Horse racing

Jockey William Antongeorgi guides Grand Slam Smile to the winner’s circle after their victory in the Irish O’Brien Stakes on March 21, 2026, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing: Grand Slam Smile favored at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

April 23, 2026 at 5:19 p.m.

A 5-2 morning-line favorite, the consistent Cal-bred mare has early speed but the outside post in Saturday’s...

Outriders ride along the track during horse racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Saturday, March 6, 2021. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, April 19, 2026

By Staff report

April 19, 2026 at 6:44 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, April 18, 2026

By Staff report

April 18, 2026 at 8:55 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, April 17, 2026

By Staff report

April 16, 2026 at 6:19 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

King of Gosford and jockey Flavien Prat win the Shoemaker Mile on May 26, 2025, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing: Santa Anita resumes Friday with Hollywood Meet

By Kevin Modesti

April 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

After a week off following the Classic Meet, the Arcadia racetrack gets underway and Grade...

So Happy, left, with jockey Mike Smith, and Potente, with jockey Juan Hernandez, have qualified for the Kentucky Derby on May 2. (Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby next for at least two California horses

By Kevin Modesti

April 10, 2026 at 2:43 p.m.

So Happy and Potente, first and second in last week’s Santa Anita Derby, have secured...

Meaning and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Grade II $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA. The 3-year old daughter of Gun Runner is owned by Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Michael McCarthy who also saddled the second place finisher, Brooklyn Blonde. (Benoit Photo)

Meaning leads Santa Anita Oaks exacta for Michael McCarthy

By Kevin Modesti

April 4, 2026 at 7:52 p.m.

The filly will take McCarthy to the Kentucky Oaks a year after the trainer’s Journalism...

So Happy and jockey Mike Smith win the Grade I, $500,000 Santa Anita Derby, Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA.
(Benoit Photo)

Tearful Mark Glatt wins Santa Anita Derby with So Happy

By Kevin Modesti

April 4, 2026 at 7:18 p.m.

Weeks after the death of his wife Dena, the trainer scores his biggest victory to...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, April 5, 2026

By Staff report

April 4, 2026 at 6:29 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Cherokee Nation and jockey Emisael Jaramillo approach the finish of the colt’s 10-length victory in a 1-mile maiden-level race Feb. 27, 2026, at Santa Anita Park. The 3-year-old is one of the favorites in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby. (Benoit Photo)

Santa Anita Derby finish could hinge on one horse’s start

By Kevin Modesti

April 3, 2026 at 7:34 p.m.

Cherokee Nation, part of Bob Baffert’s duo with favorite Potente in Saturday’s $500,000 Grade I...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, April 3, 2026

By Staff report

April 2, 2026 at 10:45 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Jockey Emisael Jaramillo, leading rider at the Santa Anita Classic Meet, poses in the winner’s circle after a victory Jan. 9, 2026. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing: Santa Anita Derby can cap jockey Emisael Jaramillo’s fine meet

By Kevin Modesti

April 2, 2026 at 4:43 p.m.

The Venezuelan jockey, who will ride Robusta in Saturday’s $500,000, Grade I race, is the...

Meaning and jockey Flavien Prat, right, outleg Explora, with Juan Hernandez, to win the Las Virgenes Stakes on Feb. 8, 2026, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing notebook: Meaning, Forced Entry head Santa Anita Oaks

By Kevin Modesti

April 2, 2026 at 4:35 p.m.

The Grade II race for the seven 3-year-old fillies on Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby undercard...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Thursday, April 2, 2026

By Staff report

April 2, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Potente and jockey Juan Hernandez, left, sneak up on Robusta, with Emisael Jaramillo aboard, right, just in time to win the Grade II $200,000 San Felipe Stakes on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Santa Anita. (Benoit Photo)

Santa Anita Derby draws duos from Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill

By Kevin Modesti

March 30, 2026 at 3:53 p.m.

Saturday’s seven-horse race, led by Potente, Robusta, Intrepido, So Happy and Cherokee Nation, has Kentucky...

Cornucopian and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Grade III, $100,000 San Carlos Stakes, Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA.
(Benoit Photo)

Cornucopian’s career back on track with Santa Anita win

By Kevin Modesti

March 29, 2026 at 6:20 p.m.

