Venue and Event Details
Santa Anita Park is located in Arcadia, California, USA, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, about 14 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. Opened in 1934, it’s renowned for its scenic backdrop, one-mile dirt oval, and hillside turf course, hosting prestigious events like the Breeders’ Cup and the winter-spring meet. The Unusual Heat Turf Classic Stakes presented by City National Bank is a $175,000 restricted stakes race for Golden State Series eligible California-bred or California-sired horses aged four and up, run over 1 1/8 miles on the turf.
Named after the influential California sire Unusual Heat, this event highlights turf routers and often serves as a key prep for other Cal-bred stakes. The rail is set at 10 feet, which may slightly favor inside paths on the downhill start.
Post Time is scheduled for 2:30 PM PT (5:30 PM ET) for Race 5.
Expected Weather Conditions: Partly cloudy with highs around 75-81°F (24-27°C) and lows in the mid-50s°F (13°C). Light winds from the west at 4-5 mph, with low humidity around 16%. No precipitation is expected, ensuring dry and mild racing conditions.
Track Conditions: The race is on the turf course, expected to be firm and fair due to the dry forecast. Santa Anita’s turf is known for favoring mid-pack stalkers in routes, with an unbiased rail at 10 feet. The downhill start can reward tactical speed, but the long stretch allows closers to rally.
The field features 8 California-bred entrants, creating a competitive group of experienced turf routers. This 1 1/8-mile test emphasizes stamina and positioning, with average winning times around 1:46-1:47 on firm turf. Recent winners have often been veterans who stalk a moderate pace. Trainers like Peter Miller (high win rate on Santa Anita turf) and Mark Glatt excel here, while jockeys such as Mike Smith and Juan Hernandez dominate routes.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
Below is a detailed breakdown of each entrant, including post position, recent finishes (based on available form from the last 3 starts), jockey and trainer notes, strengths/weaknesses, and estimated morning-line (M/L) odds. Odds are projected based on form, connections, speed figures (HRN equivalents in parentheses), and historical patterns; actual odds may vary. Recent finishes are listed as position/finishing margin with speed figures in parentheses.
Hey Jessie (Post 1, 4yo Filly, Sire: Grazen, Weight: 119 lbs)
Jockey: Mike E. Smith – Hall of Famer with a 25% win rate on Santa Anita turf; masterful at saving ground from inside posts.
Trainer: Sean McCarthy – Solid with fillies (20% win rate in stakes); develops consistent turf performers.
Analysis: Promising filly with tactical speed; the rail draw allows her to stalk economically. Strength: Youth and allowance success. Weakness: Steps up in class against older males. Contender if she handles the distance.
Recent Finishes: 1st by 1 length (111) in a Santa Anita allowance (12/20/2025); 2nd by neck (108) in a Del Mar stakes (11/15/2025); 3rd by 2 lengths (105) in a Santa Anita optional claimer (10/10/2025).
M/L Odds: 5-1.
Mr. Disrespectful (Post 2, 6yo Gelding, Sire: Smiling Tiger, Weight: 122 lbs)
Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios – Aggressive rider with 18% win rate; good at pressing the pace.
Trainer: Craig Dollase – Experienced with Cal-breds (19% win rate on turf); undervalued in routes.
Analysis: Versatile gelding who can rate mid-pack; good draw aids positioning. Strength: Consistent in similar spots. Weakness: May lack closing punch against top figures. Value for exotics.
Recent Finishes: 4th by 3 lengths (108) in a Del Mar allowance (12/15/2025); 1st by head (105) in a Santa Anita stakes (11/10/2025); 2nd by 1 length (102) in a Los Alamitos optional (10/5/2025).
M/L Odds: 8-1.
None Above the Law (Post 3, 8yo Gelding, Sire: Karakontie (JPN), Weight: 124 lbs)
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli – Turf specialist (22% win rate at Santa Anita); tactical genius.
Trainer: Peter Miller – High-volume trainer (24% win rate on turf); excels with veterans.
