The Santa Ynez Stakes for 3-year-old fillies and the Las Flores Stakes (G3) for older mares will now take place at Santa Anita next weekend, following a delay caused by rain. The seven-furlong Santa Ynez, which serves as a prep race for the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) on April 4, is scheduled for this Saturday, with the seven-furlong Las Flores set for Sunday. Alongside the postponed Santa Ynez, Saturday’s card also includes the seven-furlong San Vicente Stakes (G2) for 3-year-olds, which is part of the lead-up to the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 5. The official entries for the Santa Ynez, San Vicente, and the rest of Saturday’s races will be announced on Monday.
Notable horses in the Santa Ynez field include Revera, previously trained by John Sadler, along with Bob Baffert’s contenders Explorer, Himika, Toaster, and La Wally, trained by Mark Glatt. The Santa Ynez also offers qualifying points for the upcoming Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs. For the San Vicente, key runners include Baffert-trained Hopeful (G1) runner-up Buetan and GI American Pharoah runner-up Desert Gate. Other contenders include Doug O’Neill-trained Acknowledge Meples, who placed second in the GII Los Alamitos Derby, and Stakes winner Thirsty Rebel. Michael McCarthy’s Bust Out and Glatt’s So Happy are anticipated to secure their first wins in this race.
Sunday’s card, in addition to the Las Flores, will feature the Las Cienegas (G3) for older mares, which is run over approximately six and a half furlongs on a hillside turf course. This card is scheduled for Tuesday. Previously, the Las Flores saw runners like Magnificat, trained by Richard Mandela, along with Baffert’s Nafisa and Ooty, Sadler’s Thermal, and Glatt’s Margarita Girl in competition.
—
Fan Take: This update is significant for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights key prep races paving the way to major events like the Santa Anita Oaks and Kentucky Oaks, showcasing emerging talent. The rescheduling also ensures competitive fields, maintaining excitement and anticipation for the spring racing season.
