After a couple days of cancellations due to consistent weather issues in Southern California, racing is back on Friday afternoon for the first card of 2026 at Santa Anita Park. The 8-race slate kicks off at 3:30 pm ET / 12:30 pm PT and is headlined by a first-level allowance event at 6 furlongs over the main track. Here are a few horses I will build my January 2 around at the Great Race Place.
Race 1:
The opener is for newly turned 3YO fillies traveling one-mile over the main track. The two-turn event certainly goes through Go Go Greys Stable, #2 Miss Watermelon. The daughter of Cairo Prince debuted at Keeneland for trainer Jonathan Thomas in a turf route back in early October and failed to fire after a slow start despite taking noticeable public money. She then flew out to Southern California where she once again did not get out of the gates great, but found a good stalking spot before finishing a strong second to a Baffert favorite. If she can get out of the gate in better order this afternoon, she could be a tough customer, but I will try to get the jump on her with #4 Wolf Hill. The Estate of Brereton Jones homebred goes two sprints to a route for a barn that rarely has their runners cranked early on in their career. Last out the Upstart filly, was caught in a tricky spot between horses before being able to grind away another underneath finish. Hopefully, she can break on top, find a prominent spot early, and have enough left late to hold off her main rivals from behind.
Play: #4 Wolf Hill (5-1 ML)
Race 6:
Trainer George Papaprodromou can win races in bunches. The veteran conditioner got off to a great start to the meet with a win in the San Gabriel (G3) on Opening Day and followed up with two victories on day 2. I am hoping he stays hot in this first-level allowance with #7 Comedy Town. The 8YO gelding had been in the Saffie Joseph Jr barn, but the Florida-bred moved out west before his last start and ran a solid second to last-to-first winner Speedy Wilson in a similar spot. The effort was flattered when Speedy Wilson came back and put forth a strong third-place effort in the Malibu (G1) to Goal Oriented. Comedy Town should be set for a good one first off the claim since he cuts back a furlong and should find a perfect stalking spot just off the early pace. From there he is likely to finish the deal under jockey Hector Berrios. A potential single for those playing the late horizontals.
Play: #7 Comedy Town (5-2 ML)
Race 8:
The Friday finale is a rock-bottom state-bred maiden claimer at 5.5-furlongs over the main track where I like the chances of #6 One Happy Dude. The Terry Lovinger homebred has had his chances at the level, but seems to be moving forward steadily for trainer Steve Knapp. Last out, the son of Governor Charlie got out of the gate pretty well, settled early, and put in a strong late run to earn second to a dominant gate-to-wire winner from the George Papaprodromou barn. The 3YO colt should be set for a career best with jockey Tiago Pereira back in the saddle.
Play: #6 One Happy Dude (4-1 ML)
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