The $250,000 California Cup Classic, at 1 1/8 miles, will highlight a total of 10 Cal Cup stakes races. “With the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships scheduled here at Oak Tree for Oct. 24 and 25, we’ve front-loaded the Cal Cup this meet to accommodate the Breeders’ Cup,” said Oak Tree Director and Executive Vice President Sherwood Chillingworth. “We are hoping the timing of this year’s event will enable some of our best Cal-bred horses to use the Cal Cup as their final prep for a run in the Breeders’ Cup at the end of the meet.”
In addition to full fields and competitive racing, the Cal Cup has built a tradition of success by developing social events in conjunction with the racing. Those activities will begin on Thursday, Oct. 2, when the Cal Cup XIX post position draw will be conducted at Santa Anita’s Clocker’s Corner. Another social highlight is the exclusive infield party on Oct. 5.
This very popular annual event is for supporters of the California Thoroughbred industry and it is expected to attract more than 2,000 guests.
First post time on Cal Cup day is scheduled for 12 noon. Oak Tree will begin its 40th season at Santa Anita on Wednesday, Sept. 24. First post time is 1 p.m. and all fans in attendance will receive a beautiful Oak Tree commemorative stein with paid admission. This year’s stein will feature the likeness of Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella and his record four Breeders’ Cup champions from 2003.