URGENT UPDATE: Opening day at Santa Anita kicks off today, December 31, 2023, with high-stakes excitement, showcasing the highly anticipated $200,000, Grade II Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes. Fans are buzzing as Nysos, the 3-5 morning-line favorite, prepares to race at 11 a.m. PST. This thrilling event promises to be a pivotal moment for the 4-year-old horse, who recently triumphed at the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.
Ridden by leading jockey Flavien Prat and trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, Nysos aims to push his 2025 earnings over $1 million while vying for votes for the national older-males championship. His next goal? The Saudi Cup, the world’s richest race, boasting a staggering $20 million purse, set for February 14 in Riyadh.
Joining Nysos in the Pincay Stakes, Nevada Beach stands as a strong contender with 2-1 odds. Baffert has indicated that both horses are potential entries for either the Saudi Cup or the upcoming Pegasus World Cup Invitational, a $3 million race taking place on January 24 at Gulfstream Park.
While Nysos is the clear favorite, the rest of the card features a competitive lineup that challenges fans to identify the next breakout stars. The $300,000, Grade I Malibu Stakes is another highlight, featuring five Baffert-trained three-year-olds against five others seeking their first Grade I win.
The Baffert entrants dominate the morning line, with Barnes at 3-1, followed closely by Cornucopian and Midland Money both at 7-2. The stakes are high, especially for Modus Bestia, a 15-1 longshot looking to capitalize on improving form from the No. 1 post.
“Baffert holds the best hand with five horses. But my horse is coming along fast,” said trainer Richard Baltas about Modus Bestia’s potential.
Fans will also watch the $300,000, Grade I American Oaks, where the Irish-bred Atsila, favored at 5-2, makes her U.S. debut. After experiencing top-tier competition in Europe and a recent scratch from the Breeders’ Cup due to a foot issue, expectations are high for her performance.
The $300,000, La Brea Stakes, also on the card, showcases talented three-year-old fillies, with Formula Rossa favored at 3-1 after a strong showing in her previous race. This race could be a key opportunity for both her and other rising stars to solidify their reputations.
The $200,000, Grade II Mathis Mile offers a critical chance for Namaron, the 3-2 favorite, to secure his first U.S. victory. Additionally, the $100,000, Grade III San Gabriel Stakes brings a diverse field, with Stay Hot as a lukewarm 4-1 favorite, eager to clinch his first graded stakes win in two years.
After heavy rains led to a two-day postponement, Santa Anita is set to welcome a crowd of 35,000 to 40,000 fans. Track executives have confirmed that the opening-day card remains intact despite recent logistical challenges, including the grounding of FedEx horse-transport flights.
The Santa Anita Classic Meet runs through April 5, featuring a packed schedule with racing mostly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. With the $500,000, Grade I Santa Anita Derby scheduled for April 4, the stakes are high for top three-year-olds aiming for a spot in the prestigious Kentucky Derby on May 2.
As the excitement builds, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for a thrilling day of racing that promises both drama and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for live updates and results from the track!
