Santa Anita Park (285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California) hosts the Grade III San Simeon Stakes on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This $100,000 stakes race for 4-year-olds and upward is contested at about 6½ furlongs on the downhill turf course (rail at zero) as Race 3 on the card. The scheduled post time is 2:05 PM PT.
Expected weather conditions in Arcadia forecast a mild mid-March Southern California day with highs in the mid-60s to low 70s°F (around 65-72°F / 18-22°C), partly sunny to mostly clear skies, light winds, and negligible precipitation chance (under 10%). No rain is in the forecast, so the downhill turf course should rate firm—favoring speed, tactical positioning, and horses that handle Santa Anita’s unique hillside configuration.
A compact but wide-open field of six older horses lines up (base weight 124 lbs.; non-winners of a graded stakes allowed 2 lbs.; non-winners of a sweepstakes allowed 4 lbs.). No scratches reported. Morning-line odds are official from the program and consensus sources.
Here is the full field with post positions, recent finishes, and in-depth analysis of each horse, jockey, and trainer:
Post Position 1: Sumter (KY, 5/G, 122 lbs) – ML 5/2
Jockey: Mike E. Smith (Hall of Famer and Santa Anita turf master)
Trainer: Richard E. Mandella (legendary conditioner with multiple downhill winners)
Pedigree: War Front – A Little Bit Sassy (by More Than Ready); owned by Perry R. Bass II or Ramona S. Bass. Recent finishes: Second in each of the last two Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2T) at this exact distance and course; fourth in the Feb. 8 Clocker’s Corner Stakes (listed) on the flat turf; prior winner of the Lure Stakes (listed) at a mile. Speed figures consistently in the 105+ range. Analysis: The slight morning-line favorite brings the strongest recent form over this very course and distance. Mandella has him tuned to peak, and Smith’s rapport with the horse (and the hillside) is exceptional. Tactical speed from the rail sets up a dream trip—he can press or stalk and pounce. The one to beat on local affinity and consistency.
Post Position 2: Quereme Pass (ARG, 5/G, 120 lbs) – ML 8/1
Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
Trainer: Jose Francisco D’Angelo (sharp with South American imports)
Pedigree: Distinctiv Passion – Glad Tears Key (ARG); owned by Lugamo Racing Stable LLC. Recent finishes: Stepping up off solid allowance/optional claiming efforts in Southern California; competitive figures in sprint tries. Analysis: D’Angelo excels at placing imports for big days, and Jaramillo rides aggressively. The Argentine-bred brings fresh legs and sprint pedigree suited to the downhill. Outside post is no issue on the wide hillside; live longshot at 8/1 who could improve sharply and offer exotic value.
Post Position 3: Genius Jimmy (KY, 6/G, 120 lbs) – ML 3/1
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez (Santa Anita’s leading rider)
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy (rising star with consistent turf success)
Pedigree: Jimmy Creed – Ms Giavonna (by Medaglia d’Oro); owned by Pappas Horse Racing Corp., O’Neill or Strauss, et al. Recent finishes: Strong recent allowance and stakes-level placings with towering figures (up to 127); consistent performer stretching out or sprinting. Analysis: McCarthy has this gelding rolling, and Hernandez’s big-race timing is elite. Tactical versatility allows him to sit mid-pack or press. At 3/1 he’s a major contender with the class and speed to challenge the favorites late on firm turf.
Post Position 4: Gran Oriente (CHI, 5/H, 124 lbs) – ML 9/2
Jockey: Armando Ayuso
Trainer: Marcelo Polanco (capable with Chilean imports)
Pedigree: Classic Empire – Oresteia (CHI); owned by Stud Vendaval, Inc. Recent finishes: Chilean Group 1 winner at longer distances; sharp allowance victory here on Jan. 23 at exactly 6½ furlongs downhill; solid transition to U.S. racing. Analysis: Polanco knows how to peak these imports, and the recent hillside win is a big positive. Ayuso fits the forward style perfectly. The extra weight is offset by proven class and course affinity; dangerous mid-tier threat at 9/2 who could wire or press if the pace is moderate.
Post Position 5: Seal Team (GB, 6/G, 124 lbs) – ML 4/1
Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
Trainer: Richard E. Mandella (double entry with Sumter)
Pedigree: War Front – Mrs McDougal (by Medaglia d’Oro); owned by Perry R. Bass II or Ramona S. Bass. Recent finishes: Unraced since the Shoemaker Mile (G1T) in May 2025—long layoff but sharp breezes reported; prior multiple graded stakes placer with high-class figures (116+). Analysis: Mandella’s second shooter is the wildcard. The layoff is the question, but the barn is hot and the War Front pedigree screams downhill sprint talent. Berrios can ride him patiently. At 4/1 he offers upside as a fresh, high-class closer who could explode if he fires off the bench.
Post Position 6: Sorrento Sky (IRE, 5/G, 120 lbs) – ML 3/1
Jockey: Florent Geroux (proven big-race turf rider)
Trainer: Philip D’Amato (turf sprint specialist with multiple San Simeon placings)
Pedigree: Prince of Lir (IRE) – Briarfield Lady (IRE); owned by CYBT, Gevertz or Nentwig, et al. Recent finishes: Third in the 2025 San Simeon; second in the recent Clocker’s Corner Stakes; multiple graded stakes placings with strong figures (108+). Analysis: D’Amato knows this course cold, and Geroux is a perfect fit for the stalking style. The Irish-bred has proven downhill form and loves firm turf. Outside post suits his mid-pack/closing kick; co-second choice who could outkick the field late and repeat his prior placing here.
Overall race preview and key angles: This Grade III downhill turf sprint is billed as a wide-open affair with half the field at 3-1 or shorter. Sumter (PP 1, 5/2) is the slight favorite on course-and-distance excellence, but Sorrento Sky (PP 6, 3/1) and Genius Jimmy (PP 3) bring elite recent form and big connections. Mandella’s pair (Sumter and the intriguing comebacker Seal Team) adds depth, while the international duo (Gran Oriente and Quereme Pass) inject upside. Expect a contested pace with early speed from the inside, setting up tactical types or closers on the firm downhill turf.
