Kentucky Derby Prep Races: Palos Verdes Stakes 2025

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races News and Odds

Big City Lights vs. Mbagnick: Who Will Win the Palos Verdes Stakes?

The stakes action at Santa Anita Park heats up on February 15 with the $100,000 Palos Verdes Stakes (G3), a six-furlong dirt sprint for older horses.

Big City Lights headlines the sixth field as he looks to defend his title in this race. A dominant force in California sprint races, the 6-year-old son of Mr. Big is riding a wave of success after consecutive victories in the Cary Grant Stakes and the California Cup Sprint.

For bettors tracking Kentucky Derby Prep Races, this sprint may not have direct Derby implications. However, it still offers insight into top-class sprinters and the opportunity to gauge race conditions at Santa Anita Park. 

Those keeping an eye on Kentucky Derby odds may also look at these older horses as a reference for up-and-coming 3-year-olds. With plenty of betting opportunities, the Palos Verdes could help shape Kentucky Derby betting strategies in the coming weeks.

Big City Lights Seeks Another Statement Win

Trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, Big City Lights has been nearly unstoppable recently, winning his last two races by a combined 16 1/4 lengths. 

His front-running style has made him a standout performer, and regular rider Juan J. Hernandez will again be in the irons. Owned by William R. Peeples, the California-bred will be the horse to beat as he defends his title.

Mbagnick Looks to Challenge After Clocker’s Corner Run

One of the main threats to Big City Lights is Chilean-bred Mbagnick, trained by Marcelo Polanco. The 5-year-old is coming off a runner-up finish in the Clocker’s Corner Stakes at Santa Anita and will try to turn the tables in this race. Owned by Paolo Stable and Stud Vendaval, he will have Kent J. Desormeaux aboard.

Anarchist Returns After International Experience

Doug O’Neill’s runner, Anarchist, is a multiple graded stakes winner who last competed in September, finishing third in Seoul’s Korea Sprint (G3). Owned by Ilium Stables, the 5-year-old son of Distorted Humor has been competitive at high levels and will be looking for a strong return after a five-month layoff.

Other Contenders Rounding Out the Field

Roll On Big Joe, trained by Robert B. Hess Jr., steps into a graded stakes company following an optional allowance to claim victory. The Florida-bred will have Umberto Rispoli in the saddle.

Bartholdy, a 5-year-old son of Mendelssohn, enters off back-to-back wins, most recently taking an allowance optional claimer at Santa Anita. Trained by Steve R. Knapp, Tyler Baze will guide him in his graded stakes debut.

For All Mankind, trained by John W. Sadler, rounds out the field. This Kentucky-bred gelding will be looking to make an impact with jockey Antonio Fresu aboard.

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