URGENT UPDATE: Today marks the highly anticipated opening day at Santa Anita, as 11 races kick off at 11 a.m. PST. The spotlight is on Nysos, who enters the $200,000 Grade II Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes as a 3-5 morning-line favorite and aims to continue his impressive streak following a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar.
Nysos, ridden by leading jockey Flavien Prat and trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, seeks to surpass $1 million in earnings this year and is eyeing the $20 million Saudi Cup scheduled for February 14. Baffert confirmed that both Nysos and Nevada Beach, currently second in the odds at 2-1, are potential contenders for this world-class race.
Fans will have their eyes on the $300,000 Grade I Malibu Stakes, featuring a competitive lineup of 10 three-year-olds, including five from Baffert’s stable. The morning line favorites are Barnes at 3-1, followed closely by Cornucopian and Midland Money at 7-2.
Trainer Richard Baltas is optimistic about his entry, Modus Bestia, a longshot at 15-1, who will compete from the No. 1 post. “My horse is coming along fast,” Baltas stated, emphasizing his horse’s potential against Baffert’s strong entries.
The $300,000 Grade I American Oaks is another highlight, with Baltas’ filly Atsila favored at 5-2. This race marks her U.S. debut after competing in Europe and being scratched from the Breeders’ Cup due to minor issues.
In addition, the $300,000 La Brea Stakes for fillies and the $200,000 Grade II Mathis Mile will showcase rising talents, including Namaron, the favorite for the Mathis Mile.
Weather conditions have improved, allowing the track to recover after receiving nearly 5.75 inches of rain earlier this week. A crowd of 35,000 to 40,000 is expected, and track officials report that ticket sales have resumed after a brief postponement of the opening day.
As the Santa Anita Classic Meet runs through April 5, fans are eager to see which horses will emerge as contenders for the upcoming $500,000 Grade I Santa Anita Derby, set for April 4. Baffert’s Litmus Test and others are eyeing spots for the May 2 Kentucky Derby.
With excitement building and stakes high, Santa Anita’s opening day promises thrilling races and potential upsets. Stay tuned as developments unfold throughout the day!
