The weekend is here, and all eyes are on Santa Anita Park as it prepares to host the 2025 City of Hope Mile Stakes. This prestigious Grade 2 race, a crucial stop on the road to the Breeders’ Cup, offers a significant purse and a chance at glory.
Located in the picturesque Arcadia, California, Santa Anita’s iconic backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains and its famously fair dirt and turf courses set the stage for elite thoroughbred competition. The weather forecast calls for clear skies and a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal conditions for a swift-paced mile on the turf.
The track surface should be firm and fast, allowing these turf specialists to showcase their true speed and stamina. Punters and professional bettors are keenly studying every detail to secure the best opportunities, and we know you want to place your best bet on the City of Hope Mile Stakes.
The City of Hope Mile Stakes has a storied history, serving as a key preparatory race for top turf runners since its inception. It has historically attracted some of the fastest turf milers in the country, often with past winners going on to capture championships and major stakes races.
Notable past winners include the lightning-fast Turf King, who used this race as a launching pad for a dominant Breeders' Cup Mile victory, and the tenacious mare, Greenlight, who overcame a poor start to win this race in a photo finish before a successful international campaign. The race's legacy of producing champions makes it a must-watch event for anyone interested in horse racing, whether you are a novice looking to explore the sport or a seasoned handicapper preparing your next big move.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Johannes | Umberto Rispoli | Tim Yakteen | Cuyathy | 1:32.45 |
| 2023 | Hong Kong Harry (IRE) | Juan Hernandez | Phillip D'Amato | Scott Anastasi, Jimmy Ukegawa & Tony Valazza | 1:33.77 |
| 2022 | Beyond Brilliant | Victor Espinoza | John Shirreffs | C R K Stable | 1:32.61 |
| 2021 | Mo Forza | Flavien Prat | Peter L. Miller | Bardy Farm & OG Boss | 1:32.45 |
| 2020 | Mo Forza | Flavien Prat | Peter L. Miller | Bardy Farm & OG Boss | 1:32.09 |
Understanding the race’s history and the types of horses that have succeeded here is a vital part of informed City of Hope Mile Stakes betting. The current buzz around the City of Hope Mile Stakes Odds only intensifies the excitement.
Johannes enters the 2025 City of Hope Mile Stakes as the prohibitive morning line favorite, set at 1-1. This four-year-old colt, by the talented sire Nyquist, has shown an explosive turn of foot in his previous starts.
Trainer Tim Yakteen has him primed for a bounce-back performance after a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap. We cannot hold that race against him; it was an incredibly tough field, and a trip to the East Coast can always throw a horse off its game. Yakteen, a master at bringing horses back to peak form, has undoubtedly had this race circled on his calendar since that last outing.
Jockey Umberto Rispoli, known for his patient hands and powerful finishes, retains the mount, and their chemistry together is undeniable. When they are on their game, few can stop them. Johannes possesses a closing style that benefits from a fast pace, and given the speed he signed on for this race, he should have a perfect setup.
His pedigree on the sire side suggests a horse that thrives on the turf, and his past performances in California, including a convincing stakes victory at Santa Anita, show he has a home-court advantage. He is the horse everyone will be trying to beat, and a top contender in any serious City of Hope Mile Stakes betting scenario.
Almendares, a five-year-old gelding by the versatile sire Havana Grey, sits at a morning line of 3-1. Trainer Philip D'Amato, known as a master conditioner of turf runners, has done a superb job managing this horse's career. Almendares last ran in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile, where he finished a game second behind a very talented rival. This result showed he belongs in this company and that he is rounding into his best form just in time for this race. His previous victory was a display of sheer determination, as he fought off a challenge in the stretch to win by a neck, a display of his grit and courage.
Jockey Antonio Fresu, a top rider in Southern California, has partnered with Almendares in his last several starts, and their chemistry is evident on the track. Almendares possesses a grinding, late-running style, which could benefit from a strong pace up front. His recent work tab leading up to this race has been solid, and D'Amato has him primed for a peak performance. While he may not be the flashiest horse in the field, his reliability and class make him a top pick for anyone analyzing the City of Hope Mile Stakes Odds.
Cabo Spirit, a five-year-old gelding by Pioneerof the Nile, holds a morning line of 9-2. This is another horse with proven form, coming off a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile. Trainer George Papaprodromou has him in excellent form, and his consistency on the turf is his greatest asset. He consistently delivers a strong performance and appears to run at his best when the competition intensifies. His previous victory in a graded stakes race at Santa Anita showcased his ability to win on this very course.
