Successful title defenses were the theme at Santa Anita on Saturday. Merneith rebuffed Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) heroine Ce Ce to retain her crown in the Santa Monica (G2), and Express Train likewise scored a repeat in the San Pasqual (G2).

Although 1-5 favorite Hot Rod Charlie won a protracted battle with front-running Eight Rings in Sunday’s $201,000 San Antonio (G2), he ultimately lost the war.

Sunday's $200,000 San Antonio (G2) features Hot Rod Charlie, and on the undercard at Santa Anita, Beholder’s first foal, Q B One, makes his long-awaited premiere.

Finally poised to fulfill his early promise, Ginobili scored a stakes breakthrough in Saturday’s $202,000 Pat O’Brien (G2) and booked his spot in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Del Mar.

The top two from last year’s Pat O’Brien (G2), C Z Rocket and Flagstaff, were entered for Saturday’s $200,000 renewal at Del Mar.

Launching a perfectly timed move for leading rider Flavien Prat, Dr. Schivel snared Saturday’s $301,500 Bing Crosby S. (G1) and a free berth to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) back at Del Mar.

A “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), Saturday’s $300,000 Bing Crosby S. (G1) could have added relevance this year.

Jockey Juan Hernandez won two of Santa Anita’s three graded races on Saturday, beating the favorite both times. The biggest surprise came in the $196,000 Charles Whittingham S. (G2).

Pool 1 of the 2020 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) will be offered this week beginning Thanksgiving Day and concluding Sunday at 6 p.m. (EST).