Horse Racing Odds: Wilshire Stakes Betting Preview

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Wilshire Stakes Betting Preview: Tirupati Favored in Turf Mile Showdown

While fans follow the latest Kentucky Derby Prep Races to track rising 3-year-olds and shifting Kentucky Derby odds, older turf fillies and mares take the spotlight in the $100,000 Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Though not directly connected to Kentucky Derby betting, the one-mile turf race offers a strong field of seasoned runners, and Saturday’s eighth race is packed with betting potential.

Tirupati, trained by Jonathan Thomas, returns as the 7-5 morning-line and horse racing odds favorite after missing the March 1 Buena Vista Stakes (G2T). The 4-year-old daughter of Mitole led into the stretch that day but was caught late, settling for second. Umberto Rispoli, aboard for that effort, returns in the irons from post 1 as she looks to go one better.

Buena Vista Rematch Features Familiar Rivals

Tirupati isn’t the only one returning from Buena Vista. She’ll again face Uncorked, who finished fourth, and Big Hug, who checked in fifth. Uncorked, trained by Philip D’Amato, is listed at 5-2 on the morning line and will break from post 5 with Antonio Fresu aboard. Big Hug, breaking from post 7 for Val Brinkerhoff, is the longshot in the field at 30-1 with Armando Ayuso riding.

While Tirupati missed last time, she has taken a step forward in 2025 and will likely get a ground-saving trip from the rail.

Alpha Bella Brings Graded Experience and Turf Success

Alpha Bella, a 5-year-old mare tested in top company, is new to the California turf scene. After running second in three graded dirt stakes back East, she joined the John Sadler barn and was fifth in the Beholder Mile (G1) on March 8. Now switching back to turf, where she’s a two-time winner, Alpha Bella brings a strong resumé, including a Grade 3 victory in the 2024 La Prevoyante Stakes at Gulfstream Park for former trainer Todd Pletcher.

Juan Hernandez will ride her and breaks from post 3 as the 2-1 second choice. Justify’s daughter should benefit from the surface switch and could be sitting at peak performance.

Other Wilshire Contenders Bring Speed and Upside

Among the rest of the field is Tahini, a longshot trained by George Papaprodromou and ridden by Mike Smith. She will leave post 2 at 15-1. Desert Rhapsody, trained by Doug O’Neill, starts from post 4 under Kyle Frey at 20-1. Sophisticate, a 12-1 shot from the John Shirreffs barn, is another outsider to consider. Hector Berrios will ride from post 6.

With proven graded stakes runners, a key rematch, and a turf switch for a talented East Coast shipper, the Wilshire Stakes offers a compelling matchup that turf racing fans won’t want to miss. Whether Tirupati can hold off familiar foes or Alpha Bella takes advantage of the change in scenery, the outcome should have implications for future stakes.

For full Wilshire Stakes odds, expert picks, and betting options across Saturday’s card, be sure to visit our racebook today.