Sneak Preview of New Bond Flick, 'Skyfall'

Did you know James Bond has a connection with Santa Anita Park and the Breeders' Cup?

In 1993, Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens rode Brocco to victory in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile stakes at Santa Anita. The horse was owned by Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli — the movie producer who created the James Bond franchise — and his wife, Dana.

The Bond franchise started in 1962 with "Dr. No." MGM, Columbia Pictures and Sony will release the 23rd Bond movie, "Skyfall," starring Daniel Craig, nationwide Nov. 9.

But you can see it before then at a special screening at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 29, at the AMC Santa Anita 16 IMAX Theater in the Westfield Santa Anita Mall. A 5 p.m. reception at Bar Louie will precede the screening. The reception will have hors d'oeuvres, gift giveaways and a silent auction. Car lovers can get a look at a new Aston Martin, which will be on display.

The preview kicks off a week-long series of events designed to drum up excitement for the Breeders' Cup, which takes place Nov. 2-3 at Santa Anita Park.

"We're pleased that Arcadia can provide an advance screening of such a major new movie of global appeal to the fans from all over the world who are here this week for the international Breeders's Cup at Santa Anita," Organizer and Arcadia Chamber of Commerce President Scott Hettrick said. "We're grateful for the support of Santa Anita and MGM for coordinating this screening and donating proceeds to several charities, including Arcadia's Best Foundation."

Tickets cost $100 and can be purchased through www.santaanita.com. Proceeds go to the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund and the California Retirement Management Account, a non-profit that supports retired racehorses.

Here are other events you can attend:

• Jocktails: a celebrity jockey bartending event that benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund. Enjoy drinks poured by some of the world’s best-known jockeys. Santa Anita Park's FrontRunner restaurant, Oct. 29, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Deep Stacks Breeders’ Cup Celebrity Invitational Poker Tournament: Hosted by poker pro Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, proceeds for this $200 buy-in tournament at the Commerce Casino in Commerce go to Breeders’ Cup Charities. Call 323-721-2100 for information. The event takes place Tuesday from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Commerce Casino in Commerce.
• A Taste of L.A.: Enjoy a celebration of L.A.’s unique cuisine in the paddock fountain area in front of Santa Anita Park from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
• Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta After Party: The second-annual event celebrating the great mare, who won the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita, features a buffet, cash bar and Zenyatta memorabilia auction. All proceeds from the $50 admission or $95 admission/buffet will go to the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund. This takes place Friday at the FrontRunner restaurant from 5:30-10:30 p.m.