The Californian Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in late April at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California (relocated from the now closed Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California). The Grade II event is open to horses age three and up willing to race one and one-eighth miles (9 furlongs) on the dirt. This race serves as a key prep to the Hollywood Gold Cup.
Inaugurated in 1954, winner Imbros set a new track record of 1:41.00 which also equaled the then world record for a mile and sixteenth on dirt.
Since inception the race has been contested at three different distances: miles (8.5 furlongs) : 1954-1979 miles (9 furlongs)1980-1984, 1987–present 1 mile (8 furlongs) : 1985-1986
Records
Speed record: (at current distance of miles ) 1:47.06 - Heatseeker (new stakes and track record)
Most wins: 2 - Cougar II (1971, 1972) 2 - Quack (1973, 1974) 2 - Ancient Title (1975, 1976) 2 - Clubhouse Ride (2013, 2014)
Most wins by a jockey: 5 - Bill Shoemaker (1957, 1971, 1972, 1980, 1983) 5 - Laffit Pincay, Jr. (1975, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1985) 5 - Chris McCarron (1986, 1988, 1989, 1998, 1999)
Most wins by a trainer: 11 - Charlie Whittingham (1956, 1957, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1990)
Most wins by an owner: 3 - Mary Jones Bradley (1971, 1972, 1985)