The Bob Baffert-trained 4-year-old has his first stakes victory and first winning streak after a...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, March 29, 2026

By Staff report

March 29, 2026 at 8:27 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Jockey Jose Ortiz, aboard Magnitude, celebrates winning the $12 million Dubai World Cup on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Kentucky Derby picture altered by Paladin injury, Commandment, Renegade wins

By Kevin Modesti

March 28, 2026 at 6:01 p.m.

Magnitude wins Dubai World Cup, ending Del Mar Breeders’ Cup hero Forever Young’s global win...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, March 28, 2026

By Staff report

March 27, 2026 at 5:37 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Litmus Test and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Los Alamitos Futurity on Dec. 13, 2025, at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing: Time for Kentucky Derby hopefuls to make repeat statements

By Kevin Modesti

March 26, 2026 at 5:39 p.m.

Top 3-year-olds have had trouble putting impressive performances back-to-back this season, but that can change...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, March 27, 2026

By Staff report

March 26, 2026 at 11:27 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Gold Phoenix and jockey Hector Berrios, right, out leg Flashiest (Armando Ayuso), inside, and Mondego (Emisael Jaramillo), left, to win the Grade III, $100,000 San Luis Rey Stakes, Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA.
(Benoit Photo)

Gold Phoenix, Hector Berrios go the distance at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

March 21, 2026 at 6:19 p.m.

The 8-year-old gelding rallies to win for the first time at 1-1/2 miles in the...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, March 21, 2026

By Staff report

March 21, 2026 at 8:34 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, March 20, 2026

By Staff report

March 20, 2026 at 9:10 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Trainer Bob Baffert does an interview outside his barn at Churchill Downs Monday, April 28, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Horse racing notebook: Bob Baffert to send more horses to Kentucky tracks

By Kevin Modesti

March 19, 2026 at 4:39 p.m.

The Hall of Fame trainer said he’s “not giving up on California” but will have...

The old starting gate on display at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

SoCal’s Dylan Donnelly wins National Horseplayers Championship

By Kevin Modesti

March 15, 2026 at 8:51 p.m.

A $20.80 winner at Santa Anita in the final race gives the 34-year-old Rancho Cucamonga...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, March 15, 2026

By Staff report

March 15, 2026 at 8:21 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, March 14, 2026

By Staff report

March 13, 2026 at 5:55 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin...

Dylan Donnelly, 34, of Rancho Cucamonga goes into the National Horseplayers Championship in Las Vegas from March 13-15, looking to improve on his fifth-place finish in the tournament last year. (Photo by Kevin Modesti, Los Angeles Daily News / SCNG)

Horse racing: Needing a new sport to play, handicapper picks a winner

By Kevin Modesti

March 12, 2026 at 5:19 p.m.

Dylan Donnelly of Rancho Cucamonga is a contender in this week’s National Horseplayers Championship a...

Potente and jockey Juan Hernandez win the San Felipe Stakes on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing notebook: Potente, other upsetters rattle Kentucky Derby rankings

By Kevin Modesti

March 12, 2026 at 2:53 p.m.

The San Felipe Stakes winner at Santa Anita zooms to No. 7 in the NTRA...

Forced Entry and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Grade III, $100,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes, Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia (Benoit Photo)

Forced Entry first, Super Corredora last at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

March 8, 2026 at 5:38 p.m.

Bob Baffert trains his sixth straight Santa Ysabel Stakes winner, taking advantage of the Breeders'...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, March 8, 2026

By Staff report

March 8, 2026 at 9:04 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Speedway Stables’ Potente and jockey Juan Hernandez, left,, sneak up on Robusta (Emisael Jaramillo), inside, just in time to win the Grade II $200,000 San Felipe Stakes Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA, giving trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Juan Hernandez their second stakes wins on the day. (Benoit Photo)

Potente wins San Felipe Stakes thriller for Bob Baffert

By Kevin Modesti

March 7, 2026 at 7:09 p.m.

While the trainer’s Brant disappoints, the $18.20 winner beats longshot Rubusta by a head at...