Jockey Mike E. Smith, the Hall of Fame rider known as "Big Money Mike" for his success in big races, retains the mount. Smith's experience and tactical expertise in high-pressure situations are invaluable, and he knows how to maximize the performance of his mounts.
Cabo Spirit has a versatile running style, capable of sitting just off the pace or coming from the middle of the pack. This adaptability could serve him well in a race with a wide range of different running styles. His recent form and the combination of his connections make him a must-consider for anyone looking to place a wager.
Final Boss, a four-year-old colt by the legendary American Pharoah, sits at a morning line of 4-1. Trainer John W. Sadler, a perennial leader in the trainer standings, has placed this horse perfectly in this spot. Final Boss’s last performance was a sixth-place finish in the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap, which was at a longer distance. He showed good early speed in that race before tiring in the stretch, and the cut back to a mile should be precisely what he needs to be effective. His pedigree is outstanding, and American Pharoah’s progeny often show significant improvement with age and experience.
Jockey Juan J. Hernandez, a top rider in the country, retains the mount. Hernandez’s tactical savvy and strong finishes perfectly complement Final Boss’s running style. His ability to get a horse to relax early and then ask for their best effort in the final stages is a valuable skill. The combination of an elite trainer, a top-class jockey, and a horse with a strong pedigree and a love for the Santa Anita turf makes Final Boss a serious contender.
Zio Jo, a five-year-old horse by Nyquist, comes into this race as a longshot at 10-1. Trainer Doug F. O’Neill, known for his big-race successes, has been targeting this race for some time. The horse’s form might not look flashy on paper, but a deeper dive into his past performances reveals a horse that can compete when the pace is right. He ran a strong fourth in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile last time out, a very competitive race, and he was only beaten by a little more than a length. Before that, he finished a good third in a tough allowance race. His jockey, Mirco Demuro, is a top international rider who will be aggressive in getting Zio Jo into a good position early.
Zio Jo is a classic grinder; he needs a lot of things to go his way, including a fast pace and some racing luck. But if the favorites falter or the race turns into a cavalry charge in the stretch, Zio Jo could surprise everyone with a late run and provide a huge payout for those who bet on the City of Hope Mile Stakes at his generous odds.
Scoobie Quando, a five-year-old gelding by the versatile sire Uncle Mo, holds a morning line of 20-1. Trainer Michael W. McCarthy has worked with this horse throughout his career, and he believes Scoobie Quando has a chance to pull off a massive upset. The horse's last race was a disappointing sixth-place finish in a Del Mar allowance race, but he has been training well since. Sometimes a horse just needs a change of scenery and a major stakes race to wake up and run their best.
Jockey Kazushi Kimura, a talented rider, gets the mount. He is a jockey on the rise and could provide the perfect guidance for this longshot. Scoobie Quando’s pedigree suggests he can handle the turf and the distance, but his recent form is certainly a concern. However, for those who love to find value in the betting market, Scoobie Quando represents a truly high-risk, high-reward proposition. His presence makes the City of Hope Mile Stakes Odds even more interesting, as he could potentially blow up the exotics if he can outrun his odds and finish in the money.
The 2025 City of Hope Mile Stakes promises a thrilling contest with multiple horses possessing legitimate chances at victory. Johannes, the morning line favorite, appears to have the class and form to justify his short odds despite a poor last outing. His trainer and jockey form a formidable team, and his last race was a perfect prep. However, he will face strong competition from Almendares and Cabo Spirit, both coming off impressive finishes in the same prep race. Final Boss, a well-bred contender from a top barn, will also be a major player. The longshots, including Zio Jo and Scoobie Quando, offer tempting odds and could turn the race on its head with a late run.
This race is not just about picking the winner; it is about finding the right value and placing your bets with confidence. The variety of running styles and the depth of talent in this field make it a handicapper’s dream. We have provided you with a deep look into each contender’s past performance, trainer, and jockey, along with a keen analysis of the City of Hope Mile Stakes Odds.
Now, you have the knowledge and insights to craft your own winning ticket. Don’t wait; get ready to bet on the City of Hope Mile Stakes and join the excitement of one of the year’s premier horse races.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
