Kentucky Derby Prep Races: San Marcos Stakes 2025

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

San Marcos Stakes 2025: “Truly Quality” Leads Competitive Field at Santa Anita

The 2025 racing season heats up at Santa Anita Park with the Grade 3, $100,000 San Marcos Stakes, featuring a competitive field of eight older turf runners. 

The 1 1/4-mile event on the downhill turf course highlights some of the top route specialists in California, headlined by “Truly Quality”, who looks to extend his winning streak after a successful 2024 campaign.

While the Kentucky Derby Prep Races take center stage for three-year-olds this time, the San Marcos Stakes offers bettors an intriguing wagering opportunity on experienced older horses. With multiple graded stakes winners in the lineup, the outcome of this race could shape future Kentucky Derby betting trends on the turf circuit. 

As the field prepares to battle on February 8, fans and bettors alike will look at how this race influences the broader turf division, particularly when analyzing Kentucky Derby odds and other key betting angles heading into the spring season.

“Truly Quality” Eyes Fourth Straight Victory

“Truly Quality” has dominated his last three outings, ending 2024 on a high note with three straight stakes wins, including two at the graded level. The five-year-old son of Quality Road is trained by Jonathan Thomas and owned by Augustin Stables. 

Coming off a victory in the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2T) at Del Mar, he returns from a brief freshening to take on a deep field. His regular jockey, Vincent Cheminaud, makes the trip from Kentucky to maintain their winning partnership.

While “Truly Quality” is accustomed to longer routes, he will cut back slightly in distance for the San Marcos. His recent form suggests he is still improving, and his tactical versatility should allow him to adapt to different pace scenarios. If he performs well, this could set him up for an ambitious 2025 campaign against the best turf horses in the country.

Top Challengers in the Field

The San Marcos Stakes features a mix of proven veterans and rising contenders. There Goes Harvard, a Grade 1 winner, returns to action for trainer Michael McCarthy. Though he has not won since capturing the 2022 Hollywood Gold Cup (G1), he has remained competitive in top company. Jockey Lanfranco Dettori, a world-class rider, will be in the irons, which could be a key factor in his performance.

Another strong contender is “Divin Propos”, who enters the race as one of trainer Philip D’Amato’s leading turf runners. The French-bred horse showed promise in the Hollywood Turf Cup, finishing just behind “Truly Quality”. His stablemate Easter is also entered, giving D’Amato a two-pronged attack in this event.

“Nineeleventurbo”, trained by Neil Drysdale, could offer betting value at double-digit odds. He has flashed talent in previous races but must challenge this tough group.

Dicey Mo Chara, a multiple stakes winner, adds further depth to the field for trainer Leonard Powell. He will be ridden by Juan Hernandez, who has been one of the top jockeys at Santa Anita in recent seasons.