Trainer RIchard Baltas, left, celebrates with jockey Diego Herrera, right, in the winner’s circle after British Isles victory in the Grade I, $300,000 Santa Anita Handicap, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA,
(Benoit Photo)

British Isles, Diego Herrera score upset in Santa Anita Handicap

By Kevin Modesti

March 7, 2026 at 7:25 p.m.

It’s Herrera’s first Grade I thoroughbred victory and trainer Richard Baltas’ second in the Big...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, March 7, 2026

By Staff report

March 8, 2026 at 8:51 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin...

Florent Geroux reacts after riding Hit Show to victory in the $12 million Dubai World Cup on April 5, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Martin Dokoupil)

Santa Anita Handicap day looks twice as nice for jockey Florent Geroux

By Kevin Modesti

March 6, 2026 at 6:05 p.m.

The Frenchman, who moved from Louisiana to California this winter, rides favorites in the Grade...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, March 6, 2026

By Staff report

March 5, 2026 at 2:06 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin...

Vodka Vodka and jockey Kent Desormeaux win the Unusual Heat Turf Classic on Jan. 17, 2026. at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing notebook: Westwood out, leaving 5 in Santa Anita Handicap

By Kevin Modesti

March 5, 2026 at 4:41 p.m.

Just a Touch becomes a heavy favorite in Saturday’s $300,000, Grade I Big ’Cap after...

Dena Glatt, pictured in 2013 with her husband Mark Glatt, who is one of Southern California’s leading thoroughbred trainers, died at age 57 on Feb. 12, 2026, in Arcadia. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing: Trainer Mark Glatt mourns tragic loss as he seeks major victory

By Kevin Modesti

March 5, 2026 at 4:54 p.m.

Glatt’s wife, Dena, died Feb. 12; it’s “hard to enjoy anything” as he prepares Kentucky...

Skippylongstocking and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. win the Hollywood Gold Cup on May 26, 2025, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Skippylongstocking will skip Saturday’s Santa Anita Handicap

By Kevin Modesti

March 3, 2026 at 5:37 p.m.

A report says the horse “acted up” on the plane that would have taken him...

Skippylongstocking and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. race to victory in the 2025 Hollywood Gold Cup on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Santa Anita. (Benoit Photo)

Skippylongstocking heads Santa Anita Handicap field of 7

By Kevin Modesti

March 2, 2026 at 4:56 p.m.

The 7-year-old won the Hollywood Gold Cup last May and sprang a 21-1 surprise in...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, March 1, 2026

By Staff report

March 1, 2026 at 8:15 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Thought Process and jockey Hector I. Berrios win the Grade II $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA. (Benoit Photo)

Thought Process returns with good win at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

February 28, 2026 at 5:48 p.m.

‘90, 95%’ fitness is more than enough in the Buena Vista Stakes, the Phil D’Amato-trained...

Horse racing fans line up at the betting windows to place their wagers at Day 2 of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for Breeders’ Cup/AP Images)

Horse racing: Carryover effect might be big Friday at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

February 26, 2026 at 2:47 p.m.

Two days without a pick-six winner creates the prospect of a $1 million-plus pool, stirring...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, February 27, 2026

By Staff report

February 26, 2026 at 12:43 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Greenwich Village and jockey Juan Hernandez, middle, outleg Medici (Mirco Demuro), right, and Iriseach (Antonio Fresu), left, to win the $100,000 Pasadena Stakes, Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA.
(Benoit Photo)

Greenwich Village wins by nose at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

February 23, 2026 at 7:25 a.m.

The Bob Baffert-trained 3-year-old, ridden by Juan Hernandez, could go to the Jeff Ruby at...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, February 22, 2026

By Staff report

February 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, February 21, 2026

By Staff report

February 21, 2026 at 8:27 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, February 20, 2026

By Staff report

February 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Flowers and cards honoring John Shirreffs, who trained Zenyatta and other memorable thoroughbreds before dying at the age of 80 on Feb. 12, 2026, adorn the Zenyatta statue at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in Arcadia. (Photo by Kevin Modesti, Los Angeles Daily News / Southern California News Group)

Horse racing: 3 trainers ‘honored’ to carry on John Shirreffs’ work

By Kevin Modesti

February 20, 2026 at 8:33 a.m.

