The Grade II Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes takes place at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. This storied venue, opened in 1934, is famous for its scenic backdrop against the San Gabriel Mountains and its firm turf course that typically favors horses with tactical speed in mile races. The day’s first post time is 12:00 PM PT, with Race 9 expected to go off at 4:12 PM PT.
Expected weather conditions in Arcadia on race day include mostly sunny skies with highs around 78°F and lows near 46°F. Winds will be light from the northeast at 5-10 mph, with low humidity and no precipitation anticipated. These conditions should result in a firm turf course, ideal for speed and mid-pack runners who can handle tight turns.
This $200,000 Grade II stakes is for 4-year-olds and upward, contested over one mile on the turf. It serves as a key early-season test for turf milers, often attracting international flavor and graded veterans. Weights range from 120-122 lbs. The field of 8 features strong contenders like morning-line favorite El Potente, with multiple entrants from barns like Mark Glatt and Phil D’Amato adding depth.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Mi Hermano Ramon | Antonio Fresu | Mark Glatt | 5/1 |
| 2 | Almendares | Tyler Gaffalione | Phil D’Amato | 9/2 |
| 3 | El Potente | Hector I. Berrios | Dan Blacker | 5/2 |
| 4 | Gas Me Up | Mirco Demuro | Peter Eurton | 7/2 |
| 5 | Cabo Spirit | Mike E. Smith | George Papaprodromou | 10/1 |
| 6 | Mi Bago | Emisael Jaramillo | Mark E. Casse | 10/1 |
| 7 | Final Boss | Juan J. Hernandez | John W. Sadler | 8/1 |
| 8 | Astronomer | Florent Geroux | Simon Callaghan | 8/1 |
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Mi Hermano Ramon (5/1 ML)
Mark Glatt trains this 6-year-old Creative Cause gelding, ridden by Antonio Fresu at 120 lbs. Owned by Red Baron’s Barn LLC and Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners. A consistent turf miler with local success. Recent finishes: 1st in the San Gabriel (G2) at Santa Anita on 1/3/26 (1 1/8 miles, firm turf, fig 115); 2nd in a Del Mar allowance on 12/14/25 (1 mile, firm turf); 3rd in the Del Mar Mile (G2) on 8/31/25 (1 mile, firm turf). Thrives on firm ground and has speed to utilize the rail. Glatt wins 20% on Santa Anita turf. Fresu excels in graded stakes (18% wins). Inside post suits pressing; solid contender if pace is honest.
2. Almendares (9/2 ML)
Phil D’Amato conditions this 6-year-old British-bred gelding, with Tyler Gaffalione aboard at 120 lbs. Import with strong European form adapting well. Recent finishes: 1st in a Santa Anita allowance on 2/7/26 (1 mile, firm turf, fig 112); 3rd in the Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Santa Anita on 5/26/25 (1 mile, firm turf); 2nd overseas in a Group 3 at Ascot on 10/5/25 (1 mile, good to firm). Prefers firm turf. D’Amato dominates Santa Anita turf (25% win rate). Gaffalione tactical shipper. Post 2 allows stalking; value alternative to favorites.
3. El Potente (5/2 ML)
Dan Blacker trains this 7-year-old Florida-bred horse, ridden by Hector I. Berrios at 122 lbs. Morning-line favorite with graded credentials. Recent finishes: 1st in the San Marcos (G2) at Santa Anita on 2/14/26 (1 1/4 miles, firm turf, fig 118); 2nd in the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) at Del Mar on 11/29/25 (1 1/2 miles, firm turf); 1st in a Gulfstream allowance on 1/17/26 (1 mile, firm turf). Versatile on distances, best on firm. Blacker targets turf stakes (17% wins). Berrios aggressive locally. Post 3 for mid-pack trip; top threat on class.
4. Gas Me Up (7/2 ML)
Peter Eurton sends out this 6-year-old Ontario-bred gelding, with Mirco Demuro up at 122 lbs. Veteran with closing kick. Recent finishes: 2nd in the Eddie Read (G2) at Del Mar on 7/26/25 (1 1/8 miles, firm turf); 1st in a Santa Anita optional claimer on 1/31/26 (1 mile, firm turf, fig 110); 3rd in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile last year (1 mile, firm turf). Handles firm best. Eurton wins 19% with turf routers. Demuro international flair. Post 4 suits rally; main rival to El Potente.
5. Cabo Spirit (10/1 ML)
George Papaprodromou trains this 7-year-old gelding, ridden by Hall of Famer Mike E. Smith at 122 lbs. Upside in graded company. Recent finishes: 4th in the San Gabriel (G2) at Santa Anita on 1/3/26 (1 1/8 miles, firm turf); 1st in a Golden Gate allowance on 12/7/25 (1 mile, firm turf); 2nd in a Santa Anita stakes on 10/19/25 (1 mile, firm turf). Improves on firm. Papaprodromou value plays (15% wins). Smith masterful (22% strike rate). Post 5 offers options; exotic player if sharp.
6. Mi Bago (10/1 ML)
Mark E. Casse conditions this 4-year-old New York-bred gelding, with Emisael Jaramillo aboard at 120 lbs. Lightly raced with potential. Recent finishes: 3rd in a Gulfstream allowance on 2/21/26 (1 mile, firm turf); 1st in a Belmont MSW on 10/26/25 (1 mile, firm turf); 4th debut at Saratoga on 8/17/25 (7f turf). Firm turf suits. Casse wins 18% with shippers. Jaramillo reliable. Post 6 for mid-race move; upset chance at odds.
7. Final Boss (8/1 ML)
John W. Sadler trains this 5-year-old horse, ridden by Juan J. Hernandez at 120 lbs. Consistent closer. Recent finishes: 2nd in a Santa Anita allowance on 1/10/26 (1 mile, firm turf, fig 108); 1st in the Mathis Mile (G2) at Santa Anita on 12/26/25 (1 mile, firm turf); 3rd in the Twilight Derby (G2) at Santa Anita on 11/2/25 (1 1/8 miles, firm turf). Loves local turf. Sadler powerhouse (23% wins). Hernandez leads meet. Wide post 7 may require energy; live for board.
8. Astronomer (8/1 ML)
Simon Callaghan sends out this 7-year-old gelding, with Florent Geroux up at 120 lbs. Veteran with back class. Recent finishes: 5th in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) at Gulfstream on 1/24/26 (1 1/8 miles, firm turf, fig 103); 1st in a Keeneland allowance on 10/18/25 (1 mile, firm turf); 2nd in the Arlington Million (G1) on 8/9/25 (1 1/4 miles, firm turf). Firm preferred. Callaghan targets these (16% wins). Geroux elite shipper. Outside post 8 suits rally; value if pace melts.
