Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. teamed up to turn a big-race double on Memorial Day at Santa Anita.

The adjective in his name fits Formidable Man, who figures to be a shorter price than usual in search of his fourth career graded stakes triumph Monday in the $300,000 Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Santa Anita.

Jockey Umberto Rispoli swept both Grade 1s on Santa Anita's turf Monday, masterminding similar trips aboard Anisette in the Gamely and Johannes in the Shoemaker Mile.

Brazilian champion Macadamia took a while to transfer that level of form to Southern California, but Monday’s $401,000 Gamely (G1) proved that she’s on the top of her game now.

Monday’s $500,000 Shoemaker Mile (G1), the first Breeders’ Cup Challenge event staged at a U.S. track this year, has added significance: it’s also held at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup host site, Santa Anita.

Well regarded but lightly raced European import Ocean Road delivered a breakout performance in Monday’s $400,500 Gamely (G1) at Santa Anita.

After the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1), Santa Anita’s Grade 1 action on Memorial Day shifts to turf for the Shoemaker Mile (G1), a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), and the Gamely (G1) for turf distaffers.

The ninth furlong of Monday’s $301,000 Gamely S. (G1) turned out to be a bridge too far for 9-10 favorite Charmaine’s Mia, but it was right in the target zone for Maxim Rate.