The Mizdirection Stakes at Santa Anita Park is a $100,000 stakes race for fillies and mares, aged four and up, contested over 6 1/2 furlongs on the downhill turf course. This race often attracts seasoned turf sprinters looking to establish themselves in the division, with several contenders boasting strong pedigrees and graded stakes experience.
Field Overview: Horses, Jockeys & Trainers
1. Chismosa (Trainer: Rafael DeLeon | Jockey: Mike E. Smith)
- Pedigree: Clubhouse Ride – You Can Dream
- Recent Form: 1st in the Betty Grable Stakes (2024)
- Analysis: Making her 5-year-old debut, Chismosa has proven herself in California-bred stakes races. She finished third in last year’s Mizdirection and returns with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.
2. Miss Roberts (GB) (Trainer: Jeff Mullins | Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez)
- Pedigree: Siyouni (FR) – Ghalyah (GB)
- Recent Form: 5th in the Wishing Well Stakes (2025)
- Analysis: A British-bred filly stepping up in class after winning a first-level allowance sprinting on the hillside turf course. She has shown promise but needs to prove herself against tougher competition.
3. Uncorked (AUS) (Trainer: Philip D’Amato | Jockey: Kazushi Kimura)
- Pedigree: Pierro (AUS) – Piaf (NZ)
- Recent Form: 10th in the Royal Heroine Stakes (G3, 2025)
- Analysis: A 6-year-old Australian-bred mare cutting back in distance after competing in two-turn graded stakes. She won the G3 Royal Heroine Stakes in 2024 but has struggled in recent starts.
4. Ang N Ash (Trainer: Ryan Hanson | Jockey: Kyle Frey)
- Pedigree: Audible – Chestnut Street
- Recent Form: 4th in the Monrovia Stakes (G3, 2025)
- Analysis: A lightly raced filly with graded stakes experience. She has shown flashes of ability but needs a strong trip to contend.
5. Venganza (Trainer: Richard E. Mandella | Jockey: Antonio Fresu)
- Pedigree: Curlin – Avenge
- Recent Form: 4th in the Royal Heroine Stakes (G3, 2025)
- Analysis: A homebred for Perry and Ramona Bass, Venganza has been competitive in graded stakes but has yet to break through at this level.
6. Tahini (Trainer: George Papaprodromou | Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke)
- Pedigree: American Pharoah – More Fun Again
- Recent Form: 6th in an Allowance Optional Claiming race (2025)
- Analysis: A filly with solid turf breeding but inconsistent performances. Needs a career-best effort to contend.
7. Granny Budgie (GB) (Trainer: Philip D’Amato | Jockey: Tiago Josue Pereira)
- Pedigree: Massaat (IRE) – Caledonia Duchess (GB)
- Recent Form: 1st in an Allowance Optional Claiming race (2024)
- Analysis: Moves up to stakes competition after winning a second-level allowance at six furlongs on turf. Could be a sleeper pick.
8. Beyond Lucky (Trainer: Jonathan Thomas | Jockey: Armando Ayuso)
- Pedigree: Nyquist – Cajun Delta Dawn
- Recent Form: 1st in a Maiden Special Weight (2025)
- Analysis: A lightly raced filly with potential upside. Needs to prove she can handle the step up in class.
9. Lunar Impact (GB) (Trainer: Dan Blacker | Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios)
- Pedigree: Zoustar (AUS) – Button Moon (IRE)
- Recent Form: 5th in the Osunitas Stakes (2024)
- Analysis: Making her seasonal debut after a long layoff. Has shown ability but needs to regain form.
10. Valence (Trainer: O. J. Jauregui | Jockey: Assael Espinoza)
- Pedigree: Violence – Button Girl
- Recent Form: 5th in the Royal Heroine Stakes (G3, 2025)
- Analysis: A filly with graded stakes experience but inconsistent results. Needs a strong pace to set up her late run.
Race Strategy & Predictions
- Pace Projection: Expect a fast early pace, with Chismosa and Ang N Ash likely to push forward.
- Key Contenders: Uncorked and Chismosa appear to be the strongest threats, with Venganza as a potential upset candidate.
- Potential Longshot: Granny Budgie has shown promise and could surprise with a well-timed move.
