Stark Contrast Cruises To Second Stakes Win For McCarthy In Thursday’s Eddie Logan Stakes For 3-Year-Olds Going One Mile On Turf At Santa Anita

STARK CONTRAST CRUISES TO SECOND STAKES WIN FOR MCCARTHY IN THURSDAY’S EDDIE LOGAN STAKES FOR 3-YEAR-OLDS GOING ONE MILE ON TURF AT SANTA ANITA

ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 8, 2026)—Following a runner-up finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, Stark Contrast returned to action Thursday at Santa Anita and cruised to a dominant 2 ¼-length victory in the $100,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 3-year-olds at one mile on turf.

Sent off a heavy 1-5 favorite, Stark Contrast enjoyed an ideal trip under Kazushi Kimura. The Caravaggio colt pressed pacesetter Brigante (17-1) on the outside through moderate pace and then kicked clear of that rival in the stretch to win going away. The final time was 1:35.38 following fractions of 24.42, 49.03 and 1:12.28.

Trained by Michael McCarthy for owner-breeder Amerman Racing, Stark Contrast improved to 5: 3-1-0 with more than $340,000 in earnings. Prior to finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on Oct. 31 at Del Mar, Stark Contrast won the Grade III Zuma Beach at one mile on turf at Santa Anita.

“He’s getting better and better,” said Kimura, who’s been aboard for all five starts.

The Eddie Logan was originally scheduled for Dec. 28 but was postponed to Thursday because of rain. Both Plutarch and Caro Buono were scratched.

Stark Contrast debuted on dirt at Del Mar in August, finishing fourth, but has since raced strictly on turf. McCarthy noted in the Winner’s Circle a springtime goal for Stark Contrast is to run on Kentucky Derby day at Churchill Downs in the Grade I American Turf for 3-year-olds.

“He’s a neat little horse to be around,” said McCarthy, who earned his 500th career victory in the Eddie Logan.

Stark Contrast paid $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10. Brigante, ridden by Emisael Jaramillo for trainer Doug O’Neill, returned $5.00 and $3.60. Unrivaled Time, with Diego Herrera up for trainer Leonard Powell, paid $2.40.