Santa Anita Park is bustling with activity at daybreak as trainers, riders and horses prepare for this weekend’s big event. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Backstretch workers tend to their chores in the barn area at Santa Anita Park. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
A horses and rider streak down the track during a training gallop. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Owner Mark Allen, right, and trainer Chip Woolley, watching workouts at Santa Anita, hope their Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird, can return to the winner’s circle in Saturday’s Breeder’s Cup Classic. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Trainer Bob Baffert, center, watches workouts from the stands at Santa Anita. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Trainer Aidan O’Brien leads the way for his Breeder’s Cup Classic hopeful, Rip Van Winkle. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Thoroughbreds’ breath turns to steam in the early morning chill at Santa Anita Park. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
