How to bet the 2025 Desi Arnaz Stakes

A cast of six two-year-old fillies will travel seven-eighths on Del Mar's main oval in the $100,000 Desi Arnaz S., which was rescheduled for Sunday. The Bob Baffert-trained #3 Himika romped home in the recent Anoakia S. at Santa Anita, and while the filly is sure to be a small price once again, I feel that we can find value underneath in the exotics. 

Desi Arnaz Wagers

• $20 exacta 3 with 6 ($20)
• $10 exacta 3 with 5 ($10)

Himika was a popular and impressive debut winner at Santa Anita in June and followed that tally up with an equally dominant score in the Sorrento S. (G3) on this course in the summer. The March foal went unplaced in two subsequent efforts, but the move back to six panels aided her last time, and she looks strong against this particular group. Juan Hernandez will guide the talented bay.

#6 Cosmic Heat put in a fine late run to graduate at first asking following a tardy break for conditioner Peter Eurton. The Kentucky-bred will have to improve to challenge the favorite on Saturday, but she was flattered when the horse that she conquered in her unveiling came back to win and register an 86 Brisnet Speed figure on this oval on Nov. 2 next time out. The Maxfield filly figures to be well back early before picking off runners in the late stretch under the guidance of the talented Hector Berrios. 

#5 Heaven’s Bolt was a game sprint winner at Del Mar on debut on Aug. 30 prior to being eased after chasing the pace in the Oak Leaf S. (G2) at Santa Anita most recently. The $95,000 daughter of Bolt d’Oro gets a pass for her latest run and comes into this endeavor with a nice four-furlong morning move as of late. The Richard Baltas pupil wouldn’t surprise me if she shows significant improvement and records a top-three finish at a price, with Kimura inheriting the mount. 

I’m taking a stand against #4 Revera in the dash. The Anoakia runner-up obviously has talent with a trio of top-two results to commence her career, but her Brisnet Speed rating has regressed in each start, and seven furlongs might not be her best distance. At a short price, I’ll let her best me.