Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Santa Ana Stakes

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds

Santa Ana Stakes 2025: “Mrs. Astor” and “Kathynmarissa” Headline Turf Showdown

The Grade 3, $100,000 Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita Park is set to take place on Saturday, March 9, featuring a field of eight fillies and mares competing over 1 1/4 miles on turf. 

The race is an essential test for older turf runners and could set the stage for future graded stakes campaigns. “Mrs. Astor” and “Kathynmarissa” headline the field, bringing strong resumes into the event.

While this race is not part of the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, it still carries significance for horseplayers closely watching the form of top-tier turf mares. With Kentucky Derby odds shifting each week, bettors interested in Kentucky Derby betting may find value in analyzing races like the Santa Ana, which showcase emerging talent that could later compete in elite company.

“Mrs. Astor” Seeks Third Straight Stakes Victory

Trained by Jonathan Thomas, “Mrs. Astor” enters the Santa Ana on a two-race winning streak. She secured back-to-back Grade 3 victories in the Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar and the Robert J. Frankel Stakes at Santa Anita. In her most recent start, she edged Mahina by a nose in the Frankel, proving her determination in tight finishes.

Owned and bred by Augustin Stable, the 5-year-old Lookin at Lucky mare has compiled a record of 16: 4-4-3 with $355,235 in earnings. Umberto Rispoli takes over the ride for the first time, and she will carry 124 pounds, the highest weight in the field. With a proven ability to handle longer distances, “Mrs. Astor” remains one of the top contenders.

“Kathynmarissa” Looks for First Grade 3 Win

Runner-up in the Grade 1 American Oaks, “Kathynmarissa” is another major contender in the Santa Ana. She has competed in some of the most prestigious turf races for fillies, including a win in the Dueling Grounds Oaks at Kentucky Downs and a runner-up finish in the Saratoga Oaks.

A 4-year-old daughter of American Pharoah, “Kathynmarissa” has earned $1,207,185 with a record of 9: 2-3-2. She is trained by Richard Dutrow and owned by Michael Dubb. Frankie Dettori, who has ridden her in her last three stakes starts, retains the mount. She will break from post 8 and carry 122 pounds.

Mahina Seeks First Stakes Win

A consistent runner, Mahina has finished second in her last two races, including the Robert J. Frankel Stakes and the Megahertz Stakes. Trained by Patrick Gallagher, she will look to turn those close finishes into a breakthrough victory. The 5-year-old Bolt d’Oro mare has a record of 18: 4-4-3 with $189,640 in earnings and will be ridden by Hector Berrios.

Starry Heavens Makes U.S. Debut

Among the newcomers in the field is Starry Heavens, an Irish-bred mare trained by Phil D’Amato. She was a European stakes winner and will make her first North American start for R Unicorn Stable. With earnings of $72,778 from 16 starts, she must step up against this competition. Antonio Fresu has the ride.

Full Field for the Santa Ana Stakes

The Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes will run as Race 8 on a 10-race card, with an approximate post time of 4:30 p.m. PT. The full field includes: Lady Claypoole (Tiago Pereira, 120 lbs), Mahina (Hector Berrios, 120 lbs), “Mrs. Astor” (Umberto Rispoli, 124 lbs), Omaha Girl (Geovanni Franco, 122 lbs), Starry Heavens (Antonio Fresu, 122 lbs), Sakura Blossom (Juan Hernandez, 122 lbs), Big Hug (Armando Ayuso, 122 lbs), and “Kathynmarissa” (Frankie Dettori, 122 lbs).

The first post on Saturday is 1 p.m. PT, with admission gates opening at 11 a.m. For bettors looking for more action beyond this exciting turf event, check out our racebook for more wagering opportunities.