In a significant milestone for the horse racing community, Santa Anita Park will host its inaugural Grade 2 Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes this coming Thursday. This prestigious event, formerly known as the San Antonio Stakes, has been renamed to honor the legendary jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. The race, which carries a prize of $200,000 and spans 1 mile and a sixteenth on dirt, features eight contenders. Among them is Katonah, who enters with a morning-line odds of 3-1, despite a recent fifth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Other notable entries include Tarantino and Express Train, both showing strong performances in their previous races.

A Closer Look at the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes

In the heart of Southern California, the historic Santa Anita Park prepares for an exciting opening day highlighted by the inaugural running of the Grade 2 Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes. Named after the distinguished jockey Laffit Pincay Jr., this race not only celebrates his legacy but also offers an impressive prize pool of $200,000. The one-mile-and-sixteenth dirt race brings together eight thoroughbreds, each vying for glory on this special occasion.

Katonah, trained by Doug O'Neill, leads the field with morning-line odds of 3-1. Although he placed fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in early November, Katonah has demonstrated resilience and potential. Owned by R3 Racing, the five-year-old gelding by Klimt will be adding blinkers for this race, hoping to improve his performance under the guidance of jockey Antonio Fresu.

Tarantino, a six-year-old gelding by Pioneerofthe Nile, represents another formidable competitor. Claimed by trainer Peter Eurton for $40,000 last summer, Tarantino has since showcased remarkable form. After winning a claiming race and an allowance condition, he finished a commendable second in the Native Diver Stakes (G3) on November 23. Edwin Maldonado, who rode him to victory in both allowance wins, retains the mount.

Express Train, a seven-year-old gelding by Union Rags, adds further intrigue to the lineup. Trained by John Shirreffs, Express Train won the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in 2022 but has only made two starts following a nearly 19-month break. Despite finishing third in the Kona Gold Stakes and the San Diego Handicap (G2), he boasts impressive earnings of over $1.4 million. Hector Berrios will ride Express Train for the first time in this race.

From a journalist's perspective, this rebranding of the stakes race signifies more than just a name change. It underscores the enduring impact of Laffit Pincay Jr. on the sport of horse racing. By renaming the event, organizers aim to preserve his memory while elevating the prestige of the competition. For enthusiasts and participants alike, it serves as a reminder of the rich history and tradition that continue to shape the world of thoroughbred racing.