Santa Anita Oaks

Santa Anita Oaks
Grade II race
LocationSanta Anita Park
Arcadia, California, USA
Inaugurated1935
Race typeThoroughbred - Flat racing
Websitewww.santaanita.com
Race information
Distance8.5 furlongs (1+116 miles)
SurfaceDirt
TrackLeft-handed
QualificationThree-year-old fillies
Weight122 lbs.
Purse$200,000 (2020)

Santa Anita Oaks is an American Grade II Thoroughbred horse race held annually in early April at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Open to three-year-old fillies willing to race 8.5 furlongs (1+116 miles) on the dirt. The race is a Grade II event with a current purse of $200,000 and has been a prep race to the Triple Tiara of Thoroughbred Racing, including the Kentucky Oaks, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and Mother Goose Stakes.

Inaugurated in 1935 as a race for two-year-olds, it originated as the Santa Susana Stakes. In 1952 the race became the Santa Susana Handicap then in 1958 reverted to the Santa Susana Stakes. In 1986 it was given its current designation as the Santa Anita Oaks. In 2020 the event was downgraded to Grade II.

Since inception, the race has been set at various distances:

  • 1935 : 3 furlongs
  • 1937 - 1938 : 6 furlongs
  • 1939 - 1951 & 1956 : 7 furlongs
  • 1954 & 1957 : 8 furlongs
  • 1957 – present : 8.5 furlongs