Peter Eurton, Bob Hess Jr. and Leonard Powell have picked up horses after Shirreffs, best...

Man O Rose and jockey Emisael Jaramillo, second from right, win the $100,000 Palos Verdes Stakes, Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA. (Benoit Photo)

Cal-bred Man O Rose wins again at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

February 16, 2026 at 10:58 a.m.

Facing open company, the 6-year-old and jockey Emisael Jaramillo win the Palos Verdes Stakes.

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, February 15, 2026

By Staff report

February 15, 2026 at 8:04 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin...

Racing fans make their way towards the grandstands during Opening day of the Classic meet at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Sunday, December 28, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Santa Anita announces rainout of Monday racing

By Kevin Modesti

February 15, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

A wet-weather forecast again affects the Arcadia track's winter season; it called off several cards...

Mondego and jockey Emisael Jaramillo, right, outleg Flashiest (Armando Ayuso), left, to win the Grade III, $100,000 San Marcos Stakes, Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA. (Benoit Photo)

Mondego scores 9-1 upset at Santa Anita as Gold Phoenix struggles

By Kevin Modesti

February 14, 2026 at 5:05 p.m.

The San Marcos win under Emisael Jaramillo gives trainer Michael McCarthy a 3-race win streak...

Jockey Ryusei Sakai and Forever Young, seen after winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 1, 2025, in Del Mar, captured their second consecutive Saudi Cup on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Forever Young beats Nysos to win $20 million Saudi Cup again

By Kevin Modesti

February 14, 2026 at 10:58 a.m.

Guided by jockey Ryusei Sakai, the Japan-bred horse and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner at Del...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, February 14, 2026

By Staff report

February 13, 2026 at 4:29 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

John Shirreffs, seen the day before the Preakness Stakes in 2005 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, died Thursday at the age of 80. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

John Shirreffs, trainer of Zenyatta, dies at 80

By Kevin Modesti

February 12, 2026 at 5:28 p.m.

Famed for a 'horse-first' approach, Shirreffs won a Kentucky Derby with longshot Giacomo and won...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, February 13, 2026

By Staff report

February 12, 2026 at 4:33 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Horse racing column: As Kentucky Derby preps intensify, here are 20 horses at follow

By Kevin Modesti

February 12, 2026 at 6:45 p.m.

Nearly, Further Ado, Paladin and several Bob Baffert-trained 3-year-olds top this writer’s list going into...

Ryusei Sakai, riding Forever Young, celebrates after winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic on the second day of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Nov. 1, 2025, at Del Mar. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Horse racing notebook: Forever Young faces Bob Baffert duo in Saudi Cup

By Kevin Modesti

February 12, 2026 at 6:10 p.m.

Nysos and Nevada Beach are among 13 trying to keep the Japanese 5-year-old star from...

Meaning and jockey Flavien Prat, right, outleg Explora (Juan Hernandez), left, to win the $100,000 Las Virgenes Stakes, Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA.
(Benoit Photo)

Santa Anita win by Meaning caps super Sunday for Michael McCarthy

By Kevin Modesti

February 8, 2026 at 4:02 p.m.

The 3-year-old filly’s Las Virgenes victory over Explora and Super Corredora gives the trainer a...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, February 8, 2026

By Staff report

February 8, 2026 at 9:12 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Magnier, Smith and Tabor’s Plutarch and jockey Florent Geroux, right, outfinish Intrepid (Hector I. Berrios up), left, to win the Grade III $100,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes Saturday February 7, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA.
(Benoit Photo)

Bob Baffert’s Plutarch wins at Santa Anita, jumps into Kentucky Derby picture

By Kevin Modesti

February 7, 2026 at 8:45 p.m.

The improving colt and jockey Florent Geroux score a mild upset in the Robert B....

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, February 7, 2026

By Staff report

February 7, 2026 at 9:02 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, February 6, 2026

By Staff report

February 5, 2026 at 1:11 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Intrepido and jockey Hector I. Berrios win the American Pharoah Stakes on Oct. 4, 2025, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing: Santa Anita race is a test of Intrepido’s Derby cred

By Kevin Modesti

February 5, 2026 at 5:20 p.m.

