The forecast for Sunday, September 28, at Santa Anita Park calls for partly cloudy skies with a high of approximately 83°F (28∘°C), a low chance of precipitation, and light winds from the southwest at 5-10 mph. These conditions are ideal for a fast, dry main dirt track, which will suit speed-oriented horses perfectly for the six-furlong dash.
Key Takeaways:
The $200,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, is one of the premier sprint races in the country. The six-furlong dash on the main dirt track serves as a crucial final prep, as it has historically been a launching pad to the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1).
This year's edition has drawn a select but talented field of eight older horses, featuring a former champion, a recent graded stakes winner, and a major class-cutting wildcard. While the race offers several betting options, these three stand out as the top plays for 2025.
The one to beat is the Dan Blacker-trained reigning champion sprinter, Straight No Chaser. This 6-year-old horse is the defending winner of both this race and the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1). Earlier this year, he showed his dominance with a gate-to-wire score in the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) in Saudi Arabia.
Although he hasn't raced since a disappointing finish in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) in April, his connections have given him ample time, and he has been training sharply for his return. As a proven Grade 1 performer at this distance and with Hall of Fame jockey John R. Velazquez in the irons, the long layoff may be the only question mark, but his class should prevail.
Dr. Venkman (3/1)
The biggest threat to the favorite is the Mark Glatt trainee, Dr. Venkman. This 5-year-old gelding enters the Sprint Championship in career-best form, coming off a game, half-length victory in the Grade 2 Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar, a race that earned him a fees-paid berth into the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1).
While the six-furlong distance is a slight cutback from his recent seven-furlong win, he has proven competitive in short races, including a second in the Grade 3 Triple Bend Stakes earlier this year. Drawing the rail under Umberto Rispoli, he should get a clean trip just off the expected hot pace and unleash a powerful late run. He has a perfect in-the-money record (4 wins, 4 seconds) from 10 career starts, proving his consistency and class.
Among the other contenders, the most intriguing is the Bob Baffert-trained Imagination. This 4-year-old colt is a Grade 2 winner but is cutting back drastically in distance, having previously focused on two-turn route races, including a runner-up finish in the 2024 Santa Anita Derby (G1).
The move to a six-furlong sprint is an unusual play for a horse of his pedigree and running style, but his connections are undoubtedly trying to capitalize on his tactical speed. His class level is undeniable, and at a generous 5/2 morning line, he offers value as a major wildcard. With leading rider Juan J. Hernandez taking the mount, if he can handle the sharp cutback, he has the raw talent to dominate.
The 2025 Santa Anita Sprint Championship is a highly anticipated clash between speed and class. Straight No Chaser is the proven sprint champion, Dr. Venkman is the iron-consistent recent graded winner, and Imagination is the intriguing, class-dropping talent. These three offer the best combination of quality and value, and all roads from this exciting Grade 2 event are sure to lead directly to the Breeders' Cup.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
