The $1 million California Crown (G1) at Santa Anita Park, set for Sept. 28, has attracted an elite field of seven older horses with impressive global credentials. Among the entrants are Senor Buscador, the Saudi Cup (G1) champion, and National Treasure, winner of the Pegasus World Cup (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1). The race also features Newgate, the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) victor, Muth, an Arkansas Derby (G1) winner, and Subsanador, a group 1 winner from Argentina who has also found success at Monmouth Park.

Collectively, these horses have amassed over $21 million in career earnings, with Senor Buscador’s triumph in the Saudi Cup contributing significantly to that total. National Treasure's career earnings surpass $5 million, while Muth is also part of the millionaire's club. The California Crown is now the second California-based Thoroughbred race to boast a seven-figure purse, following Del Mar’s $1 million Pacific Classic (G1). It headlines Santa Anita’s new fall program, which also includes the $750,000 John Henry Turf Championship (G2T) and the $750,000 Eddie D. Stakes (G2T).

Run over 1 1/8 miles on dirt, the California Crown serves as a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Previously known as the Awesome Again Stakes with a $300,000 purse, this race has a storied history, producing five eventual Breeders’ Cup Classic winners, including champions like Tiznow, Mucho Macho Man, and Accelerate. This year’s renewal could produce another standout performance as top contenders from around the globe compete for a coveted Breeders’ Cup spot.

Senor Buscador, trained by Todd Fincher, prepped for this race with a fourth-place finish in the Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2), but he’s expected to rebound under jockey Joe Talamo. His competition will include three from Bob Baffert’s stable: National Treasure, Newgate, and Muth. National Treasure, in particular, has a strong resume, with recent standout performances in the Pegasus World Cup and the Metropolitan Handicap (G1). Other entrants, such as Subsanador, trained by Richard Mandella, and under the guidance of Mike Smith, along with Katonah and Indispensable, complete a stacked and competitive field.