Exciting Finale at Santa Anita's Boxing Day Event
Robert Kieckhefer reports on the thrilling Boxing Day racing at Santa Anita, marking both an end and a beginning for many horses. The weekend also included a significant early Kentucky Derby prep race.
Kentucky Derby Prep: Track Phantom Surprises in Gun Runner Stakes
Track Phantom, a Quality Road colt, clinched an unexpected victory in the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds, earning crucial points on the Derby leaderboard.
Road to the Kentucky Oaks: Alpine Princess Leads the Way
In the $100,000 Untapable Stakes at Fair Grounds, Alpine Princess scored a 2-length victory, advancing in the Kentucky Oaks standings.
Sprint Highlights: Speed Boat Beach and Sibelius Shine
- Malibu Stakes: Speed Boat Beach won the Grade I race at Santa Anita.
- Mr. Prospector Stakes: Sibelius took the Grade III race at Gulfstream Park, aiming for a Dubai World Cup return.
A Veteran's Victory: Greeley and Ben's Remarkable Win
Greeley and Ben, at nine years old, impressively won the Dave's Friend Stakes at Laurel Park.
Filly & Mare Sprint: Daddysruby and Spirit Wind's Stellar Performances
- La Brea Stakes: Daddysruby narrowly won at Santa Anita.
- Sugar Swirl Stakes: Spirit Wind triumphed at Gulfstream Park.
Turf Triumphs: Easter and Two Emmys Excel
- San Gabriel: Easter scored a win at Santa Anita.
- Buddy Diliberto Memorial: Two Emmys clinched victory at Fair Grounds.
Filly & Mare Turf: Anisette Returns to Winning Form
Anisette dominated the American Oaks at Santa Anita with a commanding finish.
Turf Mile: Watsonville's Close Victory
In the Mathis Mile at Santa Anita, Watsonville narrowly defeated the favorite, Almendares.
Turf Sprint: Just Might Lead to Victory
Just Might led from start to finish in the Richard L. Scherer Memorial at Fair Grounds.
Newgrange's Impressive Win
Newgrange achieved a commanding victory in the San Antonio at Santa Anita.
Distaff Division: Hidden Connection and Saddle Up Jessie Triumph
- Joseph E. Spanky Broussard Memorial: Hidden Connection won at Fair Grounds.
- Carousel Stakes: Saddle Up Jessie emerged victorious at Laurel Park.