Safety was the watchword as Santa Anita became the third and final major Southern California racetrack to unveil its synthetic surface. Though Santa Anita’s times Sept. 26–the opening day of the Oak Tree Racing Association meeting–were sprightly as opposed to the somewhat slow times this summer at Del Mar on Polytrack, horsemen praised the new surface as safe.

“I don’t care about times; I care about how the horses come back,” said trainer Bill Spawr, who won the day’s fourth race with Flight Leader. “It’s all about safety. I don’t care if they run (six furlongs in) 1:06.”

Flight Leader completed his six furlongs in 1:11.08, while Johnny Eves established the Cushion Track six-furlong mark of 1:08.05 in the race before. All Set won the sixth race, also at six furlongs, in 1:10.10, while other track records established were 1:16.57 for 6 1/2 furlongs by Megabyte, 1:23.57 for seven furlongs by Cherokee Tear, and 1:43.92 for 1 1/16 miles by Si Chimi.

Jockey Richard Migliore piloted Spawr’s horse and also praised the surface. “I worked horses yesterday and today, and I’m tickled. It couldn’t be any better as far as I’m concerned. It feels like a very safe racetrack,” he said