Both fillies bring proven form at the claiming level.
Secondary Choices: Danzing Cat from Peter Miller could surprise at longer odds. Munnings Tale brings experience but questionable recent form.
Wagering Selection: The exacta combination of A Rousing Babe and Rousing Jewel offers the best value.
Race 9 – Claiming (6 Furlongs Dirt)
Key Contenders: The expert analysis suggests using multiple horses to beat favorite Self Sufficient, including Ya’ll Come, Kitten in Charge, No More Ding Dongs, and Last Call Paul.
Secondary Choices: Self Sufficient carries 2-1 favoritism but shows recent disappointments. One Big Smile and Lobdell Lake could factor from outside posts.
Pace Analysis: The non-winners of two lifetime condition typically produces competitive sprint racing.
Wagering Selection: A multi-horse approach using the Shapiro quartet offers the best strategy.
Race 10 – California-Bred Allowance (6.5 Furlongs Downhill Turf)
The $61,000 California-bred or California-sired allowance race serves as the evening’s finale, featuring eight fillies and mares navigating Santa Anita’s signature 6.5-furlong downhill turf course. This restricted condition creates a unique dynamic where breeding requirements combine with the tactical demands of America’s most challenging turf configuration to produce a fascinating handicapping puzzle.
Race Conditions and Significance
This allowance event targets California-bred or California-sired fillies and mares that have never won $21,000 once other than maiden, claiming, or starter conditions, or have never won two races. The restriction creates opportunities for locally-bred runners to compete against similar backgrounds while navigating the downhill course’s unique tactical challenges. With California’s breeding industry facing declining foal crops, these restricted races provide crucial opportunities for the state’s thoroughbred program.
Key Contenders
Mayacama (Post 5, 122 pounds) emerges as the overwhelming choice with Juan Hernandez aboard for trainer Jeff Mullins. The 4-year-old filly’s recent form transformation appears directly linked to her reunion with the Mullins barn and the leading jockey partnership. Her breakthrough victory at Del Mar on August 31, 2025, came at 8-1 odds in a turf allowance race, demonstrating her ability to compete effectively at this level.
The timing of that Del Mar success proves particularly significant, as it occurred after she was reunited with Mullins and Hernandez following previous disappointments. Expert analysis identifies her “powerful late stride” as perfectly suited for Santa Anita’s downhill configuration, where patient tactical riding often proves decisive. Her favorable post position allows Hernandez optimal tactical flexibility while avoiding the inside post disadvantages that plague the downhill course.
Blue Wildcat (Post 4, 124 pounds) represents seasoned experience with Abel Lezcano riding for trainer Isidro Tamayo. The 6-year-old mare brings extensive racing experience and draws the most statistically favorable post position for the downhill configuration. Her veteran status and weight assignment suggest previous competitive ability at this restricted level, making her a logical contender for the exacta underneath Mayacama.
Secondary Choices and Tactical Threats
Princesa Del Tigre (Post 1, 124 pounds) faces the challenging rail assignment with Kazushi Kimura aboard for trainer Tim McCanna. The 5-year-old mare recently competed at Del Mar in the same race won by Mayacama, finishing out of the money but gaining valuable experience against similar competition. Her rail post position creates significant tactical challenges on the downhill course, where inside draws historically struggle with positioning disadvantages.
Tina Turner (Post 8, 120 pounds) provides potential pace pressure from the outside with Armando Ayuso riding for trainer Steve Knapp. Expert analysis suggests she could “make things interesting from the front,” indicating tactical speed that might exploit any tactical positioning mistakes by her rivals. Her outside post position provides clear racing room but requires early commitment to establish position before the critical right-hand turn.
Longshots and Value Considerations
Sei Bella (Post 2, 120 pounds) offers potential value with Tyler Baze aboard for trainer Jorge Periban. The 3-year-old filly receives significant weight relief and represents youth potentially improving against older competition. Her breeding and recent form pattern suggest capability for improvement in the right tactical scenario.
Garden Party (Post 7, 122 pounds) and Nanci Griffith (Post 6, 124 pounds) complete the field with outside chances based on post position advantages and trainer capabilities. Both draw favorable outside posts that historically provide tactical benefits on the downhill configuration.
Course Configuration and Tactical Analysis
The downhill turf course’s right-hand turn immediately after the break creates significant tactical challenges that favor horses with course experience and optimal post positions. Statistical analysis reveals that posts 4-8 provide clear advantages over inside positions, with middle and outside draws winning more frequently than their inside counterparts.
