Hughes and Miss Monica Head Nominee Lists for Los Alamitos Stakes
Rising Stars Set to Shine: Los Alamitos Gears Up for Premier Juvenile Stakes
Anticipation Builds for the Los Alamitos Futurity: Unbeaten Hughes Leads a Strong Field of Nominees
The Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity has attracted a formidable list of 50 nominees, with the undefeated colt Hughes at the forefront. This impressive two-year-old, who broke his maiden at Los Alamitos on June 21, has since maintained a flawless record, culminating in a dominant victory at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on October 30 at Keeneland. His consistent performance and unblemished record make him a standout contender for this significant race, which will cover a distance of 1 1/16 miles.
Miss Monica Tops the Starlet Nominations: A Promising Filly's Quest for Another Grade 1 Title
In the filly division, Miss Monica, a stablemate of Hughes, leads the charge among 35 nominees for the Starlet (G2). This talented filly previously secured a victory in the prestigious Del Mar Debutante (G1) before delivering a strong second-place finish in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Her proven ability at the highest level positions her as a top contender for the Starlet, also contested over 1 1/16 miles, making it a pivotal event in her burgeoning career.
Winter Thoroughbred Meet at Los Alamitos: A Highlight of the Racing Calendar
The upcoming winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos is set to host these two highly anticipated races. The Los Alamitos Futurity is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, following the Starlet, which will take place a week earlier on December 5. These events are crucial for two-year-olds aiming to make their mark on the national racing scene, offering significant purses and prestigious titles.
The Baffert Factor: Trainer Bob Baffert's Dominance at the Los Alamitos Futurity
Hughes is under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who boasts an exceptional record in the Los Alamitos Futurity. Since the race's relocation from Hollywood Park to Los Alamitos in 2014, Baffert has captured the Futurity an astounding nine times. His continued success in this event highlights his expertise in developing top-tier juvenile talent, making his nominees, including Salahudin and Imperial Honor, closely watched contenders.
Miss Monica's Starlet Ambitions: Baffert's Unrivaled Success in the Filly Division
Miss Monica, owned by Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, is one of 13 fillies nominated by trainer Bob Baffert to the Starlet. Baffert's record in this race is equally impressive, with an unprecedented nine consecutive victories from 2017 to 2025. This long-standing dominance underscores his ability to prepare fillies for success in major stakes races, making Miss Monica a strong candidate to continue his winning streak.