Event: Unusual Heat Turf Classic Stakes Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California Date: January 18, 2025 Distance: One and One-Eighth Miles (Turf) Purse: $175,000 Eligibility: Golden State Series Eligible California Bred or California-Sired Four-Year-Olds and Upward Weight: 124 lbs (allowances for non-winners)
Horse, Trainer, and Breeder Details
| P# | PP | Horse | Age | S | Jockey | Wgt | Trainer | M/L | Owner | Breeder | Pedigree (Sire – Dam, by Dam Sire) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | On the Whim (CA) | 5 | G | Tiago Josue Pereira | 124 | Dean Pederson | 5/1 | Harris Farms, Inc. | Harris Farms | Acclamation – Whimsy , by Maria’s Mon |
| 2 | 2 | None Above the Law (CA) | 7 | G | Mike E. Smith | 124 | Jorge Periban | 10/1 | Hector Castrellon | J. Kirk Robison & Judy Robison | Karakontie (JPN) – Legally Blanca, by Northern Afleet |
| 3 | 3 | Old Pal (CA) | 5 | G | Antonio Fresu | 124 | Mark Glatt | 8/5 | Blinkers On Racing | Ken W. Miles & Sheridan Jones | Grazen – Athina Lee, by English Channel |
| 4 | 4 | Jimmy Blue Jeans (CA) | 7 | G | Kyle Frey | 124 | Jeff Mullins | 10/1 | Bruno or Gezon | Perry Bruno & John Gezon | James Street – Blue Blizzard, by Marino Marini |
| 5 | 5 | We Can (CA) | 4 | G | Tyler Baze | 120 | Brian J. Koriner | 15/1 | Browne Cattle Co. | Chappell Alpine Farms | Sir Prancealot (IRE) – Sheeza Sassy Girl, by The Pamplemousse |
| 6 | 6 | Fast Buck (CA) | 7 | G | Diego A. Herrera | 120 | Cesar DeAlba | 15/1 | Zephyr Racing LLC | Daehling Ranch | Gallant Son – Zorra Roja, by Falstaff |
| 7 | 7 | Aligato (CA) | 8 | G | Flavien Prat | 124 | Mark Glatt | 6/1 | Double L Racing | Bob Liewald & Joe Mishak | Kitten’s Joy – Pretty Hard, by Rock Hard Ten |
| 8 | 8 | Keep Movin’ On (CA) | 4 | G | Frank T. Alvarado | 124 | Tim Yakteen | 20/1 | Fairview LLC | Thomas W. Bachman | Sir Prancealot (IRE) – My Due Process, by Henny Hughes |
| 9 | 9 | Takes Three (CA) | 4 | C | Armando Ayuso | 122 | Mike Puype | 12/1 | Slugo Racing | Reddam Racing, LLC | Nyquist – Radish, by Square Eddie |
| 10 | 10 | Coalinga Road (CA) | 8 | G | Umberto Rispoli | 124 | Carla Gaines | 8/1 | Harris Farms, Inc. | Harris Farms | Quality Road – Coco Ecolo, by Johannesburg |
| 11 | 11 | Barely Functional (CA) | 5 | G | Mario Gutierrez | 122 | Antonio C. Garcia | 20/1 | Reddam Racing, LLC | Reddam Racing, LLC | Mrazek – Walkingonadream, by Tapit |
Race Analysis
This year’s Unusual Heat Turf Classic promises a thrilling contest with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars in the California-bred circuit. Here’s a closer look at some key contenders:
- Old Pal (3/1), trained by Mark Glatt and ridden by Antonio Fresu, enters the race as the morning line favorite with an 8/5 odds. The 5-year-old gelding had a stellar 2024 season, securing multiple wins and showcasing dominant performances on the turf.
- Aligato (6/1), another entrant from Mark Glatt’s barn, brings experience and consistency to the field. Jockey Flavien Prat will be aiming to navigate the 8-year-old gelding to victory once more, as they have proven to be a successful duo.
- Coalinga Road (8/1), trained by Carla Gaines and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, poses a significant threat with a history of strong finishes. The 8-year-old gelding has the stamina and drive to excel over the turf’s longer distances.
- On the Whim (5/1), trained by Dean Pederson and jockeyed by Tiago Josue Pereira, looks poised to make an impact. Owned by Harris Farms, Inc., he’s shown consistent performances, and his tactical speed could give him an edge in a fiercely competitive field.
Trainer Highlights
- Mark Glatt has two horses in the mix—Old Pal and Aligato—both of whom have shown top-tier performances, making Glatt a key trainer to watch in this event.
- Brian J. Koriner, training We Can, aims to make a significant impact with his 4-year-old gelding. Koriner’s experience and strategic expertise could prove pivotal.
