The Grade III Triple Bend Stakes returns to Santa Anita Park on Saturday, May 31, 2025, featuring a competitive field of top sprinters battling over seven furlongs on dirt for a $100,000 purse. This historic race, once a Grade I event, has seen legendary winners and remains a key test for horses aiming to establish dominance in the sprint division.
Race Details
- Event: Triple Bend Stakes (G3)
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Time: 4:00 PM PT
- Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
- Distance: Seven Furlongs
- Surface: Dirt
- Purse: $100,000
- Eligibility: 3-year-olds & up
Field Analysis – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Vlahos (10/1)
- Jockey: Edwin Maldonado
- Trainer: Doug O’Neill
- Owner: Pappas Horse Racing Corp.
- Breeder: John Bates, Ron Kirk & Greg McDonald
- Pedigree: Kantharos – Must Be Dreaming
Vlahos enters as a longshot, but his Kantharos lineage suggests early speed and sprinting ability. He’ll need a perfect trip to contend against stronger competition.
2. Nysos (3/5)
- Jockey: Juan Hernandez
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Owner: Baoma Corp
- Breeder: Susie Atkins
- Pedigree: Nyquist – Zetta Z
The heavy favorite, Nysos has been dominant in his career, winning his first three races by a combined 26 ¾ lengths. He recently returned from a 15-month layoff, finishing second in the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1). Expect him to be forwardly placed early and hard to beat late.
3. Spirit of Makena (12/1)
- Jockey: Kyle Frey
- Trainer: George Papaprodromou
- Owner: Kris Chandler
- Breeder: Bruce Chandler
- Pedigree: Ghostzapper – Win for M’lou
Spirit of Makena won the 2023 Triple Bend Stakes, but he’s coming off an 18-month layoff. His Ghostzapper pedigree suggests late acceleration, but fitness could be a concern.
4. Smooth Cruisein (6/1)
- Jockey: Tiago Pereira
- Trainer: Karen Headley
- Owner: Matson Racing
- Breeder: J D Farms
- Pedigree: Girvin – Smooth Cookie
A young contender, Smooth Cruisein has solid sprinting credentials but faces seasoned veterans. His sire, Girvin, was a Grade 1-winning miler, making him a potential upset candidate.
5. Dr. Venkman (2/1)
- Jockey: Antonio Fresu
- Trainer: Mark Glatt
- Owner: Alipony Racing, Dan Agnew, Clint Bunch & James Hailey
- Breeder: Ghostzapper Syndicate & Hidden Brook Farm
- Pedigree: Ghostzapper – Theory of Change
Dr. Venkman finished second in last year’s Triple Bend, later winning the San Diego Handicap (G2). He’s making his first start since August 2024, which could impact his race fitness.
Race Strategy & Predictions
Likely Race Scenario
- Nysos is expected to set the early pace, pushing the field into a fast opening quarter.
- Dr. Venkman and Spirit of Makena will likely stalk the leader, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
- Smooth Cruisein and Vlahos could close late, especially if the frontrunners tire.
Predicted Finish
- Nysos – Class and speed make him the likely winner.
- Dr. Venkman – Tactical versatility keeps him in contention.
- Spirit of Makena – Late acceleration could secure a top-three finish.
- Smooth Cruisein – Potential upset contender with a strong closing kick.
- Vlahos – Could surprise if the pace collapses.
Best Bets
- Win Bet: Nysos (3/5)
- Exacta Box: Nysos / Dr. Venkman / Spirit of Makena
- Trifecta: Nysos / Dr. Venkman / Smooth Cruisein
