Johnny Podres Looks to Keep Winning Streak in Daytona

A field of 10, led by the top four finishers from last month's Siren Lure Stakes—Johnny Podres , First Peace , Lane Way , and Mucho Del Oro —is entered in the $100,000 Daytona Stakes (G3T) May 26 at Santa Anita Park.

Reflecting the race's competitiveness, the 6 1/2-furlong race down the hillside turf course is carded as Sunday's 10th and final race—placement typically reserved for a close-matched field that gives bettors a chance at a rewarding, day-ending exotics payoff. The race follows the five-horse Santa Margarita Stakes (G2).

Johnny Podres and First Peace were separated by a half-length when they met in the April 21 Siren Lure. Johnny Podres was best to prevail by a half-length under a Geovanni Franco-guided rally.

The victory was the Grazen  gelding's third straight, all under Franco. Trainer Librado Barocio trains the 7-year-old for owners David Bernsen and Mia Familia Racing Stable.

Trainer Mark Glatt entered a pair of runners in the Daytona in Sterling Racing's come-backing Whatmakessammyrun  and First Peace, who races for owners Rancho Temescal, Red Baron's Barn, and Rodney Orr.  The latter, a 4-year-old gray or roan son of Funtastic  , won the 2023 John Shear Stakes over the same course and distance. He is 2-2-0 in four starts at the distance.

The field includes three or four milers spotted against easier company than they would face May 27 in the $400,000 Shoemaker Mile (G1T) at Santa Anita.