The Grade II Hollywood Gold Cup Stakes at Santa Anita Park is set for Monday, May 26, 2025, featuring a competitive field of seven horses racing 1 1/4 miles on dirt for a $200,000 purse. This historic race has been won by legends such as Affirmed, Citation, and Seabiscuit, and this year’s edition promises another thrilling battle.
Race Details
- Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
- Time: 4:30 PM PT
- Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles (Dirt)
- Grade: II
- Purse: $200,000
- Field Size: 7
Field Breakdown
1. Tarantino (7YO Gelding, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
- Trainer: Peter Eurton
- Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile – Equineline Reports
- Overview: A veteran runner, Tarantino has struggled in recent races, finishing seventh in his last outing at Oaklawn Park.
2. Packs a Wahlop (5YO Gelding, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez
- Trainer: John W. Sadler
- Pedigree: Creative Cause – City by the Bay
- Overview: A strong competitor, Packs a Wahlop finished second in his last race at Santa Anita, showing impressive closing speed.
3. Midnight Mammoth (6YO Gelding, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Armando Ayuso
- Trainer: Craig Dollase
- Pedigree: Midnight Lute – Taker Home
- Overview: A seasoned sprinter, Midnight Mammoth won his last race at Santa Anita, displaying tactical speed.
4. Extensive (4YO Colt, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
- Pedigree: City of Light – Clothes Fall Off
- Overview: A rising star, Extensive won his last race at Santa Anita, showing strong finishing ability.
5. Skippylongstocking (6YO Horse, 124 lbs)
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr.
- Pedigree: Exaggerator – Twinkling
- Overview: A multiple graded stakes winner, Skippylongstocking has earned over $3.5 million and finished third in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) in April.
6. Il Bellator (6YO Gelding, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Geovanni Franco
- Trainer: Jose Bautista
- Pedigree: Shackleford – Kaili
- Overview: A consistent performer, Il Bellator finished fifth in his last race at Santa Anita, struggling to match the leaders.
7. Arrowthegreat (5YO Gelding, 122 lbs)
- Jockey: Tiago Pereira
- Trainer: Dan Blacker
- Pedigree: Arrogate – Burning Arch
- Overview: A turf specialist transitioning to dirt, Arrowthegreat finished second in his last race at Santa Anita, showing late acceleration.
Race Analysis & Prediction
- Pace Scenario: Expect Midnight Mammoth and Skippylongstocking to set the early pace, with Extensive and Packs a Wahlop tracking closely. Arrowthegreat and Il Bellator may sit mid-pack, while Tarantino will likely close late.
- Key Matchup: The battle between Skippylongstocking and Extensive will be crucial. If Skippylongstocking can replicate his graded stakes form, he could dominate, but Extensive has the home-track advantage.
- Prediction: Skippylongstocking has the class and consistency to secure another stakes victory, but Extensive could challenge late. Midnight Mammoth remains a wildcard with his recent strong form.
