Santa Anita Park ready for 76th season

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Arcadia, CA (Sports Network) - Santa Anita Park is about to open for its 76th season of racing which will be highlighted by the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby. Opening day will be Wednesday, Dec. 26 and extends through Sunday, April 21.

"This season, we're focusing our efforts on the areas that have proven to be effective," said Santa Anita President George Haines. "We have increased our television advertising plan which will concentrate primarily on local cable outlets in Santa Anita's target market. We are also renewing our exposure through the billboard advertising that had a very positive response last year."

The Santa Anita Derby is one of the most important prep races on the road to the Kentucky Derby. This year I'll Have Another turned his victory in the race into wins in both the Run for the Roses and Preakness Stakes. The 2013 edition will be conducted on Saturday, April 6.

Older thoroughbreds will be shooting for the Santa Anita Handicap on Saturday, March 2 while fillies and mares will be aiming for the Santa Margarita Invitational two weeks later.