Will Santa Anita Get Fall Dates?

California isn't expected to award 2012 racing dates until the fall, which makes for an interesting scenario as Breeders' Cup continues discussions on selection of a host site for next year's World Championships.

Santa Anita Park is one of three racetracks said to be in the running; the other two are Belmont Park in New York and Churchill Downs in Kentucky. Churchill hosted the event in 2010 and will host this year’s World Championships.

In 2010, the premier fall dates in California went to the Oak Tree Racing Association, which held its meet at Hollywood Park after Santa Anita owner Frank Stronach ended the track’s long-running arrangement with Oak Tree. The California Horse Racing Board awarded this year’s dates—late September through early November—to Santa Anita, which operates at the Los Angeles Turf Club.

Oak Tree will not have a meet this year but has expressed interest in future meets and hosting another Breeders’ Cup, perhaps at Del Mar.