Santa Anita Derby Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Apr 4)

One of the most important prep races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for April 4, as the G1 Santa Anita Derby is staged. This race has produced 17 winners of the Kentucky Derby since 1937, with Journalism winning the race 12 months ago before finishing second at Churchill Downs.

Odds

Santa Anita Derby Recent Winners

Santa Anita Derby: Event Information

ALSO SEE: Wood Memorial Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Apr 4)

Race Preview

Key action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is set for California this weekend, as the prestigious G1 Santa Anita Derby is staged. A field of seven will be involved, with Bob Baffert’s two main Derby hopes both set to take their chances.

The first of the Baffert contenders is Potente, who is a son of Into Mischief. The three-year-old made a striking impression at Santa Anita last time out to maintain his perfect record, beating Robusta by a head in the G2 San Felipe Stakes.

The same rival re-opposes this weekend, but his second at Santa Anita last time could have shown the weakness of the prep, as Robusta was previously sixth in the G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes. Holes can be poked in the form line.

Cherokee Nation is the other Baffert contender. The three-year-old by Not This Time is yet to make the grade in stakes company, finishing fifth in both the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes and G3 Robert B. Lewis. Did show an excellent turn of foot to win a maiden special weight at Santa Anita last time, but unproven at this level.

Mark Glatt-trained So Happy could be the runner that is overlooked this weekend. He was an excellent winner of the G2 San Vincent Stakes on return in January, and made plenty of late ground to finish third in the G2 San Felipe. Could reverse the form with both Potente and Robusta.

Santa Anita Derby Picks

A trappy renewal of the Santa Anita Derby is set for this weekend, with no real superstar lining up. Jeff Mullins-trained Intrepido could be the most interesting contender.

Showed his staying ability when holding off Desert Gate to land the G1 American Pharoah last year, before underperforming in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Likely needed his return run in February when finishing a tired second over an unsuitable mile behind Plutarch in the G3 Robert B. Lewis.