UPDATE: The excitement is palpable as Santa Anita opens its doors today, January 14, 2024, at 11 a.m. The track features a thrilling lineup of races, headlined by the renowned horse Nysos, who is the 3-5 morning-line favorite in the $200,000, Grade II Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes.
With his impressive victory at the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, Nysos aims to elevate his earnings to over $1 million and secure his status as a contender for the national older-males championship. Ridden by top jockey Flavien Prat and trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Nysos is also preparing for a potential entry in the $20 million Saudi Cup on February 14 in Riyadh.
The stakes are high as Nysos faces off against Nevada Beach, who is second in the Pincay odds at 2-1, piloted by leading California jockey Juan Hernandez. Baffert hinted that both horses could target the Saudi Cup or the Pegasus World Cup Invitational, set for January 24 at Gulfstream Park in Florida.
While Nysos may dominate the headlines, the rest of the day’s races promise fierce competition. The $300,000, Grade I Malibu Stakes features a showdown between five Baffert-trained 3-year-olds and five from other barns, all vying for their first Grade I victory. The Baffert entries lead the morning line with Barnes at 3-1, followed closely by Cornucopian and Midland Money at 7-2, along with Madaket Road and Goal Oriented both at 5-1.
Trainer Richard Baltas is confident in his longshot entry, Modus Bestia, starting from the No. 1 post at 15-1. “My horse is coming along fast,” Baltas stated, highlighting Modus Bestia’s potential.
In another highlight, Atsila, a 3-year-old filly trained by Baltas, is favored at 5-2 in the $300,000, Grade I American Oaks. This race marks her U.S. debut after competing against elite fillies in Europe.
The $300,000 La Brea Stakes features competitive fillies, with Formula Rossa and jockey Mike Smith favored at 3-1, while Five G and Irad Ortiz Jr. are close behind at 7-2.
As the day unfolds, the $200,000, Grade II Mathis Mile promises to showcase Namaron, a German-bred gelding looking for his first U.S. victory under Prat. The $100,000, Grade III San Gabriel Stakes will feature a battle for victory between 4-year-old Stay Hot and other contenders, with Stay Hot being a 4-1 favorite.
Despite recent rain causing delays, officials expect a crowd of 35,000 to 40,000 attendees. Santa Anita’s management has confirmed that no major new horse-safety measures are planned, emphasizing ongoing safety commitments.
The Santa Anita Classic Meet runs through April 5, with major races, including the $500,000, Grade I Santa Anita Derby on April 4, ahead. Spectators and bettors are urged to tune in as the day promises to be filled with thrilling action and potential upsets.
Stay tuned for live updates from the track as the races unfold!
