The racing calendar has shifted, placing the spotlight on the first weekend of May. The Derby is just 119 days away, with the Oaks scheduled for the day before at Churchill Downs.
Recently, the Santa Ynez Stakes was downgraded from a Grade 2 race in 2022 to a Listed stakes event this year, following two years as a Grade 3. This change reflects more on the size of the field rather than the quality of the winners. There’s hope that Santa Ynez will attract enough interest to regain its graded stakes status.
Historically, twelve fillies have claimed victory in the Ines before going on to win the Santa Anita Oaks, with Bellafina in 2019 being the most recent. The race’s rich history is highlighted by these champions.
Trainer Bob Baffert has achieved seven wins in this race but hasn’t won since 2022. He has three of the five horses entered this year. Check out AmWager for California betting, which offers new customers a 100% deposit match up to $150.
Details on the Santa Ines race:
– Surface: Dirt
– Distance: 7 furlongs
– Eligible: 3-year-old fillies
– Purse: $100,000
1. Leveler (Odds 10/1, Jockey Hector Berrios, Trainer John Sadler) won a comparable race at Del Mar, overcoming the popular Baffert-trained Himika. While she’s likely no better than fourth choice, her sprinter lineage from Lexithonian suggests she might surprise. Expected to contend but not dominate.
2. Expora (Odds 1/2, Jockey Juan Hernandez, Trainer Bob Baffert) is a strong contender, having placed second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. She’s favored to win and this race is seen as a stepping stone to the Oaks.
3. Himika (Odds 5/2, Jockey Kazushi Kimura, Trainer Bob Baffert) is a stakes winner who prefers sprinting despite pedigree suggesting longer distances. She seems just a bit slower than Expora, making her odds less appealing. Valuable to consider but not the top pick.
4. Toaster (Odds 10/1, Jockey Mike Smith, Trainer Bob Baffert) impressed with a win at Los Alamitos in her only race. Being a daughter of McKinzie, distance should suit her, but she needs to improve significantly to compete. Expected to place.
5. La Wally (Odds 6/1, Jockey Umberto Rispoli, Trainer Mark Glatt) is aiming to lead early with blinkers on. She finished third in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante, and returning to seven furlongs seems ideal. However, her closing style may not fit well with this race setup.
Betting Tip: $5 Late Pick 3 ($40): 4,6 / 2 / 2,5,6,11. Good luck!
Fan Take: This race is a crucial gauge for emerging talent in the fillies’ division, setting the stage for the prestigious Oaks and Derby weekends. A strong showing here can catapult future stars into the spotlight, keeping the excitement alive for horse racing fans and ensuring the sport’s vibrant competitive future.
