After vainly chasing division leaders Sovereignty and Journalism all spring and summer, Baeza finally got his turn in the spotlight with a decisive victory in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx on Saturday.

Baeza's not the only one hoping to capitalize on the absence of Sovereignty and Journalism at Parx.

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners got their New Year’s Eve party started early Saturday with a graded turf double at Santa Anita, courtesy of Air Force Red and Queen Goddess.

If C R K Stable’s Justique had been overturned as the favorite again in Saturday’s $101,000 Desi Arnaz S. at Del Mar, you might say she’d have “some splainin’ to do.” But the John Shirreffs juvenile rekindled the excitement of her debut win.

Speed held sway in the graded turf routes at Santa Anita on Saturday, as Masteroffoxhounds and Beyond Brilliant, respectively, dictated terms in the John Henry Turf Championship (G2) and City of Hope Mile (G2).

C R K Stable’s Express Train suffered a heartbreaker when collared late in the 2021 Santa Anita H. (G1), but the 11-10 favorite would not be denied the trophy in Saturday’s $651,000 renewal.

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.

Favorites were overturned in all three stakes at Del Mar Saturday, with the biggest upset furnished by the 10.90-1 Beyond Brilliant in the $404,500 Hollywood Derby (G1).

After a fine second in his stakes debut in the June 19 San Juan Capistrano (G3), Astronaut rocketed into the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) with a 24-1 upset of Saturday’s “Win and You’re In” Del Mar H. (G2)

After three straight losses, Express Train got back on the winning track in Saturday’s $251,500 San Diego H. (G2) at Del Mar.

As his name implies, Red Flag could pose a long-term problem for other California-based classic prospects after the colt dominated the Bob Hope S. by 7 1/4 lengths at Del Mar on Sunday.