Big City Lights Prevails At Odds-On In Saturday’s Thor’s Echo Stakes For California-Breds Going 6 Furlongs At Santa Anita

__BIG CITY LIGHTS PREVAILS AT ODDS-ON IN SATURDAY’S THOR’S ECHO STAKES FOR CALIFORNIA-BREDS GOING 6 FURLONGS AT SANTA ANITA __

ARCADIA, CA (May 23, 2026)—Odds-on favorite Big City Lights took over in mid-stretch and drew off late under Kazushi Kimura to earn his sixth stakes win in the $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for California-breds going six furlongs on Saturday at Santa Anita.

Trained by Richard Mandella, Big City Lights (4-5) prevailed by 1 1/2 lengths over third-choice Book Smart (9-2). It was another five lengths back to longshot Thirsty Rebel (20-1) in third. Big City Lights, a 7-year-old horse by Mr. Big, won in a time of 1:09.32 after stalking fractions of 22.54, 44.62 and 57.04.

Owned by William R. Peeples, Big City Lights improved to 17:9-4-2 with more than $710,000 in earnings. Previously, he returned from a five-month layoff and beat open company in an allowance going seven furlongs on May 2 at Santa Anita.

Big City Lights paid $3.80, $2.80 and $2.10 Book Smart, ridden by Mike Smith for trainer Bob Hess Jr., returned $4.80 and $4.20. Thirsty Rebel, with Abel Lezcano aboard for trainer Doug O’Neill, returned $6.80.

__THOR'S ECHO STAKES QUOTES __

JOCKEY QUOTES

KAZUSHI KIMURA, BIG CITY LIGHTS, WINNER: “Last race was seven furlongs and it was easy to make a plan. Today more horses had speed. When I got to the top of the stretch I had full confidence in him. He is seven years old and he keeps continuing to be strong. He is one that always makes me smile. I’m so happy and appreciative of Mr. Mandella for continuing to support me. This is a special horse to ride.”

NOTES: The winning trainer is Richard Mandella. The winning owner is William R. Peeples.