Venue and Race Overview
The Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes is held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, USA. Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains about 13 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Anita is a historic thoroughbred racing venue opened in 1934, featuring a one-mile dirt oval and a renowned turf course with a downhill chute. The race honors Hall of Fame trainer Robert J. Frankel, who won it a record eight times. Originally scheduled earlier in the meet, it was rescheduled to January 8 due to heavy rains causing cancellations.
This $100,000 turf stakes for fillies and mares aged 4 and up is run at 1 1/8 miles, often attracting graded performers as a prep for longer turf routes like the Santa Ana
PostTime is set for 3:10 PM PT (6:10 PM ET). The card is a makeup day following weather disruptions, starting around 12:30 PM PT.
Expected Weather Conditions
Sunny and clear with a high RealFeel® temperature of 22°C (72°F) and a low around 8°C (46°F) at night. Winds from the SSE at 4-9 mph, gusting to 9 mph, with low humidity and only a 4% chance of precipitation. UV index is moderate (3), and cloud cover is minimal at 9% during the day, dropping to 0% at night. These conditions should provide a pleasant racing environment with no significant disruptions.
Track Conditions
Santa Anita’s turf course is expected to be firm following recent storms, as the sunny forecast allows for drying. Recent heavy rains led to multiple cancellations, but with no further precipitation anticipated, the track should favor speed and tactical runners. The 1 1/8-mile distance starts from the chute, often benefiting mid-pack stalkers on firm ground, though any residual softness could advantage closers with European form.
Field Analysis
The field of 8 features competitive turf specialists, many with graded experience. All are on Lasix (L). Morning line odds (ML) are estimated based on form and previews, as official lines may vary; Public Assembly emerges as the favorite off strong recent efforts.
Below is a breakdown by post position (PP), including horse details, recent finishes, jockey, trainer, and analysis.
Public Assembly (PP 1, ML 8/5)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: More Than Ready – Cheeky Charm.
Owner: Abbondanza Racing, LLC, McNulty Thoroughbreds, and Medallion Racing.
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli (turf specialist with precise positioning; high win rate at Santa Anita).
Trainer: Philip D’Amato (top turf trainer; excels with imports and routers, 22% win rate).
Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Finished 2nd in a 9-horse stakes field at 4.1-1 odds; consistent board hitter with wins in allowance and graded company, including the Royal Heroine Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita.
Speed figures around 117.
Analysis: Classy stalker who loves Santa Anita turf; rail draw aids ground-saving trip. Proven at the distance, she could wire or kick late on firm ground. The one to beat.
Willa T (PP 2, ML 5/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Oscar Performance – unknown.
Owner: Southern California Equine Stables LLC.
Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios (aggressive rider with solid turf stats).
Trainer: Tim Yakteen (develops consistent performers; good with young turfers).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Won a $44,000 allowance at Del Mar in August 2025; steady in graded tries, hitting the board in recent routes.
Speed figures in mid-110s.
Analysis: Versatile presser who benefits from inside post. Yakteen’s charge could upset if pace sets up; handles firm turf well but unproven in top company.
Ima Joker (PP 3, ML 6/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Practical Joke – unknown.
Owner: Purple Rein Racing.
Jockey: William Pyle (emerging talent with big-race potential).
Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill (multiple graded winner; strong with closers).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Three-time winner from 1m to 1 1/4m; recent 3rd at 11-2 in a strong field at Del Mar.
Speed figures around 113.
Analysis: Deep closer who needs pace; O’Neill’s filly has upside on firm ground. Post 3 allows tactical flexibility for exotics.
Hannah Buckle (IRE) (PP 4, ML 12/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, chestnut.
Sire/Dam: Bated Breath (GB) – Thoughtless Moment (IRE).
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Armando Ayuso (versatile with Euro imports).
Trainer: Leonard Powell (solid with turf routers).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Raced in 2024-2025 with mixed results; allowance-level form but stepping up.
Speed figures in low 110s.
Analysis: Irish-bred with potential; could rally late on firm turf. Longshot value if pace melts.
Paradise Lake (PP 5, ML 2/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Uncle Mo – unknown.
Owner: C R K Stable LLC.
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez (elite; 28% win rate at meet).
Trainer: Peter Eurton (consistent developer).
Weight: 120 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Three wins, latest at Santa Anita 1 1/8m on good turf at 19-10 odds; third in Red Carpet Stakes.
Speed figures 115+.
Analysis: Santa Anita specialist with closing kick; Hernandez adds edge. Major threat on firm ground.
Sun Of Hill (BRZ) (PP 6, ML 15/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 5-year-old mare, bay.
Sire/Dam: Camelot Kitten – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura (strong finisher).
Trainer: Philip D’Amato (see Public Assembly).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Three wins but last over two years ago; 7th at 35-1 in Red Carpet Stakes.
Speed figures 115.
Analysis: Barnmate to favorite; could improve but recent form weak. Outsider for underneath.
Starry Night (PP 7, ML 20/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Justify – unknown.
Owner: Unknown.
Jockey: Ricardo Gonzalez (experienced local).
Trainer: Jonathan Thomas (stakes specialist).
Weight: 116 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Workouts show figures 59-70; maiden/allowance form.
Speed figures 89.
Analysis: Lightly raced with upside; wide post hurts. Longshot if peaking.
Watchtower (PP 8, ML 10/1)
Age/Sex/Color: 4-year-old filly, bay.
Sire/Dam: Demarchelier (GB) – unknown.
Owner: Abbondanza Racing LLC, Omar Aldabbagh, and Michael Iavarone.
Jockey: Mirco Demuro (international flair).
Trainer: Richard Baltas (good with turfers).
Weight: 118 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 8th of 8 at 12.6-1; mixed graded form.
Speed figures 103.
Analysis: Wide draw challenges; could press pace. Value if rebounding on firm turf.
