The Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes is a $100,000 turf stakes race for fillies and mares three years old and up, contested over 1 1/8 miles on the turf course.
Named after the Hall of Fame trainer Robert J. Frankel, this event often serves as a key prep for longer turf races in the winter meet, attracting a mix of graded stakes performers and up-and-coming fillies. The field of eight includes multiple graded winners like Luck and Closing Remarks, setting up a tactical affair where position and ground-saving trips could decide the outcome. With a potentially firm turf, speed horses may have an edge, but any lingering softness from recent rains could favor European-bred closers.
Venue Location
Santa Anita Park is located at 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California 91007.
The iconic track, nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains, features a 1-mile turf course with a hillside chute for route races, known for its speed-favoring profile on firm ground.
Post Time: Post Time is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. PT (6:00 p.m. ET) for Race 7.
The full card begins with the first post at 12:00 p.m. PT, with races spaced approximately 30 minutes apart.
Expected Weather Conditions
The forecast for Arcadia, CA, on December 31, 2025, calls for mild and dry conditions, with highs around 68°F and lows near 45°F, light winds at 2 mph, and no precipitation.
Overcast skies may persist, but the weather should not impact the turf course significantly, following a recent rain-delayed opening day on December 28.
Track Conditions
The turf course at Santa Anita is expected to be firm, benefiting from the dry forecast after earlier rains delayed the meet’s start.
However, if any moisture lingers, it could yield slightly soft conditions, favoring horses with stamina and European pedigrees. The dirt main track is fast, but this race is on turf—no scratches reported as of December 29.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field of eight fillies and mares is listed below, including starting position (post), recent finishes (last 3-5 races with key details), style, pedigree notes, and connections. Morning line (M/L) odds are based on early projections.
Analysis focuses on turf form, distance suitability, and trainer trends.
Post 1: As Catch Can (M/L Odds: 5/1)
Horse Analysis: Bay filly by Lookin At Lucky out of Catch the Moon; a mid-pack stalker with improving turf form. Recent finishes: 1st in allowance at Santa Anita (November 2025, 1 mile turf, closing strongly); 3rd in G3 stakes prep (October 2025); 2nd in MSW (September 2025). Pedigree for stamina (sire a Preakness winner); rail post aids ground-saving trip; could rally if pace is honest.
Jockey: Joel Rosario – Hall of Famer with 22% win rate on turf; masterful at timing runs.
Trainer: Jonathan Thomas – 18% win rate; strong with East Coast shippers adapting to California turf.
Post 2: Sun Of Hill (M/L Odds: 4/1)
Horse Analysis: Chestnut mare by Arrogate out of Sun Valley; versatile front-runner with graded placements. Recent finishes: 2nd in G3 at Del Mar (November 2025, 1 1/8m turf); 1st in allowance (October 2025); 4th in G2 (September 2025). Pedigree for class (sire a Dubai World Cup winner); suits firm turf; good draw for controlling speed.
Jockey: Antonio Fresu – Rising star with 15% win rate; aggressive on the lead.
Trainer: Philip D’Amato – 22% win rate on turf; dominates Santa Anita with multiple entries often.
Post 3: Luck (M/L Odds: 5/2)
Horse Analysis: Bay mare by Kitten’s Joy out of Pollara; deep closer with multiple G1 wins. Recent finishes: 1st in G1 Gamely Stakes (May 2025, 1 1/8m turf); 2nd in G1 Rodeo Drive Stakes (October 2025); 3rd in G1 Matriarch Stakes (December 2024). Pedigree for turf endurance; favorite for a reason; excels on firm ground but adaptable to soft.
Jockey: Flavien Prat – Elite turf rider with 25% win rate; perfect for closing types.
Trainer: Chad Brown – 30% win rate in graded turf stakes; ships in strong contenders.
Post 4: Closing Remarks (M/L Odds: 3/1)
Horse Analysis: Bay filly by Vronsky out of Tease; tactical stalker with local success. Recent finishes: 1st in G3 Goldikova Stakes (November 2025, 1 mile turf); 1st in allowance (October 2025); 2nd in G2 (September 2025). California-bred with speed; pedigree for the course; strong contender on firm turf.
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli – Turf specialist with 20% win rate; great at positioning.
Trainer: Carla Gaines – 18% win rate; knows Santa Anita inside out.
Post 5: Queen Goddess (M/L Odds: 6/1)
Horse Analysis: Chestnut mare by Empire Maker out of Royal Story; mid-pack runner with stamina. Recent finishes: 3rd in G3 Wilshire Stakes (April 2025, 1 mile turf); 1st in allowance (November 2025); 4th in G2 (October 2025). Pedigree for longer distances; could benefit from soft turf; value play.
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez – 25% win rate; aggressive and tactical.
Trainer: Michael McCarthy – 20% win rate; consistent in mid-level stakes.
Post 6: Hang the Moon (M/L Odds: 8/1)
Horse Analysis: Gray filly by Uncle Mo out of Mo Me Mo My; closer with upside. Recent finishes: 2nd in allowance at Del Mar (November 2025, 1 mile turf); 1st in MSW (October 2025); 3rd in debut (September 2025). Pedigree for class (sire a champion); post allows wide rally; longshot potential.
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura – 18% win rate; good on closers.
Trainer: Philip D’Amato – As above; barnmate to Sun Of Hill.
Post 7: Turnerloose (M/L Odds: 12/1)
Horse Analysis: Bay mare by Nyquist out of Toro Bonito; front-runner with speed. Recent finishes: 4th in G3 (November 2025); 1st in allowance (October 2025); 5th in G2 (September 2025). Pedigree for early pace; could steal if uncontested; outer post hurts.
Jockey: Tiago Pereira – 15% win rate; aggressive style.
Trainer: Phil D’Amato – As above; loaded barn in this race.
Post 8: Bellabel (M/L Odds: 10/1)
Horse Analysis: Bay mare by Belardo out of Fashion Fund; stalker with European form. Recent finishes: 5th in G3 (November 2025); 2nd in allowance (October 2025); 1st in MSW (September 2025). Pedigree for soft turf; wide draw for rally; solid exotics play.
Jockey: Diego A. Herrera – 15% win rate; steady on turf.
Trainer: Phil D’Amato – As above; four entries signal confidence.
