The biggest Kentucky Derby in the country will take place at Santa Anita this weekend when the San Felipe is run.
The race is the eighth at Santa Anita this weekend and is set for 3:30 p.m. post.
All eyes will be on the $3 million horse Brant out of the Bob Baffert barn, who returns to the track after going to the bench October 31.
Following is a brief look at the top horses in the race.
Brant (Bob Baffert, Florent Geroux) is a $3 million horse that debuted last July, winning a maiden start by over five lengths at Del Mar. He came two months later in September and took the Del Mar Debutante by a length. On October 31 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Del Mar, he set the early pace, then battled all the way through the end, finishing third behind Ted Noffey and Mr. A.P. He has been off since that race, but Baffert does hit at 31 percent with this length of break. He’s been quick in the mornings, and a win here stamps him as a Derby contender, maybe the favorite.
Secured Freedom (Tim Yakteen, Kazushi Kimura) broke on his second start against straight maidens on December 28 at Santa Anita. Came back on February 7 in the Lewis – the prep for this race – and closed well to finish third. He has worked well for this spot, and the barn has learned from the best.
So Happy (Mark Glatt, Mike Smith) has two starts and two wins. The debut came Nov. 22 against straight maidens and was a half-length win following a tough stretch run. He came back Jan. 10n in the San Vincente at Santa Anita and won by two lengths. That was at seven furlongs, and this will be the first time he is going for two turns. He has two real strong works for this spot and certainly has bloodlines for the distance.
Start the Ride (Ban Blacker, Armando Ayuso) is the sentimental horse in the race as he runs for Harris Farms Inc., the organization formed by the late and legendary California horseman John Harris. He’s run into two Cal-bred races, finishing fourth inn his debut in November, then came back to win the Cal Cup Derby at 14/1 on Jan. 17 at Santa Anita. Appears to favor a close and he will get a pace to run at here.