The journey to the G1 Santa Anita Oaks kicks off this Saturday at Santa Anita Park with the $100,000 Santa Ynez Stakes, featuring the return of Explorer, the runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Trained by Bob Baffert, Explorer was the favorite in the Juvenile Fillies but was narrowly defeated by Santa Anita’s Super Corredora at Del Mar on October 31st. This came just 27 days after Explorer made her two-turn debut by winning the G2 Oakleaf Stakes at Santa Anita. Earlier, the Blame filly had finished second to stablemate Bottle of Rouge in the G1 Del Mar Debutante over seven furlongs.
Explorer, bought for $350,000 at auction, is owned by Michael Pegram, Carl Watson, and Paul Wightman, with Juan Hernandez scheduled to ride. Another contender from the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies is La Wally, trained by Mark Glatt, who finished eighth in that race after being second to Explorer at the Oakleaf Stakes. La Wally, sold as a yearling for $300,000 by Muirhut Stables, will be ridden by Humberto Rispoli in what will be his first time riding her.
Levela, who recently won the seven-furlong Desi Arnaz Stakes at Del Mar, also steps into the Santa Ynez Stakes, now trained by John Sadler, finishing ahead of runner-up Himika. Jimika, running for Baffert, will also compete in the Santa Ynez. Revera, purchased for $85,000, represents U Racing Stable, Saints or Sinners, and Dennis Barker, with Hector Berrios as her jockey.
Racing begins at noon with nine races scheduled, and the Santa Ynez Stakes is set as the eighth race, around 3:30 p.m. The winner of this race will earn 10 points toward the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, though fewer runners could reduce the points awarded.
On Sunday, Magnificat, who was scratched from the G1 La Brea Stakes, will return for older mares in the $100,000 Las Flores Stakes over seven furlongs. Trained by Richard Mandella and owned by Spendthrift Farm, Magnificat has two recent wins at Del Mar and will be ridden by Mirco DeMuro.
Thermal, a four-year-old daughter of Nyquist, has switched back to dirt racing with a strong allowance win and is stepping up to stakes with John Sadler as trainer and co-owner. Purchased for $625,000, Thermal has eight prior starts on synthetic turf and will be guided by Hector Berrios.
Sunday’s Las Flores Stakes will be the sixth race on a nine-race card starting at noon. Post positions include Magnificat with Mirco DeMuro, Margarita Girl with Ricky Gonzalez, Nafisa with Kazushi Kimura, Thermal with Hector Berrios, and Ooty with Juan Hernandez.
Santa Anita continues live racing on Wednesday with free parking, admission, and a 50% happy hour on select drinks, followed by a special New Year’s celebration on Thursday featuring $2 hot dogs, beers, and sodas with free parking via Gate 3.
Fan Take: This upcoming weekend is a thrilling start to the 2026 season, showcasing emerging stars and seasoned contenders that could shape the future of female thoroughbred racing. For fans, it’s a chance to witness potential champions at the start of their journey toward iconic races like the Kentucky Oaks, ensuring the sport’s excitement and competitive spirit remain alive.
