The Eddie Logan Stakes is a listed stakes race for two-year-old colts and ridglings, contested over 1 mile on turf with a purse of $100,000.
This event honors the legendary Santa Anita shoeshine man Eddie Logan and attracts promising juveniles eyeing future graded stakes. The field of seven includes graded winners like Stark Contrast and Unrivaled Time, setting up a competitive clash where early speed and turf pedigree could be key. With a potentially soft turf due to recent weather patterns, horses with proven form on yielding ground may have an edge.
Venue Location
Santa Anita Park is located at 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California 91007.
The historic track features a 1-mile turf course known for its firm, fair surface that rewards versatile runners, though the hillside start for mile races can favor quick breakers.
Post Time: The race is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) for Race 5.
This is part of a nine-race card, with gates opening at 10:00 a.m. PT and the first post at 12:00 p.m. PT.
Expected Weather Conditions
The forecast for Arcadia, CA, on December 31, 2025, calls for overcast skies with highs around 74°F and lows near 48°F, light winds at 2 mph, and no precipitation expected.
Mild and dry conditions should prevail, though recent regional rains could leave residual moisture.
Track Conditions
The turf course at Santa Anita is expected to be firm, given the dry forecast for race day.
However, following earlier weather delays in the meet due to rain, there may be some give in the ground—favoring horses with European pedigrees or proven soft-turf form. No scratches have been reported as of December 29, 2025.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field consists of seven two-year-old colts and one ridgling, all lightly raced with turf experience. Below is a breakdown by post position, including recent finishes (last 1-3 races with key details), style (e.g., front-runner, stalker), pedigree notes, and connections. Morning line (M/L) odds are from official entries.
Post 1: Third Beer (M/L Odds: 8/1)
Horse Analysis: Chestnut colt by Mendelssohn out of Siqueira; a stalker type with tactical speed suited to turf miles. Recent finishes: Limited U.S. form available, but debuted with a solid effort in a maiden special weight (MSW) at Santa Anita (October 2025, 3rd, closing well). Pedigree emphasizes stamina (sire a Belmont winner); could save ground from the rail but needs to step up against graded foes. Bred by Premier Thoroughbreds LLC; owned by Phil Lebherz. Weight: 120 lbs.
Jockey: Antonio Fresu – Up-and-coming rider with a 15% win rate at Santa Anita; excels on turf stalkers.
Trainer: Tim Yakteen – 18% win rate; former Baffert assistant, strong with juveniles developing into routers.
Post 2: Plutarch (M/L Odds: 2/1)
Horse Analysis: Chestnut colt by Into Mischief out of Stellar Wind; versatile front-runner with high cruising speed. Recent finishes: Broke maiden impressively at Del Mar (November 2025, 1st by 2 lengths in MSW, 1 mile turf). Pedigree screams class (dam a multiple G1 winner); fits the distance and could wire if uncontested. Bred by Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt; owned by Magnier, Tabor, or Smith. Weight: 120 lbs.
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez – Hall of Fame talent with 25% win rate; masterful on speed horses from Baffert barn.
Trainer: Bob Baffert – Legendary 30% win rate with juveniles; multiple Triple Crown winners, excels in stakes preps.
Post 3: Iriseach (IRE) (M/L Odds: 5/1)
Horse Analysis: Bay colt by Ubettabelieveit (IRE) out of Max’s Dandy (IRE); European import with closing kick. Recent finishes: Won a MSW at Santa Anita (December 2025, 1st, rallying from off the pace). Pedigree for turf endurance; could benefit from soft ground if any; post allows a ground-saving trip. Bred by Hyde Park Stud; owned by Benowitz Family Trust, Strand Beach LLC, or Nentwig et al. Weight: 120 lbs.
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli – Turf specialist with 20% win rate; aggressive from mid-pack.
Trainer: Philip D’Amato – 22% win rate on turf; master at importing and developing European juveniles.
Post 4: Stark Contrast (M/L Odds: 8/5)
Horse Analysis: Gray colt by Caravaggio out of Catch the Eye; front-runner with graded stakes form. Recent finishes: 1st in Zuma Beach Stakes (G3T, October 5, 2025, Santa Anita, 1 mile turf, by 1 length in stakes debut).
Took the lead late and held on; pedigree for speed (sire a G1 sprinter); favorite status earned, but must handle class rise. Bred by Mrs. Jerry Amerman; owned by Amerman Racing LLC. Weight: 122 lbs.
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura – Rising star with 18% win rate; precise on front-end turf runners.
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy – 20% win rate; former Pletcher assistant, strong with turf juveniles.
Post 5: Brigante (M/L Odds: 20/1)
Horse Analysis: Chestnut ridgling by More Than Ready out of Cheeky Charm; mid-pack stalker with limited exposed form. Recent finishes: Placed in a MSW at Del Mar (November 2025, 3rd, showing late interest). Pedigree for turf improvement (sire a consistent producer); longshot but could hit the board if pace melts. Bred by Calumet Farm; owned by Calumet Farm. Weight: 120 lbs.
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo – Veteran with 15% win rate; steady on developing types.
Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill – 18% win rate; volume trainer with success in juvenile stakes.
Post 6: Caro Buono (FR) (M/L Odds: 12/1)
Horse Analysis: Bay colt by Zelzal (FR) out of Cherie Good (IRE); European-style closer. Recent finishes: Broke maiden at Santa Anita (December 2025, 1st in MSW, 7f turf). Pedigree for soft ground (French influences); post allows a wide trip, but upside in second start. Bred by Scuderia Micolo SNC; owned by Michael House. Weight: 118 lbs.
Jockey: Armando Ayuso – Apprentice with 12% win rate; aggressive on turf.
Trainer: Leonard Powell – 15% win rate; specializes in French imports and turf routers; barnmate to Unrivaled Time.
Post 7: Unrivaled Time (M/L Odds: 6/1)
Horse Analysis: Bay colt by Not This Time out of Margot Machance (GB); strong closer with graded credentials. Recent finishes: 1st in Cecil B. DeMille Stakes (G3T, November 30, 2025, Del Mar, 1 mile turf, by 3/4 lengths, survived inquiry).
Split horses late; California-bred with rising form; suits firm turf but adaptable. Bred by Alfred A. Pais; owned by Innergy Racing Corp or Pais. Weight: 122 lbs.
Jockey: Diego A. Herrera – Solid 15% win rate; effective on closers.
Trainer: Leonard Powell – As above; hot with juveniles, chasing third straight win here.
