Stanley Cartel wins last stakes of the year in Southern California Derby

At the last opportunity, Stanley Cartel won a major stakes for 3-year-olds at Los Alamitos on Sunday’s $157,400 Southern California Derby.

A sharp trial race winner on Dec. 1, Stanley Cartel ($3.80) won the Southern California Derby by a half-length over 3-1 Sc Time to Run, giving trainer Monty Arrossa a sweep of the exacta.

Ridden by Armando Cervantes, Stanley Cartel took the lead shortly after the start. He was timed in 19.79 seconds, and earned $66,108 for owners Matt and Bendi Dunn and Weetona Stanley.

:: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets.

Kevins Wise Corona (58-1) finished third in the field of nine.

Stanley Cartel is expected to be part of Arrossa’s team of prospects in the older horse division at Los Alamitos in 2025. A colt by Pyc Paint Your Wagon, Stanley Cartel has won 7 of 8 starts and earned $143,528.

Stanley Cartel’s only loss was a ninth-place finish in the Los Alamitos Super Derby in November when he broke poorly.

Arrossa had four of the nine runners in the Southern California Derby, including Ready for It, who finished fifth, and Foosea, who was last after a troubled start. Ready for It, the 7-2 third choice, was the fastest qualifier from the time trials.

Sunday was the final program of the year-round Los Alamitos evening meeting of Quarter Horses and lower-level Thoroughbreds. The 2024-2025 season begins on Saturday.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.