The 3-year-old returns in Saturday’s $100,000, Grade III Robert B. Lewis Stakes, trying to atone...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, February 1, 2026

By Staff report

February 1, 2026 at 8:39 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Westwood and jockey Kazushi Kimura make their way to the winner’s circle after the San Pasqual Stakes on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Westwood wins San Pasqual Stakes to earn Big ’Cap try

By Kevin Modesti

January 31, 2026 at 6:14 p.m.

Baeza’s stablemate scores a 3-1 upset for trainer John Shirreffs to start a 3-win day...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, January 31, 2026

By Staff report

January 30, 2026 at 5:58 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, January 30, 2026

By Staff report

January 29, 2026 at 5:02 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Cruz Mendez suffered a spinal cord injury and paralysis in his legs after a fall in a race Saturday, Jan. 24, 2025, at Los Alamitos Race Course. (Photo courtesy of Los Alamitos Race Course)

Horse racing notebook: Jockey Cruz Mendez’s friends hope for a ‘miracle’

By Kevin Modesti

January 29, 2026 at 3:18 p.m.

A fall during a recent race at Los Alamitos left the Orange County track’s five-time...

Thoroughbred horses make their way around the track at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress on Sept. 16, 2016. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register)

Jockey Cruz Mendez injured in fall at Los Alamitos

By Kevin Modesti

January 26, 2026 at 8:22 p.m.

Mendez, 40, reportedly had spinal surgery. His quarter-horse mount suffered fatal injuries in a race...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, January 25, 2026

By The Associated Press

January 25, 2026 at 8:56 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Zedan Racing Stable’s Nafisa and jockey Kazushi Kimura easily win the Grade III $100,000 La Canada Stakes Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA. The five-year daughter of Quality Road is trained by Bob Baffert.
(Benoit Photo)

Horse racing: Skippylongstocking wins Pegasus World Cup in upset

By Kevin Modesti

January 24, 2026 at 5:07 p.m.

Last year’s Hollywood Gold Cup winner at Santa Anita rallies at 21-1 in Florida’s $3...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, January 24, 2026

By Staff report

January 24, 2026 at 7:53 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Sovereignty, right, ridden by Junior Alvarado, crosses the finish line to win the 151st Kentucky Derby horse race followed by Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Sovereignty’s Horse of the Year title isn’t an end result

By Kevin Modesti

January 22, 2026 at 8:08 p.m.

The Kentucky Derby winner is one of many top horses expected to race on in...

Om N Joy and jockey Kent Desormeaux, left, outleg So There She Was (Antonio Fresu), right, to win the $150,000 Torrey Pines Stakes on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Del Mar. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing notes: Brilliantly, Juan Hernandez head Bob Baffert trio at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

January 22, 2026 at 8:11 p.m.

The jockey can continue his run of success aboard the trainer’s stakes horses by winning...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, January 23, 2026

By Staff report

January 22, 2026 at 4:56 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

“Racing On Demand” gaming terminals stand on the main floor of Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. These were among 26 machines removed by California and local law enforcement officers on Saturday. (Photo by Kevin Modesti, Los Angeles Daily News/Southern California News Group)

Santa Anita sues state over seizure of gaming terminals

By Kevin Modesti

January 20, 2026 at 7:07 p.m.

The machines, which look like casino slot machines but offer parimutuel-style gambling on past races,...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

By The Associated Press

January 19, 2026 at 7:57 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026

By Staff report

January 18, 2026 at 8:08 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

California Department of Justice agents work near some of the slots-style gaming machines they removed from the grandstand of Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Modesti, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Santa Anita’s slot-style machines seized in state crackdown

By Kevin Modesti

January 22, 2026 at 6:55 p.m.

DOJ agents removed them Saturday; legal questions hung over the terminals, which the California horse-racing...

Vodka Vodka and jockey Kent Desormeaux, right, win the $175,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, outgaming Stamp My Passport (Diego Herrera), inside, and Hey Jessie (Mike Smith), outside, Saturday January 17, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing: Vodka Vodka’s Cal Cup win is trainer’s latest sip of success

By Kevin Modesti

January 17, 2026 at 8:57 p.m.

