Race Details
- Event: Affirmed Stakes (G3)
- Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM PT
- Venue: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Dirt)
- Purse: $100,000
- Eligible Horses: 3-Year-Olds
Field Overview & Contenders
The Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita Park features a competitive lineup of 3-year-old colts and geldings, many of whom have stakes experience and strong pedigrees. With a one-mile and one-sixteenth distance, this race will test speed, stamina, and tactical positioning.
Top Horses to Watch
- Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach x Morrow Cove)
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
- Owner: Pegram, Watson & Weitman
- Key Strengths: Speed and versatility; won Santa Anita MSW on April 19, 2025.
- Westwood (Authentic x Indian Bay)
- Trainer: John A. Shirreffs
- Jockey: Tiago Josue Pereira
- Owner: C R K Stable LLC
- Key Strengths: Strong closing ability; finished third in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).
- Gaming (Game Winner x So Stylish)
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
- Owner: Pegram, Watson & Weitman
- Key Strengths: Consistent performer; finished third in the Pat Day Mile (G2).
- Rank Honor (Honor A. P. x Fabulous Babe)
- Trainer: Doug F. O’Neill
- Jockey: Antonio Fresu
- Owner: Calumet Farm
- Key Strengths: High stamina; finished second in Santa Anita MOC on May 4, 2025.
- Varney (Vekoma x Unnamed Dam)
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Jockey: TBD
- Owner: TBD
- Key Strengths: Speedy front-runner; won Pimlico MSW on May 17, 2025.
- Gun Runner Charlie (Gun Runner x Unnamed Dam)
- Trainer: Peter Miller
- Jockey: TBD
- Owner: TBD
- Key Strengths: Proven stakes performer; won Turf Paradise MOC on April 16, 2025.
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
- Pace Projection: Expect Nevada Beach and Varney to set the early pace, while Westwood and Rank Honor will likely close late.
- Best Bet: Gaming to Win – Strong speed figures and elite pedigree.
- Value Bet: Westwood to Place – Consistent top-three finisher.
- Longshot Play: Rank Honor to Show – Calumet Farm-bred advantage on dirt.
