Horse racing news and analysis from Saratoga, Santa Anita and the 2023 Breeders' Cup.

Racing returns to Santa Anita the day after Christmas

It’s the start of a new season when racing returns to Santa Anita on Friday, December 26.

The feature race on the opening day card is the G1 Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds going 7 furlongs.

Ten horses will go postward including the heavy favorite, Shared Belief, who was a well beaten fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic after a troubled beginning. Before that race this son of Candy Ride narrowly won the G1 Awesome Again at 1 1/8 miles. His only win at the distance was over the Cushion Track at the now defunct Hollywood Park. He’s 7 for 8 in the winners circle with earning of nearly $2 million and looks to be well placed to get the victory.

If you’re looking for a way to beat Shared Belief the likely choice would have to be the Baffert trainee Chitu who’s last race was a winning effort in the 7 furlong Damascus Stakes, a non-graded event for $100K.

Get the free Brisnet pps for the Malibu Stakes here.

Watch the live stream of all the races on CalRacing.com

Note: This story was originally published in the past and has been republished as we transition over to our new blog.