Aggie Ordonez's 5-year-old joins Jeff Mullins' Man O Rose and Sean McCarthy's Grand Slam Smile...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026

By The Associated Press

January 16, 2026 at 8:23 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, Jan. 16, 2026

By Staff report

January 16, 2026 at 11:42 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

In a photo provided by Benoit Photo, Grand Slam Smile and jockey William Antongeorgi, III, to win the $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar Calif. (Benoit Photo via AP)

Cal Cup features a mare to smile about

By Kevin Modesti

January 16, 2026 at 3:40 a.m.

Grand Slam Smile, a super-consistent 5-year-old mare, looms as the star of the Cal Cup...

These are two of the “Racing On Demand” gambling machines unveiled at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Using already-run races, the machines are a version of the “historical horse racing” machines that have provided extra revenue and increased purses at tracks in other states. (Photo by Kevin Modesti, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Santa Anita starts slot-style gambling, hoping it’s a game-changer

By Kevin Modesti

January 15, 2026 at 6:26 p.m.

The “Racing On Demand” terminals unveiled Thursday could be California’s answer to the “historical racing”...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026

By Staff report

January 14, 2026 at 5:08 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Queen Maxima and jockey Juan Hernandez, left, fly by Princesa Moche (Mirco Demuro), inside, to win the Grade III $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia. Queen Maxima is owned by Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures and trained by Jeff Mullins.
(Benoit Photo)

Queen Maxima rules again in Santa Anita turf sprint

By Kevin Modesti

January 11, 2026 at 5:09 p.m.

Margarita Girl gives trainer Mark Glatt another stakes win; a horse is fatally injured in...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026

By Staff report

January 11, 2026 at 9:02 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

So Happy and jockey Mike Smith win the Vicente Stakes on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

A longshot no more, So Happy wins San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita

By Kevin Modesti

January 10, 2026 at 5:40 p.m.

The 3-year-old is 2 for 2, letting jockey Mike Smith and trainer Mark Glatt eye...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

By Staff report

January 9, 2026 at 4:51 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, Jan. 9, 2026

By Staff report

January 9, 2026 at 12:05 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Kevin...

Paradise Lake and jockey Juan Hernandez, middle, outleg Starry Night with Ricardo Gonzalez aboard, inside, and Watchtower and Mirco Demuro, outside, to win the Robert J. Frankel Stakes on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Paradise Lake wins Frankel Stakes as Santa Anita reopens

By Kevin Modesti

January 8, 2026 at 4:12 p.m.

The Arcadia track runs for the first time since Jan. 2 after a series of...

Trainer Bob Baffert, left, celebrates with jockey Juan Hernandez in the winner’s circle after Imagination’s victory in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Sept. 28, 2025, at Santa Anita Park. (Benoit Photo)

Horse racing notebook: Santa Anita 3-year-olds can shine in San Vicente Stakes

By Kevin Modesti

January 8, 2026 at 4:40 p.m.

Buetane is favored to give jockey Juan Hernandez and trainer Bob Baffert their fourth straight...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026

By Staff report

January 7, 2026 at 12:18 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Jockey Juan Hernandez riding Usha wins the La Brea Stakes (grade 1) race during Opening day of the Classic meet at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on Sunday, December 28, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Santa Anita, Los Alamitos rained out again Sunday

By Kevin Modesti

January 4, 2026 at 10:28 a.m.

Cancellations and postponements have cost the Arcadia track 4 of 7 scheduled racing days early...

Rain has caused Santa Anita Park in Arcadia to call off thoroughbred racing for Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (File photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Santa Anita, Los Alamitos Saturday racing rained out

By Kevin Modesti

January 3, 2026 at 9:33 a.m.

The Arcadia track has yet to decide on Sunday's thoroughbred racing; a makeup day is...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

By Staff report

January 3, 2026 at 9:32 a.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...

Santa Anita consensus picks for Friday, Jan. 2, 2026

By Staff report

January 1, 2026 at 5:41 p.m.

The consensus box of Santa Anita horse racing picks comes from handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie...