How to bet the 2026 San Juan Capistrano Stakes

A deep field of 10 will run a demanding 1 3/4 miles on the Santa Anita green on Sunday in the $100,000 San Juan Capistrano (G3). Multiple graded stakes winner #6 Gold Phoenix is the class of the field, and it’s difficult to go against the ageless gelding in this endeavor. Trained by Phil D’Amato, the eight-year-old continues to run at a high level and will appreciate the measure of class relief in his return to the Golden State. 

San Juan Capistrano Wagers

• $15 exacta 6 with 4,5 ($30)
• 50-cent superfecta 6 with 1,4,5 with 1,4,5 with all ($21)

Unplaced in the deep Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby day at nine furlongs, the five-time local victor gets more ground to work with on a strip where he has enjoyed considerable success. The $2.3 million earner was a measured winner of the San Luis Rey (G3) on the oval two back at 1 1/4 miles, and I expect the son of Belardo to handle the 13 furlongs with relative ease on Sunday, with Hector Berrios retaining the ride.  

There is a significant drop-off from the favorite from a class standpoint in the tilt, and I will focus on a trio of runners underneath for the exotics. #4 American Hope ran well in a 1 3/8-mile try in his 2025 finale at Churchill and comes off a smart allowance score at nine furlongs here, second off the shelf. The Brian Koriner pupil was full of energy late in that tally and might appreciate more ground with Armando Ayuso up.

The Ron Ellis-trained #5 Living Life also comes off of a nice allowance victory, and the dark bay son of Flatter ran an even race at 1 1/2 miles on the carpet three back behind the top pick. I can’t envision the Kentucky-bred upsetting the group, but any improvement off of his latest showing will give him a top-three chance beneath Joel Rosario. 

#1 Grogu is a winner at 10 furlongs on the local lawn and should benefit from being on the rail to save ground throughout the race. The five-year-old son of Get Stormy didn’t show much turn of foot in an allowance prep for this tilt last time, but I think that he will improve in his second run since February with Cesar Belmont taking the reins. The price will be right.