The Grade I Santa Anita Handicap, also known as the “Big ‘Cap,” is scheduled at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. This legendary venue, opened in 1934 and set against the stunning San Gabriel Mountains, features a one-mile dirt oval renowned for its fast surface that rewards tactical speed and stamina in classic distances like this one. The day’s first post time is 12:00 PM PT, with Race 10 expected to start at approximately 4:43 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 light from the northeast at 5-10 mph, with low humidity and no significant precipitation. These conditions should ensure a fast dirt track, favoring horses with proven form on firm going.
This $300,000 Grade I stakes is open to 4-year-olds and upward, contested over 1 1/4 miles on the dirt. It offers prestige as one of racing’s historic classics and attracts top older horses. Weights range from 116-121 lbs. The field of 6 (after one scratch) is led by morning-line favorite Just a Touch, with strong representation from trainers like Bob Baffert and Brad Cox. This race headlines a major card including other graded stakes.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Midnight Mammoth | Armando Ayuso | Craig Dollase | 8/1 |
| 2 | Getaway Car | Juan J. Hernandez | Bob Baffert | 3/1 |
| 3 | Just a Touch | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox | 3/2 |
| 4 | Vodka Vodka | Kent J. Desormeaux | Aggie Ordonez | 6/1 |
| 5 | British Isles | Diego A. Herrera | Richard Baltas | 6/1 |
| 6 | Westwood | Kazushi Kimura | Peter Eurton | 7/2 |
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Midnight Mammoth (8/1 ML)
Craig Dollase trains this 5-year-old Midnight Lute gelding, ridden by Armando Ayuso at 119 lbs. Owned by Midnight Racing Partners. A consistent router with local success. Recent finishes: 1st in a Santa Anita allowance on 2/14/26 (1 1/8 miles, fast dirt, fig 105); 2nd in the San Pasqual (G2) at Santa Anita on 1/31/26 (1 1/8 miles, fast dirt); 3rd in the Native Diver (G3) at Del Mar on 11/23/25 (1 1/8 miles, fast dirt). Prefers fast tracks and has tactical speed from the rail. Dollase wins 15% with dirt routers at Santa Anita. Ayuso is aggressive and knows the course. Inside post suits pressing; value for exotics if pace holds.
2. Getaway Car (3/1 ML)
Bob Baffert conditions this 4-year-old Ghostzapper colt, with Juan J. Hernandez aboard at 120 lbs. Owned by Pegram, Watson, and Weitman. Emerging talent with stakes upside. Recent finishes: 1st in the Malibu (G1) at Santa Anita on 12/26/25 (7f dirt, fast, fig 112); 2nd in a Santa Anita allowance on 11/15/25 (1 mile, fast dirt); 1st MSW at Del Mar on 9/28/25 (1 mile, fast). Stretching out but pedigree suggests stamina. Baffert dominates classics (28% win rate). Hernandez leads the meet (25% wins). Post 2 allows stalking; strong chance if he handles the distance.
3. Just a Touch (3/2 ML)
Brad H. Cox trains this 4-year-old Justify colt, ridden by Florent Geroux at 121 lbs. Owned by Qatar Racing and Mrs. John Magnier. Morning-line favorite with graded dominance. Recent finishes: 1st in the Pegasus World Cup (G1) at Gulfstream on 1/24/26 (1 1/8 miles, fast dirt, fig 118); 2nd in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar on 11/2/25 (1 1/4 miles, fast); 1st in the Haskell (G1) at Monmouth on 7/19/25 (1 1/8 miles, fast). Proven at 1 1/4 miles on fast tracks. Cox powerhouse (25% wins). Geroux elite in routes. Post 3 ideal for mid-pack; class of the field.
4. Vodka Vodka (6/1 ML)
Aggie Ordonez sends out this 6-year-old Vronsky gelding, with Kent J. Desormeaux up at 116 lbs. Owned by Ordonez Stable. Veteran closer with back class. Recent finishes: 3rd in the San Antonio (G2) at Santa Anita on 12/26/25 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt); 1st in a Santa Anita optional claimer on 11/30/25 (1 1/8 miles, fast); 2nd in the Cougar II (G3) at Del Mar on 8/10/25 (1 1/2 miles, fast). Handles fast dirt well. Ordonez targets value spots (16% wins). Desormeaux Hall of Famer. Post 4 suits rally; live if pace melts.
5. British Isles (6/1 ML)
Richard Baltas trains this 5-year-old Territories gelding, ridden by Diego A. Herrera at 119 lbs. Owned by Little Red Feather Racing. Import with improving form. Recent finishes: 1st in a Santa Anita allowance on 1/17/26 (1 1/8 miles, fast dirt, fig 108); 4th in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) at Santa Anita on 5/26/25 (1 1/4 miles, fast); 2nd overseas in a Group 3 at Newmarket on 10/12/25 (1 1/4 miles, good to firm). Firm dirt preferred. Baltas wins 18% with shippers. Herrera reliable locally. Post 5 offers options; exotic contender with recent bullet work.
6. Westwood (7/2 ML)
Peter Eurton conditions this 5-year-old Medaglia d’Oro gelding, with Kazushi Kimura aboard at 121 lbs. Owned by C R K Stable. Stakes veteran transferred to new barn. Recent finishes: 2nd in the San Pasqual (G2) at Santa Anita on 1/31/26 (1 1/8 miles, fast dirt); 1st in a Fair Grounds allowance on 12/28/25 (1 1/8 miles, fast); 3rd in the Clark (G1) at Churchill on 11/29/25 (1 1/8 miles, fast). Strong on fast tracks. Eurton excels with new acquisitions (20% wins). Kimura rising star. Wide post 6 may require energy; major threat on form.
