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Santa Anita Handicap & Derby Betting 2021: Horses, Promos & Previews
March 6 2021 – The $400,000 Santa Anita Handicap Betting.
The race will be run on March 6 2021 and be complemented by the $300,000 San Felipe Stakes (Gr 2), an important Kentucky Derby prep, the $400,000 Frank E. Kilroe Mile (Gr 1) and two other lesser stakes.
Santa Anita Preview
The “Big ‘Cap,” as it has been known for decades by horseplayers, has not of late been up to the standards established in its glory years, when it was considered the most important race for older horses in North America during the winter racing season.
The 1 ¼ mile race for 4-year-olds and up has been severely impacted in recent years by the outsized purses offered in overseas races such as the $12 million Dubai World Cup and newer $20 million Saudi Cup, both of which have attracted some top U.S. runners.
That said, this is still a special race given its rich history since it was first run in 1935, just months after Santa Anita Park opened in Arcadia, California.
Santa Anita Horses
Seabiscuit, Noor, Round Table, Ack Ack, Cougar II, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, John Henry, Alysheba and Best Pal are just some of the racing legends who have won the race.
Trainer Bob Baffert, always to be feared in Southern California, has won three times in the last 10 runnings and five times overall. More recently trainer John Sadler has emerged as a power in the race, capturing the last three Big Caps for owner Hronis Racing.
Among jockeys, Mike Smith has three victories in the last 10 Big Caps, but Joel Rosario has had the hot hand of late, winning the last two for Sadler.
Anita Derby Betting at Santa Anita: Preview
April 3 2021 – $750,000 Santa Anita Derby Betting at Santa Anita.
California racing has struggled in recent years, but the Santa Anita Derby remains an influential stop on the road to the Triple Crown.
The final Grade 1 prep for the Kentucky Derby on the West Coast, run at 1 1/8th miles at the historic Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia, California, has produced 18 winners of the Run for the Roses, including four of the last 10: Authentic (2020), Justify (2018), California Chrome (2014) and I’ll Have Another (2012).
The race is back in its usual slot run four weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby after being shifted to June in 2020 as part of the shakeup of the racing calendar caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite Santa Anita’s reputation as a speed-favoring racetrack, only four of the last 10 winners of the race were on or near the lead at the first call.
Among jockeys, Mike Smith has the hot hand in the race, with wins in the last three runnings.
To no one’s surprise, trainer Bob Baffert generally has the horse to beat, having captured four of the last 10.
Worth noting that all 10 winners prepped for this race at Santa Anita in 2021.
Betting Offers Santa Anita 2021:
- TVG – 250 Free Bet
- Amwager – 100 deposit bonus
- Twinspires
- Nyra Bets
- DRF Bets
Several betting sites across US will offer promotions for Santa Anita betting in 2021. Try Amwager app, sign up and get up to $100 deposit match.