Santa Anita Park 🏇🏾 // Thurs., Dec. 26, 2024

Happy Thursday, Opening Day & Boxing Day! 🎁

We hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas & enjoyed the start of the penultimate week of this NFL season. Today, we turn our attention from the North Pole to SoCal and a different Santa. We are excited to welcome the Opening Day of the Classic Meet at Santa Anita Park as they kick off 90 years of world-class racing. Fun Fact: The first Santa Anita was built in 1907, also in Arcadia, CA (outside of Los Angeles), but had to close in 1909 due to anti-gambling laws in California. Following the legalization of pari-mutuel wagering in 1933, the present track opened on Dec. 25th, 1934.

We are certainly in for some Boxing Day gifts, as the folks at Santa Anita have put together an amazing 11-race card, highlighted by 6 Graded Stakes races - Three Grade 2 & Three Grade 1. The 300K American Oaks (G1) will close today's card—this 1 1/4 Miles race for 3-yr. Old Fillies will be run on Santa Anita's iconic Downhill Turf Course. Weather for today will be ideal, with temps in the 60s, setting up for fast & firm conditions.

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Need help pickin' winners? We've got you covered! Our (Always Free) #LundinLine's Top Picks and Best Bets are below in this post. We use them to help narrow the field while putting our tickets together.

The first post will be here soon, so don't be late - It's time to get #InTheMoney! 💰🤑

Oh, and don't forget to follow us @_TurtleSports and subscribe to our site so you don't miss any of the action. You'll be glad you did! Let's Ride! 🏇

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🏇🏻 Santa Anita Park // Thurs., Dec. 26th, 2024 🏇🏾

🏇🏾 1st Post @ 11:00 (PT) / 2:00 (ET)

R1: 4-3-9-1

R2: 1-7-3

R3: 12-1-9-5

R4: 4-2-3-9

R5: 13(AE)-5-11-4

R6Ⓢ: 6-5-7-2

R7Ⓢ: 4⭑-9-7-1

R8Ⓢ: 1-8-2-4

R9Ⓢ: 1-5-4-8

R10Ⓢ: 7-9-2-11

R11Ⓢ: 8⭑-4-3-13

⭑ Best Bet(s)

R7: Johannes (#4)

R11: She Feels Pretty (#8)

Ⓢtakes Races

R6: 200K Laffit Pinky, Jr. S. (G2)

1 1/16 Miles on Dirt for 3-yr. Olds & Up

R7: 200K San Gabriel S. (G2)

1 1/8 Miles on Turf for 3-yr. Olds & Up

R8: 300K Malibu S. (G1)

7 Furlongs on Dirt for 3-yr. Olds.

R9: 200K Mathis Mile S. (G2)

1 Mile on Turf for 3-yr. Olds

R10: 300K La Brea S. (G1)

7 Furlongs on Dirt for Fillies 3-Yrs Old

R11: 300K American Oaks (G1)

1 1/4 Miles on the Downhill Turf Course

For Fillies, 3 yrs. Old

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Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, is a holiday observed in several countries, particularly those with historical ties to the United Kingdom. Traditionally, it originated when servants, tradespeople, and the less fortunate would receive gifts, money, or food in “boxes” from their employers or patrons as a token of gratitude for their service throughout the year. Boxing Day is commonly associated with post-Christmas sales, sports events like football and rugby matches, and social gatherings with friends and family. While its historical roots emphasize generosity and charity, modern celebrations often blend relaxation and leisure with a continuation of the festive spirit.

Hit us up @_TurtleSports, and let us know what you think!

-TSL

/ As always, please forgive any typos and grammatical errors