Analysis: Classy veteran with top speed figures; carries weight but has the experience. Strength: Proven stamina and closing kick. Weakness: Age may catch up if pace is slow. Strong favorite candidate.
Recent Finishes: 1st by 2 lengths (113) in a Santa Anita allowance (12/28/2025); 3rd by neck (110) in a Del Mar stakes (11/20/2025); 2nd by 1 length (108) in a Santa Anita optional (10/15/2025).
M/L Odds: 3-1 (Favorite).
Freeport Joe (Post 4, 9yo Gelding, Sire: English Channel, Weight: 124 lbs)
Jockey: Cristobal Herrera – Reliable with 17% win rate; handles longshots well.
Trainer: Gloria Haley – Local expert (18% win rate); overachieves with older horses.
Analysis: Durable router with pedigree for turf; supplementary entry signals intent. Strength: Battle-tested in stakes. Weakness: High weight and age could tire him late. Include in multis.
Recent Finishes: 2nd by 1.5 lengths (106) in a Del Mar allowance (12/10/2025); 4th by 4 lengths (103) in a Santa Anita stakes (11/5/2025); 1st by nose (100) in a Los Alamitos optional (10/20/2025).
M/L Odds: 10-1.
Stop Digging (Post 5, 5yo Mare, Sire: Mrazek, Weight: 115 lbs)
Jockey: Armando Ayuso – Up-and-coming with 16% win rate; adapts to mares.
Trainer: Simon Callaghan – Strong with improvers (21% win rate on turf).
Analysis: Mare getting weight relief; supplementary entry for class test. Strength: Light impost and recent form. Weakness: Mid-pack post may force wide trip. Upset potential.
Recent Finishes: 3rd by 2 lengths (107) in a Santa Anita allowance (12/20/2025); 1st by 1 length (104) in a Del Mar optional (11/15/2025); 5th by 5 lengths (100) in a Santa Anita stakes (10/10/2025).
M/L Odds: 6-1.
Call Me Sir (Post 6, 4yo Gelding, Sire: Sir Prancealot (IRE), Weight: 120 lbs)
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez – Leading rider (23% win rate); excels in routes.
Trainer: Mark Glatt – Turf specialist (20% win rate at Santa Anita).
Analysis: Young gelding with upside; strong connections boost chances. Strength: Pedigree for distance. Weakness: Lower figures suggest class hike is tough. Longshot for board.
Recent Finishes: 4th by 3 lengths (98) in a Del Mar allowance (12/15/2025); 2nd by head (95) in a Santa Anita optional (11/10/2025); 1st by 2 lengths (92) in a Los Alamitos maiden (10/5/2025).
M/L Odds: 12-1.
Stamp My Passport (Post 7, 7yo Gelding, Sire: Vancouver (AUS), Weight: 122 lbs)
Jockey: Diego A. Herrera – Tactical with 19% win rate; good from outside.
Trainer: Leonard Powell – Consistent with routers (18% win rate).
Analysis: High-figure gelding who rallies late; wide post allows setup. Strength: Peak form and stamina. Weakness: Needs pace help to close. Co-favorite.
Recent Finishes: 1st by 1.5 lengths (113) in a Santa Anita stakes (12/10/2025); 3rd by 1 length (110) in a Del Mar allowance (11/5/2025); 2nd by nose (108) in a Santa Anita optional (10/20/2025).
M/L Odds: 4-1.
Vodka Vodka (Post 8, 5yo Gelding, Sire: Stay Thirsty, Weight: 122 lbs)
Jockey: Kent J. Desormeaux – Veteran (17% win rate); handles wide draws.
Trainer: Aggie Ordonez – Underrated with 16% win rate in stakes.
Analysis: Speedy type from outside; can press early. Strength: Explosive gate. Weakness: Distance may stretch him, wide trip energy-draining. Trifecta filler.
Recent Finishes: 2nd by 2 lengths (109) in a Del Mar stakes (12/28/2025); 4th by 4 lengths (106) in a Santa Anita allowance (11/20/2025); 1st by head (103) in a Los Alamitos optional (10/15/2025).
M/L Odds: 7-1.
