The Grade III San Juan Capistrano Stakes returns to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, as the Hollywood Meet’s closing-day feature. This 1 ¾-mile turf marathon offers a $100,000 purse, attracting a competitive field of long-distance specialists.
Race Details
- Event: San Juan Capistrano Stakes (G3T)
- Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025
- Time: 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
- Surface: Turf
- Distance: About 1 ¾ miles
- Purse: $100,000
Top Contenders & Horse Profiles
1. Nitti (IRE)
- Jockey: Armando Ayuso
- Trainer: Leonard Powell
- Pedigree: Sired by Make Believe (GB), out of Baby Love (GER)
- Career Record: 10 starts – 3 wins, 2 places, 1 show
- Strengths: European-bred stamina specialist with proven turf ability.
2. For Arrogate (USA)
- Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke
- Trainer: Jonathan Thomas
- Pedigree: Sired by Arrogate, out of Forever Together
- Career Record: 8 starts – 2 wins, 3 places, 2 shows
- Strengths: Lightly raced filly with untapped potential at longer distances.
3. Time Song (USA)
- Jockey: Hector Berrios
- Trainer: Jonathan Thomas
- Pedigree: Sired by Not This Time, out of New Song
- Career Record: 12 starts – 4 wins, 3 places, 2 shows
- Strengths: Pedigree suggests stamina, making him a strong contender.
4. Maltese Falcon (IRE)
- Jockey: Juan Hernandez
- Trainer: Librado Barocio
- Pedigree: Sired by Caravaggio, out of Isabella (IRE)
- Career Record: 15 starts – 5 wins, 4 places, 3 shows
- Strengths: Proven turf performer, excelling at extended distances.
5. Santa Barbarian (USA)
- Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
- Trainer: Ryan Hanson
- Pedigree: Sired by Bodexpress, out of Ebony Cat
- Career Record: 9 starts – 2 wins, 3 places, 1 show
- Strengths: Youngest horse in the field, showing promise in turf races.
6. Divin Propos (FR)
- Jockey: Ricardo Gonzalez
- Trainer: Philip D’Amato
- Pedigree: Sired by George Vancouver, out of Psyche (FR)
- Career Record: 15 starts – 4 wins, 3 places, 5 shows
- Strengths: Runner-up in the San Luis Rey Stakes (G3T), proving his ability at long distances.
7. Balladeer (USA)
- Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
- Trainer: George Papaprodromou
- Pedigree: Sired by Distorted Humor, out of Golden Ballad (IRE)
- Career Record: 27 starts – 4 wins, 2 places, 2 shows
- Strengths: Expected pacesetter, removing blinkers for better relaxation.
Race Analysis & Predictions
- Favorites: Divin Propos (3-1), Maltese Falcon (5-1), Balladeer (6-1)
- Dark Horse: Time Song (8-1) – Strong pedigree for distance racing.
- Prediction: Divin Propos wins, Maltese Falcon places, Balladeer shows
Divin Propos’ strong performance in the San Luis Rey Stakes and trainer Phil D’Amato’s success in marathon turf races make him the top contender. Maltese Falcon’s European stamina breeding and Balladeer’s front-running style could lead to a strong finish.
