Straight No Chaser Set to Repeat the Formula in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship

The Eclipse Award-winning sprinter begins his march toward the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, facing Dr. Venkman and Speed Boat Beach as his chief rivals

Straight No Chaser Captures His Most Recent Breeders’ Cup Sprint / BREEDERS' CUP

ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).- A year ago, Straight No Chaser (Speightster) launched his assault on American sprinting with a win in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2), setting the stage for a standout performance in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Del Mar and ultimately earning the Eclipse Award as the nation’s top sprinter. This Sunday, the dark bay will attempt to replicate that formula as he defends his title in the traditional California feature, which carries an automatic berth to the November 1 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar.

The Dan Blacker-trained colt, racing in the colors of MyRacehorse, returns to the U.S. following an international campaign in the Middle East. In February, he scored a winning debut in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G3), but later could not replicate that form in Dubai, finishing eighth in the Golden Shaheen (G1). With John Velázquez back in the saddle, the champion has now accumulated 7 wins in 12 starts with earnings exceeding $2.6 million.

This Sunday’s challenge at Santa Anita will be formidable. Among his rivals is Dr. Venkman (Ghostzapper), coming off the best win of his career in the Pat O’Brien (G2) at Del Mar, showcasing excellent current form. Trained by Mark Glattand ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the 5-year-old gelding boasts 4 wins and 4 seconds in 10 starts, with earnings over $660,000.

The third key contender is Speed Boat Beach (Bayern), trained by Bob Baffert, who looks to rebound after two below-par efforts. The gray will be guided by Mike Smith, while Juan Hernández takes the mount on stablemate Imagination, a surprising late addition to the field.

A total of eight runners are entered in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship, a race that traditionally serves as the West Coast’s prime showcase for elite sprinters. All eyes will be on Straight No Chaser, aiming to reclaim his spot at the top and take the first step toward a dream repeat in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.