2026 Santa Anita Derby: Date, Time, TV & Kentucky Derby Points

Today is one of the biggest days on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The 2026 Santa Anita Derby (G1) goes to post tonight at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, drawing the nation's top three-year-old thoroughbreds for a shot at 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points — the kind of points that virtually guarantee a starting gate spot at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. If you're searching for race time, TV info, horses, tickets, or what to expect at the track today, you're in the right place.

2026 Santa Anita Derby: Race Time, TV, and How to Watch

The Santa Anita Derby is the 10th race on the card, scheduled for a 7:30 PM ET post time on Saturday, April 4, 2026. It headlines a full day of racing at one of North America's most iconic tracks.

Gates open at 10 a.m. local time, with the first race going off at noon — 12 races total are on the card. That means plenty of warm-up action before the main event.

For television and streaming details, NBC Sports is your destination. According to NBC Sports' official schedule, coverage of this weekend's marquee prep races — including the Santa Anita Derby and the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland — is available across NBC Sports platforms. Check your local listings or the NBC Sports app to confirm your regional broadcast window.

Want to bet the race from home? TwinSpires is offering a significant new-user promotion for today's race. CBS Sports reports that using the TwinSpires offer code CBSSPORTS unlocks a $400 bonus for new customers wagering on the 2026 Santa Anita Derby.

What's at Stake: Kentucky Derby Points and the $500,000 Purse

The Santa Anita Derby has long been one of the defining prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, and the 2026 edition is no different. The race carries a $500,000 purse and awards a 100-point Kentucky Derby qualifying points allocation to the winner under the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system.

Why does that matter so much? Because 100 points is one of the largest single-race point totals available in the entire prep season. Earning that number essentially locks a horse into the Kentucky Derby field — there are very few scenarios where a 100-point horse gets bumped from the starting gate. As Kentucky Derby.com notes, this is one of the final opportunities to bank major qualifying points before the Derby on the first Saturday in May.

The points structure for the Santa Anita Derby distributes qualifying points as follows:

1st place: 100 points
2nd place: 40 points
3rd place: 20 points
4th place: 10 points

Even second and third place finishes can carry significant weight for horses still on the bubble of Kentucky Derby eligibility, making every position in this race consequential.

2026 Santa Anita Derby Odds, Picks, and Predictions

With such high stakes on the line, handicappers and bettors have been closely analyzing the field. Expert predictions from MSN Sports include selections from a handicapper who has previously nailed the Kentucky Derby exacta — a strong endorsement heading into a race of this magnitude.

When handicapping the Santa Anita Derby, key factors include:

Recent form: Which horses are coming off strong prep race performances?
Distance suitability: The Santa Anita Derby is run at 1⅛ miles, a step up in distance that tests a horse's stamina and readiness for the 1¼-mile Kentucky Derby.
Track bias: Santa Anita Park's synthetic main track can favor certain running styles — pace scenario and position matter.
Trainer and jockey connections: The connections behind each horse often carry as much weight as the horse's recent numbers.
Points motivation: Horses already sitting on comfortable point totals may be entered more conservatively, while bubble horses may be pushed harder.

Check the latest odds boards at your preferred wagering platform or sportsbook for live morning-line updates leading into tonight's post time.

Derby Day at Santa Anita: Full Event Guide for April 4

The Santa Anita Derby isn't just a race — it's a full-day event. Yahoo Sports reports that Santa Anita Derby Day returns in 2026 with a packed schedule of entertainment, food, and activities that make it one of the most festive days of the California horse racing calendar.

Derby Day 5K Run

The morning kicks off with the popular Derby Day 5K race, a unique running event that begins at a horse racing starting gate, winds through the nearby Arboretum, and finishes on the track itself. It's a bucket-list experience for runners who also love horse racing.

