SANTA ANITA LEADERS
Final, through Sunday
JOCKEYS / WINS
Juan Hernandez continues to dominate with an impressive 25 wins, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination in the saddle.
Umberto Rispoli follows closely behind with 15 victories, proving his tenacity and experience on the track.
Antonio Fresu is making a name for himself with 14 wins, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the riding ranks.
Tiago Pereira and Hector Berrios both clock in with 10 wins each, demonstrating their consistency and effectiveness in the high-stakes environment of horse racing.
Edwin Maldonado rounds out the leaderboard with 8 wins, showcasing his adaptability and dedication to the sport.
TRAINERS / WINS
Legendary trainer Bob Baffert commands attention with 14 victories, reinforcing his status as one of the giants in thoroughbred training.
Phil D’Amato isn’t far behind with 13 wins, exemplifying his skillful preparation of horses and keen race strategies.
George Papaprodromou stands out with 12 wins, as he cements his reputation as an up-and-coming talent in the training ranks.
Doug O’Neill, a familiar name in the industry, showcases his prowess with 10 victories, contributing to his illustrious career.
Both Michael McCarthy and Mark Glatt have scored 7 wins each, proving their worth among racing’s competitive trainers.
WEEKEND STAKES (DEL MAR)
Friday
• The excitement kicks off with the highly anticipated $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile for 2-year-olds racing over 1-1/16 miles, along with four other prestigious Breeders’ Cup races.
• Additionally, fans can look forward to four non-Breeders’ Cup stakes that promise thrilling competition and potential upsets.
Saturday
• The star of the weekend is the illustrious $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, featuring 3-year-olds and older racing a challenging 1¼ miles, complemented by eight other exciting Breeders’ Cup races.
• Saturday’s lineup includes three more non-Breeders’ Cup stakes, adding to the excitement of a packed racing card.
DOWN THE STRETCH
• The comprehensive Breeders’ Cup programs at Del Mar feature undercard stakes that could easily headline weekends of Southern California racing on their own, including four non-Breeders’ Cup stakes on Friday. The highlight is the Senator Ken Maddy Stakes, a thrilling turf sprint for fillies and mares showcasing top talents such as Kissed by Fire (with Antonio Fresu at the reins), Stay and Scam (ridden by Umberto Rispoli), Just Nails (Frankie Dettori), and East Coast shipper Twirling Queen (Luis Saez).
• On Saturday, racing fans can watch two Grade III stakes for fillies and mares; the Bayakoa mile will be led by the streaking Hope Road (Juan Hernandez), while the Goldikova mile on turf features an enticing field including well-traveled competitors like Fluffy Socks (Irad Ortiz Jr.), Mouffy (Manny Franco), and Nadette (Hector Berrios).
• The Del Mar “Bing Crosby Meet,” having commenced on Thursday, will continue through December 1, with racing taking place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting at 12:30 p.m. for the remainder of the season, although there will be no Thanksgiving Day racing this year. Following Breeders’ Cup weekend, the track will host two important Grade I stakes: the Nov. 30 Hollywood Derby and the Dec. 1 Matriarch. The intriguing pick 6, with a $1 minimum bet, covers the last six races each day, offering exciting wagering opportunities.
• In the thrilling action at Los Alamitos night quarter-horse racing, American Dreamin, partnered with jockey Armando Cervantes, concluded the race in impressive fashion to claim victory in the $1 million, Grade I Golden State Million Futurity last Sunday. This unbeaten 2-year-old filly has brought trainer Monty Arrossa and owner Dunn Ranch their third major futurity victory at Los Al in 2024, following Up to Party’s success in the Ed Burke Million Futurity and the PCQHRA Breeders Futurity.
— Kevin Modesti
**Interview with Horse Racing Analyst Sarah Winslow on Santa Anita Leaders and Upcoming Breeders’ Cup Weekend**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. Let’s dive right in! Juan Hernandez has been a standout at Santa Anita with his impressive 25 wins. What do you think sets him apart from other jockeys this season?
**Sarah Winslow:** Thanks for having me! Juan Hernandez has absolutely demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. His ability to navigate the challenges of the track and his strategic thinking during races really set him apart. This season, he’s shown remarkable consistency, which is crucial in a competitive environment like horse racing.
**Interviewer:** Umberto Rispoli isn’t far behind with 15 wins. How would you assess his performance this season?
**Sarah Winslow:** Umberto Rispoli’s performance has been impressive as well. He’s always been known for his tenacity, and that is clearly paying off this season. He has a wealth of experience, which helps him to make quick decisions when it matters most during a race.
**Interviewer:** Turning our attention to the trainers, Bob Baffert’s 14 victories have solidified his legendary status. What do you think are the key factors behind Baffert’s continued success?
**Sarah Winslow:** Bob Baffert’s success can be attributed to a combination of his extensive experience, sharp training techniques, and a deep understanding of horse behavior. He also has access to some phenomenal horses, which certainly helps! His preparation methods are legendary, and he knows how to get the best out of his horses during peak races.
**Interviewer:** Moving on to the weekend stakes at Del Mar, the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic is a major highlight. What can fans expect from this prestigious race?
**Sarah Winslow:** The Breeders’ Cup Classic is always a thrilling event, and this year should be no exception. Featuring some of the best horses, the competition will be fierce over that 1¼-mile stretch. Fans can expect top-notch performances, especially since it brings together both 3-year-olds and older competitors. The stakes don’t get any higher than this, and the potential for unpredictable outcomes makes it even more exciting!
**Interviewer:** Besides the Classic, what are you looking forward to in the other Breeders’ Cup races?
**Sarah Winslow:** There are several intriguing races on the card! The $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is also highly anticipated, showcasing the next generation of talent on the track. Plus, there are additional non-Breeders’ Cup stakes, which are always packed with excitement and potential surprises. it’s a fantastic weekend for racing fans!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Sarah. Any final thoughts as we head into one of the most exciting weekends in horse racing?
**Sarah Winslow:** Just that fans should buckle up! With the level of talent on display from both jockeys and trainers, it’s going to be an unforgettable weekend filled with thrilling moments. Whether you’re at the track or watching from home, it’s a can’t-miss event for horse racing enthusiasts!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your thoughts with us. Enjoy the races this weekend!