2025 Santa Anita Opening: Race by Race Analysis

HORSE RACING
September 23, 2025
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This weekend, the iconic Santa Anita Park throws open its gates for its highly anticipated Autumn Meet, marking the return of elite thoroughbred racing to the Southern California landscape. For racing fans, the opening weekend at “The Great Race Place” is more than just a series of races; it is a tradition, a celebration of the sport’s rich history, and a chance to witness the next generation of equine stars.

You can expect to find a vibrant atmosphere, top-tier competition, and a full slate of races that set the stage for the Breeders’ Cup in just a few weeks. Now is the perfect time to get ready to bet on the Santa Anita Opening. With the racing season in full swing, you can study past performances, analyze the trainers, and review the horses to determine the best Santa Anita opening odds and make your best selections.

 

A Venue Steeped in History

 

Santa Anita Park stands as a monument to American horse racing. Its majestic Art Deco architecture and the breathtaking backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains have made it one of the most beautiful and revered tracks in the world. Since its inaugural meet in 1934, the track has hosted legendary horses and jockeys, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the sport.

The venue’s rich history includes hosting the inaugural Santa Anita Handicap in 1935, a race famously won by the great Seabiscuit in 1940. Other legendary horses, from Citation to Secretariat, have graced its main track and world-renowned turf course. Santa Anita’s legacy also includes hosting the Breeders’ Cup a record-setting number of times, cementing its status as a premier destination for championship racing.

 

The Goodwood Stakes (G1)

 

The feature race on opening Saturday is the prestigious $300,000 Goodwood Stakes (G1) for three-year-olds and upward, contested at a mile and an eighth. This race holds a special place on the calendar as a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), guaranteeing the winner a spot in the richest race in North America. We expect a strong field for this race, with several contenders vying to make a statement.

One horse to watch is Gaming, a Grade 1 winner as a two-year-old for trainer Bob Baffert. This colt shows immense talent but has not yet found his stride in his three-year-old campaign. After a strong win in the Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita, he faced a formidable task against older males in his last start. A return to this course could be what he needs to get back on track.

Another horse with a strong chance is Ultimate Gamble. This five-year-old gelding, trained by Mark Glatt, recently finished third in the Pacific Classic (G1) behind two of the top horses in the country. The cutback in distance to a more favorable one and one-eighth miles could significantly improve his chances, making him a horse to watch closely. His previous wins on this track give him a significant home-court advantage. You will want to look for the most favorable Santa Anita odds on these two contenders.

 

The Eddie D Stakes (G2)

 

Santa Anita’s opening day card also showcases the $200,000 Eddie D Stakes (G2), a sprint on the downhill turf course at about six and a half furlongs. This race always provides a thrilling spectacle, as horses fly down the unique, sweeping hillside course before crossing over to the main track.

The race is a great test of both speed and stamina and draws a competitive field of turf specialists. We can anticipate a field that includes some of the fastest turf sprinters in the country.

Trainers like Phil D’Amato and Mark Glatt, who have a strong presence in the Southern California turf ranks, will likely send out their best. With its unique format and competitive field, the Eddie D offers some exciting betting opportunities. Savvy players will be scouring the past performances to find the best value and determine the best bet on the Santa Anita Opening.

 

The John Henry Turf Championship (G2)

 

Turf enthusiasts have another major highlight to look forward to with the $200,000 John Henry Turf Championship (G2) for three-year-olds and upward, contested at a mile and a quarter. This race is a key prep for the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) and consistently attracts a deep and talented group of distance runners. We anticipate a field that includes some of the country’s best long-distance turf horses.

Trainers such as Chad Brown and Mike Maker, who frequently ship horses to California for major stakes races, could have runners in this race. Local trainers, including Leonard Powell and Richard Mandella, will undoubtedly have a say as well, fielding horses who have shown a fondness for the Santa Anita turf course. This race requires a careful study of past performances, as a horse’s ability to handle the distance and the unique characteristics of the Santa Anita turf course are crucial for success. Look for a solid contender, as the Santa Anita opening odds will be very competitive in this race.

 

The City of Hope Mile Stakes (G2)

 

Another major turf event on Saturday is the $200,000 City of Hope Mile (G2). This race, run over a mile on the turf course, targets horses who excel at a middle-distance and provides a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).

The City of Hope Mile often features a combination of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming turf stars. We can expect a field full of tactical speed and a few late-running closers, making for an exciting finish. The race could feature top jockeys like Flavien Prat, Juan Hernandez, and Umberto Rispoli, all of whom have a strong presence in the Southern California circuit. Their horsemanship and familiarity with the Santa Anita turf course will be a major factor in the outcome. Analyzing the different running styles and a horse’s recent form will be key when you bet on the Santa Anita opening.

 

The John C. Harris Stakes (G3)

 

Saturday’s card also features the $100,000 John C. Harris Stakes (G3), a race for three-year-old fillies sprinting on the downhill turf course. This race serves as a stepping stone for fillies in their respective divisions and showcases some of the future stars of the turf sprinting ranks.

We anticipate a competitive field of fast fillies. The race could feature some of the top three-year-old fillies in California, with trainers looking to test their charges against graded stakes company. This is a great race to find a live longshot, as the Santa Anita opening odds on a horse with improving form could offer significant value.

 

The Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2)

On Sunday, the action continues with the $200,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) presented by Estrella Jalisco. This race, at six furlongs on the main track, is a pivotal prep for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). It consistently draws the best sprinters in the West and often attracts shippers from other parts of the country. This race is a true test of pure speed, and we expect a fast-paced affair from start to finish. We can expect a field that includes some of the country’s most prominent sprinters, trained by its top trainers.

Bob Baffert, Peter Eurton, and John Sadler all maintain a strong presence in the sprint division and will likely have horses entered. The race often serves as a showcase for the top jockey-trainer combinations in California, and their ability to get a horse to fire at its best will be crucial. The Santa Anita odds for this race will be highly scrutinized by bettors looking for a key Breeders’ Cup contender.

 

The Zenyatta Stakes (G2)

 

Sunday’s card culminates with the $200,000 Zenyatta Stakes (G2) for fillies and mares, three years old and upward, at a mile and a sixteenth. Named after the legendary mare, this race is a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

The Zenyatta Stakes provides a key look at the West Coast’s best female dirt runners and can often produce a standout performance from a future champion. We expect a field of proven fillies and mares, with trainers looking for a final prep race before the Breeders’ Cup. The race could feature a rematch of some of the top older female dirt horses in California and beyond. It is an exciting race that requires a deep understanding of a horse’s past performances and its ability to handle the demanding Santa Anita main track.

 

The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Final Sprint Begins in Santa Anita

 

The Autumn Meet at Santa Anita is an annual highlight on the horse racing calendar, and this opening weekend promises to be a spectacular one. With an incredible lineup of graded stakes races, the weekend provides a glimpse into the future of the sport as horses jockey for position on the road to the Breeders’ Cup. The history, the scenery, and the high-stakes competition create an atmosphere that you cannot find anywhere else. So, join the excitement, analyze the entries, and get ready for a weekend of world-class racing.

The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races this weekend offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of the sport’s biggest event. Winners will punch their tickets to the Breeders’ Cup, but their performances will also give us valuable insight into their potential at Del Mar. This is the moment when champions are forged and future stars announce themselves on the international stage.

Let’s get our hands dirty, analyze the contenders, and get ready for a weekend of elite horse racing. Remember, with the correct information, you can find incredible value and turn this weekend’s races into winning opportunities. Don’t just watch the action—become a part of it. Sign up today at BUSR racebook and start building your bankroll for the Breeders’ Cup with the best rebates, promos, and world-class customer service.

 

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