Spring Carnival in the Infield

The infield transforms into a full Spring Carnival featuring a Ferris wheel, Yo-Yo ride, Super Slide, carnival games, and pony rides — making it an ideal outing for families with kids. This is one of the most visually iconic aspects of Derby Day at Santa Anita, with the carnival backdrop against the San Gabriel Mountains creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Craft Beer Festival, DJs, and Food Trucks

Trackside, the party continues with a craft beer festival, rotating DJs keeping energy high throughout the afternoon and evening, food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines, and pop-up vendors selling Derby-themed merchandise and more.

Premium Dining Options

For those looking for a more upscale experience, Santa Anita offers premium dining at FrontRunner, Trackside Dining, and the Chandelier Room. Reservations are highly recommended for these venues on Derby Day given the high attendance expected.

Tickets and Admission: How to Get In

Attending the 2026 Santa Anita Derby in person is more accessible than you might think. General admission tickets start at $10 online and are available for $20 at the gate on race day — a strong value for a Grade 1 stakes race with a full day of entertainment included.

For those planning to go, here's what to know:

Buy tickets online in advance to save $10 per person off gate prices
Gates open at 10 a.m. — arrive early if you want to participate in the 5K or get good positioning in the infield
Parking is available on-site; carpooling or rideshare is recommended given expected crowd sizes
Premium seating and dining packages are available at higher price points and sell out quickly
Santa Anita Park is located at 285 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007

If you're dressing up for the occasion — and many attendees do — consider picking up a Kentucky Derby fascinator hat or a classic horse racing Derby hat to get into the spirit of the season.

The Road to the 152nd Kentucky Derby

The 2026 Santa Anita Derby is an official part of the Road to the 152nd Kentucky Derby — the official points series that determines which horses earn the right to compete at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Kentucky Derby field is limited to 20 horses, and with dozens of highly competitive three-year-olds vying for those spots every year, the points series is fiercely contested. Races like the Santa Anita Derby — which offer the maximum 100-point first-place award — are critical junctures in the campaign.

Winning the Santa Anita Derby also comes with historical prestige. Past winners of this race have gone on to win the Kentucky Derby, and a strong performance here is widely regarded as one of the best possible preparations for the 1¼-mile classic. Tonight's winner will immediately enter the conversation as one of the top contenders for the first Saturday in May.

Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Santa Anita Derby

What time is the 2026 Santa Anita Derby?

The 2026 Santa Anita Derby is scheduled as the 10th race on the Santa Anita card, with a post time of 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

What channel is the Santa Anita Derby on?

NBC Sports is broadcasting coverage of the 2026 Santa Anita Derby. Check your local cable or satellite provider for the specific channel, or stream via the NBC Sports app. Refer to NBC Sports' official guide for full schedule details.

How many Kentucky Derby points does the Santa Anita Derby winner receive?

The winner of the 2026 Santa Anita Derby receives 100 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, which virtually guarantees a starting spot in the Kentucky Derby field.

How much does it cost to attend the Santa Anita Derby?

General admission tickets are $10 online and $20 at the gate. Premium dining and reserved seating are available at higher prices. Gates open at 10 a.m., with racing beginning at noon.

Where is the Santa Anita Derby held?

The Santa Anita Derby is held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley.

Conclusion: A Must-Watch Moment on the Road to the Derby

The 2026 Santa Anita Derby is everything a horse racing fan could want from a major prep race: maximum points, a $500,000 purse, a world-class venue, and the genuine drama that comes with knowing tonight's winner has a nearly guaranteed ticket to Churchill Downs. Whether you're at the track soaking in the Spring Carnival atmosphere, watching from home on NBC Sports, or handicapping the race for a wager, this is one of the most important evenings of the Kentucky Derby prep season.

Get your picks in, grab your Derby hat, and enjoy the spectacle. The Road to the 152nd Kentucky Derby runs directly through Santa Anita tonight — and by 7:30 PM ET, we'll know who punched their ticket to the first Saturday in May.

Quick Reference: 2026 Santa Anita Derby — April 4, 2026 | Race 10 | Post: 7:30 PM ET | Purse: $500,000 | Points: 100 to the winner | TV: NBC Sports | Location: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA