The Grade III Daytona Stakes returns to Santa Anita Park, featuring a competitive field of turf sprinters in a 6 1/2-furlong hillside turf sprint. With a $100,000 purse, this race attracts elite speedsters, many of whom have excelled in graded turf sprints across California.
Race Details
Event: Grade III Daytona Stakes
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 8:08 PM ET
Venue: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
Surface: Turf (6 1/2 furlongs, hillside course)
Purse: $100,000
TV Broadcast: TVG, FanDuel TV, NYRA Bets
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Bran (FR) (Trainer: John Sadler | Jockey: Umberto Rispoli)
Pedigree: Muhaarar – Best Intent (King’s Best)
Career Record: 7YO Gelding, multiple graded stakes winner
Recent Performance: Second in Siren Lure Stakes
Strengths: Consistent performer with tactical speed
Concerns: Needs a strong pace setup to maximize closing ability
2. Motorious (GB) (Trainer: Philip D’Amato | Jockey: Antonio Fresu)
Pedigree: Muhaarar – Squash (Pastoral Pursuits)
Career Record: 7YO Gelding, multiple graded stakes winner
Recent Performance: Winner of G2 Joe Hernandez Stakes
Strengths: Proven turf sprinter with elite speed
Concerns: First start since December, returning from layoff
3. Stay Hot (USA) (Trainer: Peter Eurton | Jockey: Juan Hernandez)
Pedigree: War Front – Hot Stones (Bustin Stones)
Career Record: 4YO Colt, stakes winner
Recent Performance: Second in Baffle Stakes
Strengths: Speedy front-runner with turf adaptability
Concerns: Adjusting to hillside course
4. Watsonville (USA) (Trainer: Mark Glatt | Jockey: Kazushi Kimura)
Pedigree: City Zip – Miss Marla (Pleasant Tap)
Career Record: 5YO Gelding, stakes-placed
Recent Performance: Fifth in Del Mar Allowance Race
Strengths: Late bloomer with untapped potential
Concerns: Facing seasoned competition in first graded stakes attempt
5. Lovesick Blues (USA) (Trainer: Librado Barocio | Jockey: Geovanni Franco)
Pedigree: Big Drama – Blues Legend (Mr. Greeley)
Career Record: 7YO Gelding, multiple stakes winner
Recent Performance: Winner of Santa Anita Turf Sprint Stakes
Strengths: Proven stakes performer with strong finishing kick
Concerns: Struggled in last outing
6. Air Force Red (USA) (Trainer: Leonard Powell | Jockey: Armando Ayuso)
Pedigree: Air Force Blue – Red Carpet Miss (Malibu Moon)
Career Record: 7YO Gelding, stakes-placed
Recent Performance: Third in Santa Anita Allowance Race
Strengths: Improving form with elite connections
Concerns: Needs to prove consistency at graded level
7. Daniel’s Magic (USA) (Trainer: Eoin Harty | Jockey: Kyle Frey)
Pedigree: Magician – Dani’s Storm (Stormy Atlantic)
Career Record: 7YO Gelding, stakes-placed
Recent Performance: Third in Santa Anita Allowance Race
Strengths: Speedy front-runner with dirt adaptability
Concerns: Adjusting to stakes-level competition
8. Goliad (USA) (Trainer: Richard Mandella | Jockey: Mike Smith)
Pedigree: War Front – Goliath’s Girl (Giant’s Causeway)
Career Record: 8YO Gelding, multiple graded stakes winner
Recent Performance: Eighth in Santa Anita Mile Stakes
Strengths: Proven stakes performer with strong finishing kick
Concerns: Struggled in last outing
Race Strategy & Betting Insights
Pace Projection: Stay Hot and Motorious likely to press early, while Bran and Lovesick Blues close late.
Key Matchups: Motorious vs. Bran in the stretch battle.
Dark Horse: Watsonville could surprise with a breakout performance.
