Santa Anita’s Closing Weekend Features Thrilling Races and Records

As the fall meet at Santa Anita approaches its conclusion, jockey Juan Hernandez leads the standings with a total of 23 wins, ahead of Umberto Rispoli, who has secured 16 wins. The closing weekend promises excitement, with key races scheduled and several prominent trainers and horses in contention.

Among trainers, Phil D’Amato holds the top position with 11 wins, just ahead of Bob Baffert with 9 wins. Notable races over the weekend include the $200,000 Grade II Twilight Derby for 3-year-olds on Saturday, followed by the $100,000 Grade III Autumn Miss Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on Sunday. Hernandez is set to ride the morning-line favorite Test Score in the Twilight Derby, while Rispoli has drawn the 6-5 favorite Pony Express for trainer John Sadler in the same race.

The weekend also features the introduction of a new race class termed a “ratings handicap.” This innovative format uses numbers developed by Equibase to group horses and assign weights, allowing for more competitive fields. The first instances of this format will be seen in races 6 and 7 on Saturday, which include horses from various class levels.

In Los Alamitos, the quarter-horse racing scene is equally vibrant. This Sunday, the $1 million Grade I Golden State Million Futurity for 2-year-olds will take place, featuring contenders like Doodah Cartel, who boasts the fastest qualifying time. The stakes are high, with competitors like Jess Im Worth It and Beuteeful also vying for victory.

This weekend has not been without controversy, particularly regarding the Breeders’ Cup. The organization has faced backlash for its decision to allow unrestricted computer-assisted wagering during the event scheduled for October 31-November 1. This decision diverges from the host track Del Mar, which aims to limit large computer bets to prevent significant fluctuations in odds close to post time. While the Breeders’ Cup’s large parimutuel pools may mitigate drastic changes, any substantial odds shifts could impact its reputation.

In a more somber note, the racing community mourns the retirement of Express Train, an 8-year-old who made a significant mark on the Santa Anita and Del Mar circuits. Under the guidance of trainer John Shirreffs, Express Train achieved notable victories, including the Santa Anita Handicap in 2022. He will be transitioning to a new life in Kentucky, where he is expected to excel in hunter-jumper events.

Tragedy has also struck, as recent reports from the California Horse Racing Board indicate the deaths of two horses, Mirinda and Starry Heavens, bringing the total fatalities at Santa Anita and Los Alamitos to 27 since the start of the state’s racing year on December 26. This figure matches the total number of deaths for the same period last year and raises ongoing concerns about horse safety in racing.

As the weekend unfolds at Santa Anita and Los Alamitos, both competitors and fans are gearing up for a thrilling series of races, while the broader implications of safety and regulatory practices in horse racing continue to be scrutinized. The excitement of competition remains palpable, with the potential for new records and unforgettable moments in the sport.