Run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt since 1976, the Santa Margarita Stakes was an invitational race until 2013. Held at Santa Anita, it is the first Grade 1 of the year for fillies and mares 4 years of age and older. Two mares have won the race twice with Bayakoa winning in back-to-back years while Paseana won it in 1992 and 1994. The 2015 winner of the race, Warren’s Veneda holds the record for the largest margin of victory in the race at 7 ¼ lengths with Tyler Baze aboard.
Run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt since 1976, the Santa Margarita Stakes was an invitational race until 2013. Held at Santa Anita, it is the first Grade 1 of the year for fillies and mares 4 years of age and older. Two mares have won the race twice with Bayakoa winning in back-to-back years while Paseana won it in 1992 and 1994. The 2015 winner of the race, Warren’s Veneda holds the record for the largest margin of victory in the race at 7 ¼ lengths with Tyler Baze aboard. Winners of this race include Horse of the Year winners Azeri and Zenyatta in addition to other champions such as Lady’s Secret, Bayakoa, Paseana, Jewel Princess and Breeders’ Cup Distaff winners Life is Sweet and Adoration.