Bellafina highlights Santa Anita restart

On a COVID-19 imposed hiatus since March 22, Santa Anita anticipates a restart on Friday, pending approval from Los Angeles County. A $75,660 Pick 6 Jackpot carryover has been dangling in the interim.

If racing is back on in Arcadia by the weekend, sprinters will be in the spotlight with a trio of 6-furlong stakes. After Saturday’s pair of $150,000 Cal-restricted events, the Echo Eddie for 3-year-olds and the companion Evening Jewel for fillies, Sunday’s $100,000 Desert Stormer (G3) features Bellafina. Although only fourth in the Carousel at Oaklawn Park last out, the multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire is much happier at home than on the road.

Five graded stakes, all on turf, are on tap for Memorial Day weekend. The May 23 program includes the $200,000 Charles Whittingham (G2) over 1 1/4 miles and the $100,000 Daytona (G3) at 5 1/2 furlongs.

On the Memorial Day Monday, May 25, a Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) berth is up for grabs in the $300,000 Shoemaker Mile (G1). War of Will is the main attraction after scratching from a Gulfstream Park stakes last Saturday, but River Boyne is the local leader as the hero of the Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1). Turf distaffers compete in the holiday’s supporting stakes, the $300,000 Gamely (G1) and the $200,000 Monrovia (G2) for sprinters.

The $400,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1), now slated for June 6, is still expected to serve as a rematch between Bob Baffert’s unbeaten Authentic and John Shirreffs’ up-and-coming Honor. A. P. The respective top two from the San Felipe (G2) will clash for Kentucky Derby (G1) points on the 100-40-20-10 scale. Also penciled in on June 6 are the $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks (G2), worth the same points toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1), and the $300,000 Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1) for older horses.

The meet is scheduled to run through June 21.

SANTA ANITA AT A GLANCE

The below charts are a glance of Santa Anita through it's Spring season, prior to the COVID-19 compliance hiatus.

Who’s HOT, Who’s NOT

Find the full list of trainers and jockeys who are worth a closer watch at Santa Anita on Brisnet.com.