With the son of Gun Runner, trainer Todd Pletcher will aim for his first victory in the Big Cap, with Hit Show looming as the main threat
ARCADIA, California (Special for Thoroughbred Daily News).- Long before the Breeders’ Cup existed and even before the Triple Crown was recognized as such, the Santa Anita Handicap (G1, 1 1/4 miles, dirt) was already making history in the United States, elevating Santa Anita Park to the pinnacle of the sport and cementing its status as a cathedral of racing.
First run in 1935, just months after the track opened its doors, the race quickly became a prime target thanks to its then-unheard-of $100,000 purse. That massive prize led to its now-iconic nickname, The Big Cap, which it still carries to this day.
The inaugural edition was won by Azucar, an Irish-bred son of Milesius ridden by the legendary George Woolf. From that moment, the Santa Anita Handicap only grew in stature, featuring historic moments like Seabiscuit’s (Hard Tack) victory in 1937, when he was allowed to defeat Kayak (Congreve)—the Argentine star who had won the race in 1936. Over the decades, the race remained the premier event for older horses on the West Coast, even if it no longer carries quite the same mystique.
Several South American champions have also left their mark on The Big Cap, including Talón (ARG, Pantalón, 1948), Cougar II (CHI, Tale of Two Cities, 1973), Lord At War (ARG, General, 1985), Stuka (CHI, Jade Hunter, 1994), Siphon (BRZ, Itajara, 1997), Malek (CHI, Mocito Guapo, 1998), and Einstein (BRZ, Spend a Buck, 2009).
This Saturday, the Santa Anita Handicap will celebrate another renewal—unfortunately, without any South American contenders in the field.
With nine runners set to go postward, it may finally be Todd Pletcher’s turn to add his name to the race’s illustrious honor roll. His charge, Locked, is the deserving favorite, with José Luis Ortiz making the trip to ride. The Gun Runner colt kicked off his 2025 campaign with a strong runner-up finish behind White Abarrio (Race Day) in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park. Although he was forced to rally from far back, giving up significant ground early, he closed with a powerful late run—though the wire came too soon.
Standing in his way is Hit Show, a son of Argentine champion Candy Ride, representing the potent Brad Cox - Florent Geroux team. He has won four of his last five starts, with his only defeat coming in a fifth-place finish in the Clark Stakes (G2). His victories include the West Virginia Governor’s Stakes (G3), Lukas Classic Stakes (G2), Fayette Stakes (G2), and Louisiana Stakes (G3). Now, he seeks the elusive Grade 1 win to crown his résumé.
Two runners from Bob Baffert’s barn add intrigue: New King (Into Mischief) and Mirahmadi (Into Mischief). Both are stepping up in class after winning allowance races, but if the Hall of Famer has them in, they must be respected.
Chilean jockey Héctor Berríos will partner with Express Train (Union Rags), the 2022 Santa Anita Handicap winner, who also finished second in 2021. He prepped for this race with a runner-up finish in the San Pasqual Stakes (G2) behind Katonah (Klimt), another contender here, who will have Brazilian rider Tiago Pereira aboard.
The field is rounded out by J B Strikes Back (Goldencents), Midnight Mammoth (Midnight Lute), and Tarantino (Pioneerof the Nile), ensuring a competitive renewal of this historic event.
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