The Grade II San Felipe Stakes is set to take place at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. This iconic venue, opened in 1934, is nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and features a one-mile dirt oval known for its fast surface that often favors early speed in two-turn races like this one. The day’s first post time is 12:00 PM PT, with Race 8 expected to go off at approximately 3:41 PM PT.
Expected weather conditions in Arcadia on race day include mostly sunny skies with highs around 78°F and lows near 56°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 5-10 mph, with low humidity and no significant chance of precipitation. These conditions should maintain a fast dirt track, benefiting horses with proven speed and stamina on firm going.
This $200,000 Grade II stakes is open to 3-year-olds and will be contested over 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. It awards Kentucky Derby qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale to the top five finishers, making it a crucial prep for the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and beyond.
Weights are 120 lbs for most, with a couple at 122 lbs. The field of 7 includes two from trainers Dan Blacker and Bob Baffert, with Baffert’s Brant installed as the heavy morning-line favorite off impressive recent form.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Flashy Fritz | Adrian Escobedo | Dan Blacker | 30/1 |
| 2 | Start the Ride | Armando Ayuso | Dan Blacker | 12/1 |
| 3 | Secured Freedom | Kazushi Kimura | Tim Yakteen | 8/1 |
| 4 | Brant | Florent Geroux | Bob Baffert | 1/1 |
| 5 | Potente | Juan J. Hernandez | Bob Baffert | 9/2 |
| 6 | So Happy | Mike E. Smith | Mark Glatt | 2/1 |
| 7 | Robusta | Emisael Jaramillo | Doug F. O’Neill | 20/1 |
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Flashy Fritz (30/1 ML)
Dan Blacker trains this 3-year-old Stay Thirsty gelding, ridden by Adrian Escobedo at 120 lbs. Owned by Radley Equine Inc. He’s a longshot with limited experience but some upside. Recent finishes: 4th in a Santa Anita maiden special weight on 2/14/26 (1 mile, fast dirt, fig 90); 5th in a Del Mar MSW on 12/28/25 (7f dirt, fast); unplaced debut at Santa Anita on 11/10/25 (6f dirt). Prefers fast tracks and may improve stretching out. Blacker wins 12% with young dirt routers. Escobedo is capable but unproven in stakes. Rail post could allow a ground-saving trip; likely needs a big step up to contend.
2. Start the Ride (12/1 ML)
Another from Dan Blacker, this 3-year-old Upstart colt carries Armando Ayuso at 122 lbs. Owned by Harris Farms, Inc. California-bred with tactical speed. Recent finishes: 2nd in a Santa Anita allowance on 1/31/26 (7f dirt, fast, fig 102); 1st in a Golden Gate MSW on 12/15/25 (6f synthetic); 3rd debut at Del Mar on 11/22/25 (5 1/2f dirt). Handles fast dirt well. Blacker doubles up here, winning 15% with similar types. Ayuso aggressive locally. Post 2 suits stalking; value for exotics if he handles the stretch-out.
3. Secured Freedom (8/1 ML)
Tim Yakteen conditions this 3-year-old Practical Joke colt, with Kazushi Kimura aboard at 120 lbs. Owned by Amestoy, Amestoy Jr., or Beasley. Stakes-placed with closing kick. Recent finishes: 3rd in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita on 2/7/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 105); 1st in a Santa Anita MSW on 1/10/26 (1 mile, fast); 2nd debut at Del Mar on 11/30/25 (7f dirt). Strong on fast going. Yakteen wins 18% with Derby preps. Kimura rising star (20% wins). Post 3 for mid-pack run; live threat if pace sets up.
4. Brant (1/1 ML)
Bob Baffert trains this 3-year-old Gun Runner colt, ridden by Florent Geroux at 120 lbs. Owned by Zedan Racing Stables, Inc. Morning-line favorite with unbeaten record. Recent finishes: 1st in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) on 12/14/25 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 118); 1st in a Santa Anita allowance on 11/9/25 (7f dirt, fast); 1st debut at Del Mar on 9/28/25 (6f dirt). Dominates on fast tracks. Baffert powerhouse in preps (30% win rate). Geroux elite shipper. Post 4 ideal for pressing; top pick on class.
5. Potente (9/2 ML)
Baffert’s second entrant, this 3-year-old Into Mischief colt has Juan J. Hernandez up at 120 lbs. Owned by Speedway Stables LLC. High upside. Recent finishes: 2nd in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita on 2/7/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 110, behind stablemate); 1st in a Santa Anita MSW on 1/3/26 (7f dirt, fast); unplaced but excused debut. Improves on fast dirt. Baffert connection boosts. Hernandez leads Santa Anita (25% wins). Post 5 offers options; strong alternative to favorite.
6. So Happy (2/1 ML)
Mark Glatt sends out this 3-year-old Runhappy colt, with Hall of Famer Mike E. Smith aboard at 120 lbs. Owned by Norman Stables LLC or Saints or Sinners. Consistent performer. Recent finishes: 1st in a Santa Anita allowance on 2/21/26 (1 mile, fast dirt, fig 108); 2nd in the Sham (G3) at Santa Anita on 1/3/26 (1 mile, fast); 1st MSW at Del Mar on 11/16/25 (6 1/2f dirt). Thrives on fast surfaces. Glatt wins 19% with young routers. Smith masterful in stakes. Post 6 suits closing style; major contender.
7. Robusta (20/1 ML)
Doug F. O’Neill trains this 3-year-old Accelerate colt, ridden by Emisael Jaramillo at 120 lbs. Owned by Calumet Farm. Deep closer with potential. Recent finishes: 5th in the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita on 2/7/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt); 1st in a Golden Gate allowance on 1/17/26 (1 mile, synthetic); 3rd MSW at Santa Anita on 12/20/25 (7f dirt). Needs fast track to rally. O’Neill targets preps (16% wins). Jaramillo reliable. Wide post 7 may hinder; upset chance if pace melts.
