Santa Anita Handicap History

Historically, it is one of the great races in the nation. March 9 will feature the 82^ndrunning of the Santa Anita Handicap, originally nicknamed the Hundred Grander for boasting the first $100,000 purse. After many years set at $1 million, the “Big Cap” is now run for $500,000.

The whole day is fantastic, featuring five stakes races, four graded. The grade 2 San Felipe could draw three of the biggest Kentucky Derby hopefuls – Game Winner, Improbable, and Instagrand. There is also the grade 1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile on the grass, the grade 2 San Carlos Stakes which is a sprint, and the China Doll Stakes for sophomore fillies on the grass.

But the main event is the Santa Anita Handicap, a race that could draw names like McKinzie and Gift Box. Even though the purse has shrunk, the race still produces some of the best older horses in the country. Last year’s winner was Accelerate, who used the race as a springboard to an Eclipse Championship year. In 2015, Shared Belief stormed home by 4 ¼ lengths in what was ultimately the last win of his storied life.

Game On Dude won in 2011, 2013, and 2014, beoming the only three-time winner in the race’s history. Two-time winners include Lava Man (2006 and 2007), Milwaukee Brew (2002 and 2003), and the immortal John Henry (1981 and 1982). Technically, Perrault won the race in 1982 but was disqualified, making way for John Henry’s second win. There have been two other disqualifications, with Intent winning but being placed second in 1952, and The Wicked North winning but being bumped down to fourth in 1994.

The 1998 edition was slated to showcase two of the best horses on the planet, Silver Charm and Gentlemen (Arg), in an epic matchup. The night before the race, Silver Charm was scratched with a foot bruise, and on raceday Gentlemen bled badly and finished last in a four-horse field behind winner Malek.

California-breds ruled the day in three consecutive years, with Free House (1999), General Challenge (2000), and the mighty Tiznow (2001) all scoring in a row. Lava Man was the last California-bred to win.

Some of the greats of the sport have won the Big Cap, starting with Seabiscuit in 1940. Round Table did it in 1958, Hill Rise in 1965, and then Ack Ack in 1971. Affirmed and Spectacular Bid both won it in their four-year-old seasons. The last Kentucky Derby winner to win was Alysheba in 1988. 

The Santa Anita Handicap is 1 ¼ miles on the main track. Find out who will be crowned the 2019 champion on March 9.