Breeders’ Cup Winner Splendora Takes On 6 Rivals In Newly Named Grade II D. Wayne Lukas Stakes Saturday At Santa Anita
At 0h04, on February 6, 2026 • By Santa Anita Park
Splendora, last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner, returns to action for trainer Bob Baffert against six rivals in the Grade II, $200,000 D. Wayne Lukas Stakes for older fillies and mares going seven furlongs at Santa Anita.
The D. Wayne Lukas Stakes had been known as the Santa Monica since its inaugural running in 1957. It was renamed this year in honor of the legendary trainer who died in June at the age of 89. In the Lukas field is Lemon Muffin, who made 21 starts for Lukas prior to his passing. She is now trained by Patrick Gallagher.
Splendora won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint by a decisive 4 ¾ lengths on Nov. 1 at Del Mar under Flavien Prat. Last year, Splendora finished fourth in this race behind winner Kopion. A 5-year-old mare by Audible, Splendora is 10: 5-4-0 with $860,800 in earnings for owner By Talla Racing. She’ll be ridden by Juan Hernandez, who piloted Splendora to victory in the Tranquility Lake at Del Mar prior to the Breeders’ Cup.
Among Splendora’s chief rivals are Formula Rossa and Simply Joking, the two-three finishers in the GI La Brea for 3-year-old fillies on Dec. 28.
Formula Rossa is trained by Mark Glatt for owner Muir Hut Stable. She was the 2-1 favorite in the La Brea, but proved to be no match for winner Usha when finishing 6 ¼ lengths behind that rival. She previously also finished second behind highly regarded Sweet Azteca when making her stakes debut in the GIII Rancho Bernardo going 6 ½ furlongs at Del Mar. Formula Rossa, by Vekoma, will be ridden by Mike Smith.
