Santa Anita Derby Often a Good Predictor of Kentucky Derby

The 74th Santa Anita Derby is arguably the biggest West Coast race of the year. The race has a massive $1 million purse—the richest of any race at Santa Anita—and 15 horses that have run in the Derby have gone on to capture glory by winning the Kentucky Derby. In fact, Affirmed, the last horse to complete the Triple Crown (which means winning the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes all in the same year) won the Derby in 1978.

This year’s race though suffered a setback Thursday when the prohibitive favorite, Premier Pegasus, withdrew due to injury. The race got another dose of bad news Friday when Jaycito—owned by legendary trainer Bob Baffert—pulled out due to a foot injury.

Silver Medallion, who has never raced on dirt, is now a 5-2 favorite for Saturday’s race. Jockey Garrett Gomez, who just this week was nominated for induction into the Racing Hall of Fame, rides Silver Medallion.

Other race probables for the Santa Anita Derby include Anthony’s Cross, Bench Points, Celestic Night, Comma to the Top , Indian Winter, Mr. Commons and Offlee Wild Boys.

The Santa Anita Derby is the 10th race on an 11-race card and has a post time of 5:12 p.m.