How to bet the Awesome Again Stakes

A compact field of five will go postward in Saturday’s $300,000 Awesome Again (G1) at Santa Anita. The Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” challenge series test will reward the winner with an entry to the Breeders’ Classic (G1) on November 7.

Awesome Again Analysis

Each contender in the field prefers to run from a forwardly placed position. #1 Take the One O One has to send from the rail and will hold a short edge early, with #3 Sleepy Eyes Todd and #5 Maximum Security forcing a swift tempo into the first turn.

Awesome Again Contenders

#1 TAKE THE ONE O ONE (20-1) -- Multiple stakes winner from the Koriner barn was a sharp allowance winner at Del Mar in his most recent performance. Acclamation 5-year-old takes a big class jump in the Awesome Again, but he likes the course and figures to be on top early on from the rail. Jose Valdivia has the call.

#2 IMPROBABLE (8-5) -- Chestnut son of City Zip has elevated his game as of late with back-to-back tallies in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) and Whitney (G1) for Baffert. Peaking 4-year-old is a two-time winner at Santa Anita, and he should be dead fit on Saturday coming in with six morning drills in preparation. Drayden Van Dyke will be in the silks.

#3 SLEEPY EYES TODD (12-1) -- Charles Town Classic (G2) star has shown improvement since blinkers were removed three back by Silva. Speedy gray hooked a difficult field for his local debut, and the son of Paddy O’Prado would be something of a surprise with Rispoli calling the shots.

#4 MIDCOURT (6-1) -- Grade 2 hero cuts back in distance some following an even third in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar. Midnight Lute gelding has shown the ability to win from off the pace in the past, and if he goes back to that running style on Saturday, then the 5-year-old has a chance to win in a field with all early types. Regular jockey Victor Espnoza has the call.

#5 MAXIMUM SECURITY (3-5) -- Classy son of New Year’s Day continues to impress and is the clear one to beat for Baffert. Bay colt was a facile winner of the Pacific Classic most recently and shows a pair of strong morning drills on the surface in advance of his Santa Anita bow. Standout Kentucky-bred draws perfectly on the outside of the small field, and he will be reunited with pilot Luis Saez for this endeavor.

Awesome Again Wagers

• $40 Trifecta: 5 with 4 with 2 ($40)