Good things come to those who wait is what I was once told as a youngster. That seems to be the case for Southern California racing fans to close 2025. Mother nature has stepped in forcing track officials to push the traditional December 26 opening day card at Santa Anita Park back until Sunday, December 28. All good here though. It should make for an outstanding Sunday Funday that has been made even better by the 1/ST BET and Xpressbet marketing team. They have not only brought the Exacta-Thon back just a week after the $5000 promotion at Gulfstream Park last Saturday, but they have upped the ante to $10,000! The goal once again is to connect on the most $2 exactas over the course of the 11-race extravaganza. Those who hit five, split $7,500, the customer(s) who hit the most, get the other $2,500. Here are a few I will include as part of my attempt at the $10k.

Race 2:

My first play of the day comes in this MSW event for 2YOs where I expect most horseplayers to understandably gravitate to the Bob Baffert uncoupled entry of #1 Winston Ave and #4 Newton. Winston Ave holds the experience edge after coming from off the pace to finish second on debut last month at Del Mar. His stablemate Newton comes in off a long series of drills and attracts Juan Hernandez for his first lifetime start. He could be quick, but the amount of gate works leading up to his debut is a bit concerning. I will try to beat them both with #2 Liam Smith. The Donald Dizney homebred is a half to talented Brian Lynch runner Jimmys Dailys and comes in off some quick local drills. New jock to the colony Emisael Jaramillo will be onboard. For those not familiar with Jaramillo, he is one of the best in the game at getting a horse into the race. Hopefully, he can do just that with this son of Midshipman.

Play: Exacta 2 with 1+3+4


Race 7:

The late Pick 5 kicks off with this first-level allowance down the hill where there are only two horses I fully trust over this unique configuration. #1 Anmer Hall is the deserving 7-2-ML favorite. He has 5 career wins, 3 over this course, and even won at the 6.5-furlong distance out of town at Kentucky Downs in mid-September. The only concern for those willing to swallow chalk is the inside draw and lack of early speed. Antonio Fresu knows him well, so I am not too worried about him getting caught on the rail, but I do think #8 Mucho Del Oro could get the jump. The 7YO gelding makes his third start since entering the George Papaprodromou barn this fall. He was off slow last out costing him any chance in a five-furlong dash at Del Mar and prior to that he went very quick early before fading back to fourth in the Eddie D (G2). He is 7 for 16 over this course and could be tough to catch if Edwin Maldonado can control the early pace.

Play: Exacta Box 1-8


Race 9: San Gabriel (G3)

This year’s San Gabriel field does not have that much speed signed on. #6 Nesso’s Lastharrah could be the pacesetter, but he missed the break last out in a softer spot and has been on the sidelines since. #9 Cabo Spirit is the only other runner in here with any sort of early zip. The son of Pioneerof the Nile is consistent when he has things his way. Last out in the Seabiscuit, it was Umberto Rispoli aboard not normal rider Mike Smith. Rispoli opted to stalk just off the early pace going 8.5-furlongs at Del Mar and ended up tiring badly late. With Smith back onboard, I expect him to be aggressive from his outside draw, especially if the pace appears moderate early. Either way, I like the chances of one of these price options to have things their way early and be tough to get by late. At their likely off odds, not only can I get a lot of bang for my buck, but also could knock down an exacta that most other players will whiff on in the Exacta-Thon.

Play: Exacta 6+9 with 4+6+8+9


Have a great holiday and I will be back on Saturday with full card selections for this fantastic opening day slate at the Great Race Place!!