Mayacama’s post 5 position provides optimal tactical placement for Hernandez’s patient riding style, allowing the mare to settle in ideal position before accelerating during the descent phase. The course’s configuration typically produces moderate early fractions before dramatic acceleration, perfectly suiting her proven late-running style demonstrated in the Del Mar victory.
Trainer and Jockey Factors
Jeff Mullins’s 31% win rate with his stable provides strong statistical support for Mayacama’s chances. The trainer’s recent success with turf runners and his familiarity with this mare’s tactical needs create optimal conditions for repeat success. Juan Hernandez’s exceptional 23% win rate and current hot streak make him the jockey to beat in the finale.
The Hernandez-Mullins combination has proven particularly effective with turf runners throughout the current meet, and their successful partnership with Mayacama at Del Mar suggests continued tactical understanding of her racing preferences.
Breeding and Condition Analysis
California-bred racing provides unique dynamics where familiarity with local conditions often outweighs pure speed figures. Mayacama’s California breeding combined with her proven adaptability to different tracks (Del Mar success translating to Santa Anita) suggests strong environmental versatility. The restricted condition eliminates the highest-class competition, creating opportunities for tactical speed and course experience to prove decisive factors.
Wagering Strategy and Value Assessment
Single Play Confidence: Expert analysis identifies Mayacama as a logical single play in the finale, combining optimal post position, proven recent form, and the meet’s strongest jockey-trainer combination. Her 8-1 Del Mar victory suggests she may offer value if overlooked by casual bettors focusing on more obvious contenders.
Exacta Strategy: Key Mayacama on top with Blue Wildcat and Tina Turner providing the best combinations for underneath positioning. Blue Wildcat’s favorable post and experience make her the logical second choice, while Tina Turner’s early speed could surprise if tactical scenarios develop favorably.
Value Opportunities: The California-bred restriction may create overlay situations if mainstream bettors underestimate the tactical advantages that course familiarity provides. Mayacama’s recent form improvement and optimal positioning suggest she could provide solid value as a confident selection.
Multi-Race Applications: As the card’s finale, this race serves perfectly for late Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 sequences, where Mayacama’s strong credentials allow confident single usage to maximize exotic payouts from earlier race combinations.
The combination of Mayacama’s proven recent form, optimal tactical positioning, and the Hernandez-Mullins partnership creates the evening’s strongest wagering confidence in a race perfectly suited for closing out Santa Anita’s penultimate autumn card with a decisive winner.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Juan Hernandez leads all Santa Anita riders with over 2,400 career wins and consistently posts win percentages above 25%. His combination with Bob Baffert-trained horses has been particularly effective this meet. Hernandez ranks among North America’s top jockeys in both earnings and wins.
Umberto Rispoli brings proven stakes experience and currently ranks among the top jockeys nationally with 491 mounts and a 22% win rate. Hector Isaac Berrios shows strong turf course statistics and pairs well with established trainers.
Antonio Fresu has emerged as a consistent performer at the current meet while Kyle Frey brings veteran experience despite lower win percentages.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Bob Baffert remains the dominant force at Santa Anita with multiple entries throughout the card. His combination with Juan Hernandez has produced consistent results across all divisions.
Doug O’Neill brings proven stakes form and shows particular strength with turf runners and claiming horses. John Sadler’s stable has shown consistent form throughout the autumn meet.
Richard Mandella, Philip D’Amato, and John Shirreffs represent the veteran trainer colony with proven success at Santa Anita’s unique track configurations.
Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The late Pick 5 sequence (Races 6-10) offers the strongest wagering opportunity with expert analysis favoring specific combinations. Key strategies include:
Single Play Opportunities: Mayacama in Race 10 and Lunar Impact in Race 7 offer the strongest single-race confidence.
Multi-Race Sequences: The Pick 4 covering Races 7-10 provides value with the identified key horses.
Value Exacta Plays: Race 6 (Drop Um/Tapalo), Race 8 (A Rousing Babe/Rousing Jewel) offer the best exacta value based on expert analysis.
Stakes Play: The Twilight Derby Grade 2 warrants win and place wagering on Test Score despite short odds given the quality advantage.
The autumn meet’s conclusion creates competitive racing across all levels, with traditional Santa Anita factors of post position, pace, and rider expertise playing crucial roles in handicapping success.
