Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM PT
Venue: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA
Distance: 1 ½ miles (Turf)
Age/Sex: 4+ Fillies & Mares
Purse: $100,000
Race Overview
The Santa Barbara Stakes is a prestigious Grade 3 turf race for fillies and mares aged four and older, covering 1 ½ miles at Santa Anita Park. This race is a key test for long-distance turf specialists, often featuring horses with strong stamina pedigrees and proven turf ability.
With six contenders set to compete, the field includes graded stakes winners, rising stars, and experienced turf runners. The race promises a tactical battle, with pace dynamics playing a crucial role in determining the winner.
Contenders, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Sophisticate (Liam’s Map) – Trainer: John Shirreffs | Jockey: Hector Berrios
- Pedigree: By Liam’s Map, known for producing versatile runners with stamina.
- Recent Form: Finished 4th in the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes.
- Strengths: Consistent performer with solid late speed.
- Concerns: Needs a stronger finishing kick to contend at this distance.
2. Sakura Blossom (Classic Empire) – Trainer: Leonard Powell | Jockey: Armando Ayuso
- Pedigree: By Classic Empire, a sire known for producing gritty competitors.
- Recent Form: 4th in an Allowance Optional Claiming race at Santa Anita.
- Strengths: Tactical speed, can sit close to the pace.
- Concerns: Has yet to prove herself at the graded stakes level.
3. Mahina (Bolt d’Oro) – Trainer: Patrick Gallagher | Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
- Pedigree: By Bolt d’Oro, a sire known for producing strong turf runners.
- Recent Form: 4th in the Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes.
- Strengths: Proven at the distance, solid turf experience.
- Concerns: Needs to improve finishing speed to challenge top contenders.
4. Khinjani (Sir Percy) – Trainer: Mark Glatt | Jockey: Mike Smith
- Pedigree: By Sir Percy, a European sire known for producing long-distance turf specialists.
- Recent Form: 3rd in the 2024 Santa Ana Stakes.
- Strengths: Strong stamina, well-suited for 1 ½ miles.
- Concerns: Has been inconsistent in recent starts.
5. Starry Heavens (Mastercraftsman) – Trainer: Philip D’Amato | Jockey: Antonio Fresu
- Pedigree: By Mastercraftsman, a sire known for producing elite turf runners.
- Recent Form: 3rd in the Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes.
- Strengths: Consistent performer, handles turf well.
- Concerns: Needs to find another gear late to win.
6. Mrs. Astor (Lookin At Lucky) – Trainer: Jonathan Thomas | Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
- Pedigree: By Lookin At Lucky, a sire known for producing durable and talented runners.
- Recent Form: 2nd in the Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes.
- Strengths: Top contender, strong finishing ability.
- Concerns: Will need pace to set up her late run.
Race Analysis & Predictions
Pace Projection
- Sakura Blossom and Khinjani are likely to press the pace, setting a moderate tempo.
- Mrs. Astor and Starry Heavens will sit mid-pack, waiting for the right moment to strike.
- Mahina and Sophisticate will likely close late, relying on stamina to make a move in the stretch.
Key Factors
- Distance Suitability: Horses with proven stamina will have an edge.
- Turf Experience: Runners with strong turf pedigrees and Santa Anita success will be favored.
- Jockey Influence: Umberto Rispoli (Mrs. Astor) and Mike Smith (Khinjani) are known for strong turf rides.
Predicted Order of Finish
1️⃣ Mrs. Astor – Strong closer, best recent form.
2️⃣ Starry Heavens – Consistent, well-suited for distance.
3️⃣ Khinjani – Tactical speed, stamina advantage.
4️⃣ Mahina – Needs a perfect trip to contend.
5️⃣ Sakura Blossom – Could fade late.
6️⃣ Sophisticate – Needs improvement to challenge top contenders.
