At Santa Anita, the competition among jockeys and trainers is heating up as they vie for top positions. Flavien Prat leads the jockeys with an impressive 40 wins, closely followed by Juan Hernandez with 38 victories. The trainers' leaderboard sees Mark Glatt at the forefront with 22 wins, while Bob Baffert trails slightly with 20. This fierce rivalry sets the stage for an exciting weekend of races.
The upcoming stakes events promise thrilling moments for horse racing enthusiasts. On Saturday, the prestigious $300,000 Grade I B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile will feature a rematch between undefeated Cavalieri and frequent contender Alpha Bella. They will face off against strong competitors like Richi, Tarifa, and Hoosier Philly in a field of six fillies and mares. Meanwhile, Sunday brings the $100,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds on turf. Additionally, Santa Anita has scheduled a special racing card on Monday, March 17, to make up for days lost due to January fires.
Kendrick Carmouche has been honored with the 2025 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, recognizing his exceptional achievements both on and off the track. In other notable news, The Chosen Vron was crowned California-bred Horse of the Year, and Steve Specht received the Trainer of the Year award before retiring. Locked's recent victory in the Santa Anita Handicap boosted its ranking to second place nationally. Furthermore, Thorpedo Anna, the reigning North American Horse of the Year, prepares for her first race since November in Arkansas this Saturday.
In quarter-horse racing at Los Alamitos, Beach Walk and Bold and Beautiful secured the fastest times in the trials for the upcoming Los Alamitos Oaks. However, the sport faces challenges, as evidenced by the recent fatality of a 3-year-old gelding, marking the third such incident since January. Despite these setbacks, the community remains committed to safety improvements and continues to celebrate the successes of its athletes.
Horse racing not only showcases incredible talent but also embodies perseverance and resilience. As the season progresses, each race highlights the dedication of jockeys, trainers, and horses alike. The spirit of competition and camaraderie within the industry serves as a testament to the enduring passion for this timeless sport.