Santa Anita Horse Racing Betting | Wagers, Schedules & More

Santa Anita is located in Arcadia, California and hosts some of the biggest horse races in North America including the Santa Anita Derby.

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About Santa Anita Horse Racing Betting

Santa Anita Park, one of America’s most iconic Thoroughbred racetracks, opened on Christmas Day, December 25, 1934, in Arcadia, California, founded by Dr. Charles H. “Doc” Strub and designed in striking Art Deco style by architect Gordon B. Kaufmann. Built on land tied to the historic Rancho Santa Anita (originally developed by “Lucky” Baldwin with an earlier track in 1907), it quickly became “The Great Race Place” with innovations like the photo finish camera in 1934, the inaugural Santa Anita Handicap in 1935, and legendary moments including Seabiscuit’s 1940 Big ‘Cap win. The track hosted major events like the 1984 Olympic equestrian competitions, multiple Breeders’ Cups (a record 11th planned for 2023, with more since), and faced challenges including WWII internment use (as an assembly center in 1942), ownership shifts (now under 1/ST Racing), surface changes (from dirt to synthetic in 2007, back to dirt in 2010), and preservation efforts as a historic landmark. It remains a premier winter/spring venue known for its scenic San Gabriel Mountains backdrop, beautiful grounds, and key races like the Santa Anita Derby and Handicap.

When Does Santa Anita Race?

Santa Anita Park’s current 2025-2026 Classic Meet (winter/spring season) opened on December 26, 2025, and runs through early April 2026 (ending around April 5, based on stakes like the Santa Anita Derby on April 4, 2026). Racing typically occurs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with occasional additional days like Mondays for holidays or special events. First post time is usually around 12:30 PM PT (sometimes 1:00 PM or adjusted), and gates open earlier.

What Are the Big Races at Santa Anita?

Santa Anita Derby (G1) — The premier 3-year-old prep for the Kentucky Derby, run at 1 1/8 miles on dirt in early April (e.g., April 4, 2026). With a $1 million purse, it’s produced numerous Derby winners and remains one of the most influential classics on the West Coast.
Santa Anita Handicap (Big ‘Cap) (G1) — A legendary handicap for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/4 miles on dirt, typically in early March (e.g., March 7, 2026). It’s one of America’s oldest and most storied races, with massive historical purses and iconic winners like Seabiscuit.
Malibu Stakes (G1) — The traditional opening-day sprint for 3-year-olds turning 4 at 7 furlongs on dirt, run in late December. It kicks off the winter/spring meet with high-profile fields and serves as a key Breeders’ Cup Sprint prep.
American Oaks (G1) — A major 3-year-old filly turf classic at 1 1/4 miles, often featured on opening weekend or key cards in late December/early January. It attracts top international and domestic talent on Santa Anita’s renowned grass course.
Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1) — A premier mile on turf for older horses, part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series. It’s a highlight of the meet, showcasing elite milers and adding to Santa Anita’s reputation for top-tier turf racing.

What is the Betting Menu at Santa Anita?

There are plenty of wagering options for horseplayers at Santa Anita.

Among the ways you can bet on Santa Anita are:

Win: Bet on a horse to finish first.

Place: Bet on a horse to finish first or second.

Show: Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.

Exotic Bets

Exacta: Pick the first and second place finishers in exact order.

Trifecta: Pick the first, second, and third place finishers in exact order.

Superfecta: Pick the first, second, third, and fourth place finishers in exact order.

Multi-Race Wagers

Daily Double: Pick the winners of two consecutive races.

Pick 3: Pick the winners of three consecutive races.

Offered multiple times per day, with the first Pick 3 starting on the first race and continuing through the day, and the final Pick 3 encompassing the last three races.

Pick 4: Pick the winners of four consecutive races.

Pick 5: Pick the winners of five consecutive races. Generally available on the first five and the last five races of the day.

Pick 6: Pick the winners of six consecutive races.

Super High Five: Pick the first five finishers in exact order.

Betting Minimums:

$2 for WPS

$1 Exacta, Double

$1 for Trifecta

.10 for Superfecta

$1 for Pick 3

.50 Pick 4, and Pick 5

$2 for Pick 6

What are the Takeout Rates at Santa Anita?

Win, Place, Show: 15.43%

Exacta: 22.68%

Trifecta, Superfecta: 23.68%

Daily Double: 20%

Late Double: 15%

High Five: 23.68%

Pick 3: 23.68%

Pick 4: 23.68%

Early Pick 5: 14%

Late Pick 5: 23.68%

Pick 6: 23.68%

Sunset Pick 6: 15%

Coast to Coast Pick 5: 15%

All Turf Pick 3: 15%

Can I Bet on Santa Anita at Iron Bets?

Horseplayers can watch and wager on the action from Santa Anita at Iron Bets! New players receive up to a $300 first deposit bonus, great rewards, free past performances, daily promotions and much more! Sign up at Iron Bets today!

Santa Anita Racetrack

285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007