The upcoming (Grade III) Thunder Road Stakes at Santa Anita Park is set to be an exciting race! Scheduled for February 1, 2025, this one-mile turf race offers a purse of $100,000, with $60,000 guaranteed to the winner. The race is open to four-year-olds and upward, with entries closing on January 24, 2025.
Here’s a detailed look at the field:
- Cabo Spirit (KY) – Jockey: K J Desormeaux, Trainer: G Papaprodromou, M/L: 20/1
- Air Force Red (KY) – Jockey: J J Hernandez, Trainer: L Powell, M/L: 3/1
- Zio Jo (KY) – Jockey: T J Pereira, Trainer: D F O’Neill, M/L: 10/1
- Lammas (GB) – Jockey: A Espinoza, Trainer: M P Badilla, M/L: 12/1
- Astronomer (KY) – Jockey: L Dettori, Trainer: S Callaghan, M/L: 6/1 (Blinkers On)
- Wizard of Westwood (KY) – Jockey: K Frey, Trainer: M W McCarthy, M/L: 15/1
- El Potente (FL) – Jockey: H I Berrios, Trainer: D Blacker, M/L: 7/2
- Packs a Wahlop (KY) – Jockey: A Fresu, Trainer: J W Sadler, M/L: 10/1 (Blinkers On)
- Seal Team (GB) – Jockey: U Rispoli, Trainer: R E Mandella, M/L: 5/2
The race features a mix of talented contenders, with Air Force Red and Seal Team being strong favorites. Air Force Red, trained by Leonard Powell, has shown consistent performance and is a solid contender with odds of 3/1. Seal Team, trained by Richard E. Mandella, is another top pick with odds of 5/2.
The race also includes some interesting pedigrees and equipment changes. For instance, Astronomer will be racing with blinkers on, which might give him an edge. Packs a Wahlop is another horse racing with blinkers on, potentially improving his focus and performance.
