The Cinema Stakes, a Grade III turf race for three-year-olds, is set to take place at Santa Anita Park on May 11, 2025. This one-mile turf contest offers a $100,000 purse, attracting a competitive field of promising young turf specialists.
Race Details
- Race: Cinema Stakes (Grade III)
- Date: Sunday, May 11, 2025
- Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
- Distance: 1 mile (Turf)
- Purse: $100,000
- Post Time: 4:00 PM PT
Field Analysis
Top Contenders
- Artislas(Trainer: Jeff Mullins Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez)
- Pedigree: Catalina Cruiser – Moms Pride (FR)
- Strengths: A strong finisher with proven turf ability, Artislas has shown consistency in stakes races and could be a major factor late.
- Game Warrior(Trainer: Peter Miller Jockey: Umberto Rispoli)
- Pedigree: Game Winner – Le Mi Geaux
- Strengths: A speedy front-runner, Game Warrior will likely try to dictate the pace early and hold off closers in the stretch.
- Mythical Reel (IRE)(Trainer: Philip D’Amato Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez)
- Pedigree: Highland Reel (IRE) – Mad Existence (IRE)
- Strengths: A European-bred turf specialist, Mythical Reel has the stamina and tactical speed to be a serious contender.
- Bodi Zafa(Trainer: John W. Sadler Jockey: Kazushi Kimura)
- Pedigree: Good Samaritan – Lightning Dove
- Strengths: A versatile runner with experience on different surfaces, Bodi Zafa could be a sleeper pick in this field.
- Incanto (IRE)(Trainer: Peter Eurton Jockey: Tiago Josue Pereira)
- Pedigree: Mehmas (IRE) – Hateel (IRE)
- Strengths: A late closer, Incanto will need a strong pace up front to set up his finishing kick.
- Freedom’s Not Free (Trainer: Mark Glatt Jockey: Antonio Fresu)
- Pedigree: Omaha Beach – Wonderfuladventure
- Strengths: A powerful stretch runner, Freedom’s Not Free has shown promise in previous turf outings.
Race Strategy & Predictions
Expect Game Warrior to set the early pace, with Artislas and Mythical Reel tracking closely. Incanto and Freedom’s Not Free will likely sit back and make their move in the stretch.
Given Mythical Reel’s European turf pedigree and Artislas’ strong finishing ability, they enter as top contenders, but Game Warrior’s speed could make him dangerous if he controls the pace.
