Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Beholder Mile

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

Competitive Field Set for the Beholder Mile at Santa Anita

The Grade 1 Beholder Mile at Santa Anita Park on Saturday features a field of six talented fillies and mares, all seeking their first victory at the top level. 

Cavalieri and Alpha Bella finished first and second in the Grade 3 La Canada Stakes in January, and eastern shippers Hoosier Philly and Tarifa. The $300,000 race at one mile serves as a key early-season test in the older female division.

While this race is not part of the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, its impact could extend to future graded stakes nationwide. As betting interest increases, the Beholder Mile provides another opportunity for handicappers to analyze Kentucky Derby odds and look for value in Kentucky Derby betting markets.

Cavalieri Aims to Stay Perfect

Trained by Bob Baffert, Cavalieri will look to extend her unbeaten record to four wins. The 4-year-old daughter of Nyquist made her stakes debut in the La Canada and defeated Alpha Bella by 1 ½ lengths. She previously won her debut at Del Mar last summer before adding an allowance victory at Santa Anita in the fall.

A $900,000 auction purchase as a 2-year-old, Cavalieri has already shown strong form at longer distances and should be well-suited for the mile distance. Regular rider Juan Hernandez will be aboard again as she seeks her first Grade 1 victory.

Alpha Bella Seeks Revenge

Alpha Bella has consistently finished in the mix in graded stakes races but is still looking for a breakthrough win. After placing second in the Bayakoa Stakes and Zenyatta Stakes last year, she finished as the runner-up again to Cavalieri in the La Canada. 

The 5-year-old Justify mare initially targeted last weekend’s Buena Vista Stakes on turf but was rerouted to this race instead.

Now trained by John Sadler after beginning her career with Todd Pletcher, Alpha Bella has proven her ability on dirt and turf. With an impressive record of 19: 3-7-2 and nearly half a million dollars in earnings, she has the experience to be a serious contender. Additionally, Hector Berrios will ride, bringing further confidence to her chances.

Hoosier Philly and Tarifa Ship In

Hoosier Philly brings a strong resume to Santa Anita from Fair Grounds, where she has been a consistent stakes performer. The 5-year-old Into Mischief mare finished third in the Houston Ladies Classic last time, beaten by less than a length. A multiple stakes winner with over $950,000 in earnings, she has shown versatility at various distances. Trained by Tom Amoss, Hoosier Philly will have Umberto Rispoli in the irons.

Tarifa, trained by Brad Cox, returns to action following a layoff dating back to November. Impressively, the daughter of Bernardini had an outstanding 3-year-old campaign, capturing three Grade 2 victories in the Fair Grounds Oaks, Rachel Alexandra Stakes, and Mother Goose Stakes. With such a strong resume, she remains a formidable contender in her return.

Owned and bred by Godolphin, Tarifa has banked over $879,000 in earnings. She will have the services of Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith.

Betting Strategy

Based on her perfect record and recent victory over Alpha Bella, Cavalieri will likely be the favorite. However, Alpha Bella’s consistency and Tarifa’s proven class at the Grade 2 level make them strong alternatives. Hoosier Philly could also present value, as she comes off a solid effort at Fair Grounds and has plenty of experience in stakes company.

For bettors looking beyond the win pool, an exacta with Cavalieri over Alpha Bella or Tarifa could offer a solid return. Given the depth of the field, trifecta and superfecta wagers including Hoosier Philly might be worth considering. Be sure to visit our racebook for the latest odds and wagering options.