3 minute read

A crowd of 35,000 turned out for Santa Anita's delayed opening day and were rewarded with some very good racing.

One of the highlights of the day was Mike Smith riding a 4-timer including a record-breaking 217th Gr 1!

The G2 San Antonio was no problem for Gift Box who defeated King Abner 25/1 and Midcourt.

Another favourite followed with Lady Prancealot winning the American Oaks from Mucho Unusual and Pretty Point 25/1.

The La Brea saw Mike Smith win on John Shirriff's Hard Not To Love by 2 ¼ lengths to favourite Bellafina with Mother Mother third.

Back to a winning favourite in the Malibu where another Mike Smith horse won in Omaha Beach.  The horse will now go to Florida for the Pegasus, which is expected to be his finale.

And to round up a day for happy punters Mo Forza took out the Turf Mile.