Santa Anita Park, recovering from recent disruptions due to wildfires in Los Angeles County, is set to host an exhilarating five-day live racing event starting Thursday. The highlight of this week will be the California Cup on Saturday, featuring top-tier horses bred or sired in California. The California Cup includes five stakes races for state-breds, with a total prize money of $775,000. Additionally, the special Martin Luther King Jr. Day program on Monday promises to add more excitement to the racing calendar. The California Cup Derby, Oaks, Unusual Heat Turf Classic, Sprint, and Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint will showcase some of the best equine talent from the region.

California Cup Derby: A Rematch of Champions

The California Cup Derby is one of the most anticipated events of the week. This race features a rematch between Shea Brennan and I’m a Bad Boy, who narrowly separated by just a nose in the King Glorious Stakes last month. Shea Brennan, trained by Phil D’Amato, emerged victorious in that contest, while I’m a Bad Boy, under Luis Mendez’s guidance, aims to claim the top spot this time. Both horses have shown exceptional form and are expected to put on a thrilling display.

The rivalry between Shea Brennan and I’m a Bad Boy has captured the attention of racing enthusiasts. Shea Brennan, owned by Nick Alexander, demonstrated remarkable resilience by holding off a late challenge from I’m a Bad Boy. In contrast, I’m a Bad Boy, a gelding by Stay Thirsty, showed impressive speed but fell short in the final stretch. Other notable contenders include Style Cat, Accidental Genius, Whiskyginandbrandy, R Heisman, Drop Um, and Got’m Cot’m. Each horse brings unique strengths to the competition, making the outcome highly unpredictable. Trainers and owners alike are eagerly preparing their horses for what promises to be an unforgettable race.

Showcasing Elite Talent: Unusual Heat Turf Classic and California Cup Oaks

The Unusual Heat Turf Classic and the California Cup Oaks are two standout events that will feature some of the most talented horses in the state. The Unusual Heat Turf Classic boasts a competitive field of 11 entries, including On the Whim, a two-time state-bred stakes winner, and Jimmy Blue Jeans, fresh off a win against open company. None Above the Law, a veteran Grade 2 winner, also returns to the state-bred ranks after a strong performance in the Hollywood Turf Cup.

The California Cup Oaks presents a wide-open contest with 12 three-year-old fillies vying for supremacy. Notable participants include Hey Jessie, the winner of the Soviet Problem Stakes, and Sunset Grazen, who triumphed in the Golden Gate Debutante. The race promises to be a showcase of young talent, with several runners coming off strong performances in previous events. Trainer Sean McCarthy’s Hey Jessie leads the charge, having demonstrated consistent excellence. The Oaks is a pivotal moment for these young fillies, offering them a chance to stake their claim among the elite. With such a diverse and competitive field, fans can expect an intense and exciting race.