The Grade II Santa Margarita Stakes at Santa Anita Park is set for Sunday, May 25, 2025, featuring a competitive field of six fillies and mares racing 1 1/8 miles on dirt for a $200,000 purse. The race is expected to showcase a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with Bob Baffert-trained contenders leading the charge.
Race Details
- Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
- Time: 2:05 PM PT
- Location: Santa Anita Park
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Dirt)
- Grade: II
- Purse: $200,000
- Field Size: 6
Field Breakdown
1. Liberal Lady (30-1)
- Jockey: Assael Espinoza
- Trainer: Leonard Powell
- Pedigree: Mor Spirit – Cut Class Trip
- Overview: A longshot in the field, Liberal Lady has struggled against graded stakes competition. She will need a career-best effort to contend.
2. Princess of Time (12-1)
- Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
- Trainer: Michael McCarthy
- Pedigree: Not This Time – Movie Star Magic
- Overview: Returning from a long layoff, Princess of Time showed promise in her comeback race against males. She has upside but must prove she can handle the distance.
3. Where’s My Ring (5-2)
- Jockey: Mike Smith
- Trainer: Peter Miller
- Pedigree: Twirling Candy – Mapit
- Overview: A seasoned competitor, Where’s My Ring has faced top-tier competition, including Thorpedo Anna in multiple Grade I races. She has the class to contend but must bounce back from recent losses.
4. Splendora (6-5, Favorite)
- Jockey: Juan Hernandez
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Pedigree: Audible – Miss Freeze
- Overview: The race favorite, Splendora has finished second in two graded stakes, including the Santa Maria Stakes (G2). She is improving with each start and could be primed for a breakthrough victory.
5. Alpha Bella (5-1)
- Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
- Trainer: John Sadler
- Pedigree: Justify – Andina (IRE)
- Overview: A versatile runner, Alpha Bella has performed well on both turf and dirt. She has been a runner-up in multiple graded stakes but needs to prove she can win at this level.
6. Seismic Beauty (3-1)
- Jockey: Antonio Fresu
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Pedigree: Uncle Mo – Knarsdale
- Overview: Making her stakes debut, Seismic Beauty has been dominant in allowance races, including a 10-length victory last time out. She has raw talent but faces a class test.
Race Analysis & Prediction
- Pace Scenario: Expect Seismic Beauty to set the early pace, with Splendora and Where’s My Ring tracking closely. Alpha Bella and Princess of Time may sit mid-pack, while Liberal Lady will likely trail early.
- Key Matchup: The battle between Splendora and Seismic Beauty will be crucial. If Seismic Beauty can translate her allowance form to stakes competition, she could be a serious threat.
- Prediction: Splendora has the experience and consistency to secure her first graded stakes win, but Seismic Beauty could challenge late. Where’s My Ring remains a wildcard with her class edge.
