Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Nevada Beach Clinches Classic Berth as Baffert Sweeps Key Santa Anita Preps

The Hall of Famer exits the meet with new Breeders’ Cup options across Classic, Sprint and Distaff.

Imagination and jockey Juan Hernandez, right, outleg Dr. Venkman (Umbeto Rispoli), left, to win the Grade II, $200,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship, Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia CA. (Benoit Photo)
Nevada Beach and jockey Mike Smith iwn the Grade I $300,000 Goodwood Stakes Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA. (Benoit Photo)

Overview

  • Nevada Beach scored an 8-1 upset in the Grade 1 Goodwood at Santa Anita, defeating heavy favorite Full Serrano and earning an automatic berth to the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.
  • Bob Baffert scratched Gaming from the Goodwood, leaving Nevada Beach and Privman to run; Privman finished third as Mike Smith piloted Nevada Beach to a 1:48.43 victory.
  • Imagination won the Santa Anita Sprint Championship to secure a free entry to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, with Baffert indicating the Sprint is a live option given the berth.
  • Cavalieri overcame a rough start to win the Zenyatta Stakes, reinforcing Baffert’s Distaff hand alongside Seismic Beauty, who is confirmed to go straight to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
  • Baffert’s broader lineup remains in motion as juvenile Brant’s final prep (American Pharoah or training up to the Juvenile) is undecided, Nysos has been redirected to the Dirt Mile after a foot bruise, and his resume is underscored by Equibase’s tally of 260 North American Grade 1 wins and a No. 4 TRC global ranking.