2021 Top Stakes Races to Bet On: Santa Anita Park’s Opening Day on Dec. 26

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In the UK, December 26 is Boxer Day. Every Boxer Day, the English Premier League plays a full slate of matches. Over in the United States every December 26, one of the top racetracks opens their doors for the longest meet in the the nation. This Sunday, San Anita Park begins their winter and spring meet with six graded races.

Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Sunday, Dec. 26th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks December 20th Edition

Santa Anita Park – Sunday, Dec. 26

Grade 2 San Antonio Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $200,000

SoCal trainer Bob Baffert could run the second and third choices in the San Antonio. Baffert plans on entering Eight Rings and Azul Coast. But although Baffert has a strong hand, horseplayers will be all over Doug O’Neil trained Hot Rod Charlie. John Shirreffs will also run a couple, Midcourt and Express Train. Make sure to handicap every contender before deciding on a winner.

Grade 1 Malibu Stakes – 7 furlongs dirt – $300,000

Nine runners are likely to enter the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes. Among the nine, undefeated Bob Baffert runner Triple Tap figures to attract a lot of action. Peter Miller’s None Above the Law and Dr. Schivel, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint’s second place finisher, should also have plenty of support. Flightline from the John Sadler barn is 2-0. The Sadler runner could get lost in the betting and end up offering overlay odds.

Grade 2 San Gabriel Stakes – 1 1/8 miles turf – $200,000

Trainer Paul D’Amato and Richard Baltas will each run two horses in the Grade 2 San Gabriel on Sunday. D’Amato’s runners include Ready Soul and Red Storm Risen. Baltas puts the saddle on Bob and Jackie and Count of Amazonia. Indian Peak, Hit the Road, and Astronaut are all scheduled to race in the San Gabriel. The event looks wide-open.

Grade 2 Mathis Stakes – 1 mile turf – $200,000

Horseplayers expect a full field for the Grade 2 Mathis Stakes. Law Professor from the Mike McCarthy barn, Du Jour trained by Bob Baffert, Holy Bull second place finisher Tarantino and John Sadler’s Crew Dragon should all attract action. The favorite, though, will be Grade 1 Hollywood Derby winner Beyond Brilliant.

Grade 1 American Oaks – 1 ¼ miles turf – $300,000

The American Oaks often attracts a full field. Sunday’s rendition should be no different. Trainers Graham Motion and Chad Brown have a couple of contenders. Motion puts the saddle on Single Soul while Brown will race Nazuna. Brown may also run Fluffy Soaks. The favorite could end up Paul D’Amato trained Burgoo Alley, which won the Grade 3 Autumn Miss in her last.

Grade 1 La Brea Stakes – 7 furlongs dirt – $300,000

Bob Baffert plans on saddling four runners for the Grade 1 La Brea. All four, Private Mission, Varda, Beautiful Gift, and Kalypso have a shot. John Sadler has a contender in Livingmybestlife and Peter Miller looks to score a victory with Zero Intolerance. The La Brea caps a fantastic afternoon of racing.

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