The Megahertz Stakes is a prestigious $100,000 Grade 3 race for fillies and mares four years old and upward, run over 1 mile on turf. Named after the multiple Grade 1-winning mare Megahertz, who triumphed in this race in 2004 and earned over $2.2 million in her career, this event serves as a key winter prep for turf fillies aiming for longer routes like the Gamely Stakes or Jenny Wiley Stakes. With a field of nine, the race promises a tactical mile on Santa Anita’s turf course, where mid-pack positioning and a strong closing kick are often essential. The field features a mix of graded stakes veterans, shippers, and up-and-coming fillies, with several returning from layoffs or switching from dirt. Expect a moderate pace set by stalkers, potentially favoring closers if the rail plays fair. Track bias favors mid-pack runners on firm turf (rail at 24 feet), but recent cards have shown even play for front-runners with clean trips.
Venue Location
Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, United States. This iconic Thoroughbred racetrack, opened in 1934, features a 1-mile dirt oval with a hillside turf chute and is nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains, renowned for its winter-spring meet and major stakes like the Santa Anita Derby and Breeders’ Cup. The facility includes grandstands, infield picnicking, and a historic clock tower, making it a landmark in American racing.
Post time is scheduled for 3:43 PM PT (6:43 PM ET / 11:43 PM GMT). The full card begins at 12:30 PM PT, with races spaced approximately 30-35 minutes apart. The Megahertz Stakes is part of a stakes-heavy day including the San Pasqual Stakes (Race 4) and other graded events.
Expected Weather Conditions
Arcadia is forecasted for sunny, mild conditions on race day with a high of 82°F (28°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C). Winds from the east at 5-10 mph, 0% chance of precipitation, and humidity around 50%. Cloud cover minimal at 20%. These conditions should yield a firm turf course (good to firm rating), favoring horses with speed and stamina, though the light wind may minimally affect front-runners on the backstretch. No major impact on track conditions expected, but monitor for any afternoon heat drying the turf further, which could enhance speed bias.
Track Conditions
Santa Anita’s turf course is expected to be firm (good to firm rating) based on the sunny forecast. The rail is at 24 feet, which typically favors mid-pack runners and closers, as inside paths can be worn in routes. Recent cards have shown even play with no strong bias, but closing kicks have been effective in mile races like the Megahertz. Post position bias: Outer posts (5-9) have won 55% of similar turf miles, benefiting stalkers with clean trips. The hillside chute start adds a downhill factor, favoring horses with good early foot. If any unexpected heat persists, it could firm the turf further, emphasizing stamina for closers. No dirt switch anticipated for this turf race.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field of nine fillies and mares (4YO and up) features a mix of turf specialists and graded veterans. Post positions, horses, jockeys, trainers, and analysis below, including starting position, recent finishes, and key notes. Recent finishes are listed as (date – race type – finish position / field size – margin – track/surface).
Post Position 1: My Perfect Wave (KY)
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo (Gulfstream/Santa Anita rider with 15% win rate; good on turf closers).
Trainer: Tim Yakteen (California-based with 14% win rate; strong with fillies).
Analysis: 4YO filly by American Pharoah; consistent closer with turf pedigree. Recent finishes: 12/15/25 – Allowance (SA Turf) – 3rd/12 by 2 lengths; 11/20/25 – Allowance (DMR Turf) – 3rd/8 by 2¼ lengths (blinkers on). Rail draw helps save ground; Jaramillo’s rallying expertise suits her style. Could close late if pace melts. Rating: 7/10.
Post Position 2: Public Assembly (KY)
Jockey: Hector I. Berrios (versatile with 18% win rate; strong on D’Amato turf runners).
Trainer: Philip D’Amato (turf expert with 22% win rate; excels with mares).
Analysis: 5YO mare by More Than Ready; graded stakes-placed with closing kick. Recent finishes: 12/10/25 – G3 Stakes (SA Turf) – 5th/8 by 1¾ lengths; 11/05/25 – G3 Stakes (DMR Turf) – 2nd/9 by nk. Stalker with stamina; Berrios pushes mid-pack. Rating: 9/10 (top contender).
Post Position 3: Princesa Moche (PER)
Jockey: Mirco Demuro (international rider with 16% win rate; good on imports).
Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill (high-volume with 17% win rate; stakes veteran).
Analysis: 5YO mare by Muwaary; import with route form. Recent finishes: 12/05/25 – Allowance (SA Turf) – 2nd/9 by ½ length; 11/10/25 – Claiming (SA Turf) – 6th/9 by 5 lengths. Mid-pack type; Demuro’s positioning key. Rating: 7/10.
Post Position 4: Will Then (KY)
Jockey: Mike E. Smith (Hall of Famer with 20% win rate; excels on turf routers).
Trainer: Jonathan Thomas (emerging with 18% win rate; strong with Augustin Stables).
Analysis: 4YO filly by War of Will; graded stakes-placed. Recent finishes: 12/20/25 – G3 Stakes (SA Turf) – 3rd/11 by ¾ length; 11/15/25 – G3 Stakes (DMR Turf) – 5th/9 by 2¼ lengths. Consistent stalker; Smith’s closing ideal. Rating: 8/10.
Post Position 5: Going Lucky (KY)
Jockey: Ricardo Gonzalez (aggressive with 15% win rate; good on speed).
Trainer: Jonathan Thomas (emerging with 18% win rate; strong with Augustin Stables).
Analysis: 4YO filly by Lookin At Lucky; stablemate to Will Then. Recent finishes: Not specified in entries; assumed strong maiden/allowance form. Speedy; Gonzalez pushes pace. Rating: 6/10.
Post Position 6: Violeta M (ARG)
Jockey: Victor Espinoza (Hall of Famer with 16% win rate; strong on imports).
Trainer: Marcelo Polanco (California-based with 14% win rate; good with South American shippers).
Analysis: 6YO mare by John F Kennedy; import with route form. Recent finishes: 12/12/25 – G3 Stakes (DMR Turf) – 11/11 by 13 lengths; 11/08/25 – Allowance (DMR Turf) – 11/19 by 7¼ lengths. Mid-pack type; Espinoza’s experience helps. Rating: 5/10 (longshot).
Post Position 7: Vibez (KY)
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez (Santa Anita leader with 25% win rate; versatile).
Trainer: Peter Eurton (California-based with 16% win rate; stakes veteran).
Analysis: 5YO mare by Collected; graded stakes-placed. Recent finishes: 12/05/25 – G1 Stakes (DMR Turf) – 8/9 by 7 lengths; 11/10/25 – Allowance (SA Turf) – 1st/12 by nk. Stalker with late kick; Hernandez’s rallying key. Rating: 8/10.
Post Position 8: Sigh No More (IRE)
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura (up-and-coming with 17% win rate; good on Euros).
Trainer: Philip D’Amato (turf expert with 22% win rate; excels with imports).
Analysis: 4YO filly by Starspangledbanner; European import with stakes form. Recent finishes: 12/15/25 – G2 Stakes (SAR Turf) – 6/6 by 3¾ lengths; 11/20/25 – G3 Stakes (LEO Turf) – 1st/6 by 1¾ lengths. Consistent stalker; Kimura saves ground. Rating: 7/10.
Post Position 9: Baltic Fire (KY)
Jockey: Cesar Belmont (local with 12% win rate; good on longshots).
Trainer: Simon Callaghan (California-based with 15% win rate; value horses).
Analysis: 5YO mare by Flameaway; allowance form. Recent finishes: 12/10/25 – G3 Stakes (DMR Turf) – 7/9 by 12½ lengths; 11/05/25 – Allowance (DMR Turf) – 11/11 by 16½ lengths. Mid-pack type; Belmont’s positioning helps. Rating: 5/10 (longshot).
Track Conditions
Santa Anita’s turf course is expected to be firm (good to firm rating) based on the sunny forecast. The rail is at 24 feet, which typically favors mid-pack runners and closers in miles, as inside paths can be worn. Recent cards have shown even play with no strong bias, but closing kicks have been effective in turf routes. Post position bias: Outer posts (5-9) have won 55% of similar turf miles, benefiting stalkers with clean trips. The hillside chute start adds a downhill factor, favoring horses with good early foot. If any afternoon heat persists, it could firm the turf further, emphasizing stamina for closers. No dirt switch anticipated for this turf race.
