Kentucky Derby Prep Races: 2025 Santa Anita Handicap

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races News

Santa Anita Handicap Betting Preview: Locked, Hit Show, and Baffert’s Duo Face Off

The Grade 1 (G1), $300,000 Santa Anita Handicap is set to take place on March 1 at Santa Anita Park, drawing a competitive field of nine older horses. Among the contenders are some of the top names in the division, with several shipping in for the historic 1 1/4-mile race. 

This event will serve as a key test for horses aiming for high-profile races later in the season. It will also allow bettors to assess Kentucky Derby odds and explore Kentucky Derby betting strategies as Kentucky Derby prep races continue across the country.

Locked Headlines the Field

The likely favorite for the Santa Anita Handicap is Locked, a talented 4-year-old son of Gun Runner trained by Todd Pletcher. He arrives in California following a strong second-place finish in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) behind White Abarrio. 

Before that, Locked captured the Cigar Mile Handicap (G2) at Aqueduct, proving his ability to handle top-class competition. With Jose Ortiz aboard, Locked will break from post 7 as he attempts to secure his first Grade 1 victory.

Hit Show and Baffert Duo Pose Major Threats

Another major contender is Hit Show, which Brad Cox trained. The 5-year-old son of Candy Ride enters the race in top form after winning three consecutive graded stakes in the latter half of 2024. He most recently took the Louisiana Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds and will look to carry that momentum into Santa Anita. With Flavien Prat in the irons, Hit Show will break from post 3 as he aims to make a mark on the West Coast.

Bob Baffert enters two contenders in the race: Mirahmadi and New King. Mirahmadi, a 4-year-old Into Mischief colt, has shown flashes of brilliance, including a runner-up finish in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) as a juvenile. 

He comes into the Big ‘Cap off a dominant win in an allowance optional claiming event on January 4. New King, another son of Into Mischief, is making his stakes debut after winning at the allowance level on February 2. Baffert has won the Santa Anita Handicap six times and will look to add another victory to his résumé.

J B Strikes Back and Katonah Represent Doug O’Neill

Doug O’Neill enters two runners, J B Strikes Back and Katonah. J B Strikes Back has won three straight races, including the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes (G2) on opening day at Santa Anita. Katonah, a 6-year-old gelding, secured his most significant victory in the San Pasqual Stakes (G2) last month. Both will need to step up against this level of competition, but O’Neill has a history of success in the Big ‘Cap, having won it twice with Lava Man.

Express Train Seeks Another Big ‘Cap Win

The veteran Express Train, trained by John Shirreffs, looks to reclaim his past glory in the Santa Anita Handicap. The 8-year-old won this race in 2022 and finished second in 2021. Though he has not been as dominant recently, his experience over this track and distance makes him an intriguing contender. Hector Berrios has the mount from post 1.

Other Notable Entrants

Tarantino, who recently finished second in the Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes, enters the field under the training of Peter Eurton. Midnight Mammoth, who won the Cougar II Stakes (G3) at Del Mar last summer, rounds out the field under trainer Craig Dollase.

The Santa Anita Handicap has long been a premier race for older horses on the West Coast, and this year’s edition features a potent mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. With Locked and Hit Show leading the charge against a deep field, the race promises plenty of excitement. 

For bettors, this race presents an excellent opportunity to analyze the form of top contenders ahead of other significant stakes races later in the season. Be sure to check out our racebook for the latest odds and insights on this marquee event.