California-breds shine in weekend stakes at Santa Anita

The major Breeders’ Cup prep races at Santa Anita might be complete, but that doesn’t mean the fall meet stakes action is over.

A pair of 5 1/2-furlong turf stakes for California-bred and California-sired runners will take place over the weekend. Both have drawn small but competitive fields, so let’s review the key contenders in each race.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Race 8: California Distaff H. (7:44 p.m. ET)

#4 Just Grazed Me proved her worth against open company last fall at Santa Anita, rallying to victory in the Senator Ken Maddy (G3) dashing 5 1/2 furlongs on turf. She’s technically 0-for-3 in 2020, but she’s been freshened since a fifth-place effort against elite competition in the May 25 Monrovia (G2) and should be tough to beat while dropping down the class ladder. Hot jockey Umberto Rispoli takes the mount for trainer Phil D’Amato, and together they’ve gone 4-for-8 (50%) over the last 60 days.

Just Grazed Me’s improving stablemate #3 Althea Gibson is another logical contender. She’s gone 2-for-2 since transitioning to turf, most recently winning a 5 1/2-furlong allowance race against California-breds. #5 Fantasy Heat and #6 Gypsy Blu can likewise challenge for the exotics.

$5 trifecta: 4 with 3,5,6 with 3,5,6 ($30)

Sunday, Oct. 11

Race 7: California Flag H. (7:00 p.m. ET)

#4 Baja Sur and #2 Mikes Tiznow were separated by two noses when finishing second and fourth in the Green Flash H. (G3) at Del Mar last month. Of the pair, I strongly prefer Baja Sur. Whereas Mikes Tiznow benefited from securing an uncontested lead through slow fractions, Baja Sur rallied into the teeth of a fast final furlong to tenaciously gain the runner-up spot.

A four-time stakes winner on dirt and synthetic, Baja Sur hasn’t missed the trifecta in three starts on turf while steadily improving his Brisnet Speed ratings. With high-percentage jockey Juan Hernandez in the saddle, a winning effort should be in the offing.

#6 Galilean, coming off a respectable fifth-place effort in the Del Mar Mile H. (G2) against much tougher company, can vie for a spot in the exacta while dropping down sharply in class and distance.

$20 to win on #4 Baja Sur
$5 exacta: 4 with 2,6
Total: $30

Good luck!