Planetario Kicks Off 2024 Campaign in San Marcos

Red Rafa Stud's Planetario  returns Feb. 4 for his seasonal debut in the $100,000 San Marcos Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park. He leads a field of seven scheduled to race 1 1/4 miles on the downhill turf course.

A two-time group 1 winner in his native Brazil, Planetario adjusted to racing stateside in 2023 with two graded victories; the San Juan Capistrano Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park June 18 and his most recent start in the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (G2T) at Del Mar Nov. 24. Both victories were at longer distances, but his first Brazilian group 1 victory came at 1 1/4 miles, which he finished in 2:02.75.

Bee Zee, Lanes End Racing, St. Elias Stables, Edward Babington, Edward Hudson Jr., and Edward and Lynne Hudson's graded stakes winner Missed the Cut  returns off a runner-up finish to California's turf division leader Easter  in his last start, the San Gabriel Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Dec. 26. Prior to that, he took a shot at the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) and finished 12th.

Also in the field is Calvin Nguyen and Joey Tran's graded stakes winner Balladeer , who was fourth in the Hollywood Turf Cup behind Planetario. Before that, the Distorted Humor  son was ninth in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Santa Anita.

Forecast rain over the weekend in Southern California leaves the possibility of a wet turf course or the race's transfer to the main track.