They say all good things must come to an end and unfortunately for horseplayers, that’s the case this weekend at Santa Anita.  The Great Race Place has carded races pretty much every week since last Christmas, so they’re in for a well deserved break.  They’ve definitely earned it.

From Justify, McKinzie and Bolt d’Oro to Accelerate and City of Light, this year’s racing at Santa Anita has been nothing short of extraordinary.  Their wager menu has also exceeded expectations.  The Single Ticket Pick 6 has produced life-changing payouts, while the new Late Pick 5 has given handicappers more opportunities to play one of racing’s favorite bets.

But before Santa Anita shuts its doors for the summer, they’ve got an extraordinary closing weekend on the docket.  Here are some of the highlights:

Justify Parades Saturday

Join Xpressbet to watch live simulcast coverage as Triple Crown hero Justify parades between races (time TBD) this Saturday.  Plus, if you’re in the area, stop by the track and receive a free Justify poster and autograph from jockey Mike Smith.

Bet the San Carlos Stakes Saturday

Get ready for top sprinters to scorch across the Santa Anita dirt track in the Grade 2, $250,000 San Carlos Stakes.  Bob Baffert’s American Anthem, who won the Grade 2 Woody Stephens last summer, leads the field, along with Doug O’Neill’s Stone Hands, who has won two races in a row.  The San Carlos goes as Race 11 Saturday, at 8:00PM ET. 

Mandatory Payouts Sunday

Everything must go Sunday, including the Pick 6 Jackpot Carryover, which is $42,663 heading into Thursday’s races.  Pick 5’s, Pick 4’s and Super Hi-5’s will also have a mandatory payout on Sunday.

$500 Guaranteed Late Pick 4 Pools

Santa Anita is known for having the largest pools in North American racing, and the proof is in their guarantees.  Both Friday and Saturday have $500,000 Guaranteed Late Pick 4 pools, offering even more incentive to jump in. 

Saturday’s races have a special first post of 12:00PM ET, while Sunday gets underway at 12:30P ET.  Don’t show up late – the 14% Takeout Players’ Pick 5 starts with Race 1 both days!

For free picks for Santa Anita’s races, check out @missmegandevine, @TheMichelleYu and @Quigleys_Corner on Twitter!