When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, it’s all about the points before it’s all about the Benjamins. In order to qualify for the Run for the Roses at Churchill, on May 4th, horses need enough points to guarantee a spot in the 20-horse field. It so happens that, this Saturday, the last three races that award 100-50-25-15-10 will take place, including the Santa Anita Derby.
While the Blue Grass Stakes and the Wood Memorial should also be great races, all eyes will be on Arcadia, California, to see if Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert pulls off a record-extending 10th win.
On Wednesday afternoon, things got more interesting after it was reported that Amr Zedan, one of Baffert’s biggest clients, filed a lawsuit in Louisville. If successful, this would allow his horses and others trained by Baffert to run in the Kentucky Derby, next month.
Baffert was originally suspended for two years after Kentucky Derby winner, Medina Spirit, failed a second drug test. However, Churchill Downs added a third year in 2023. Nonetheless, the recent legal developments and the fact that Baffert has entered two horses for this Grade 1 race, should make for an entertaining event that you can bet on at the top-rated sportsbooks.
Let’s go ahead and break down the contenders for the 89th edition of the Santa Anita Derby, the West Coast’s premier prep race for the Run for the Roses race.
Santa Anita Derby 2024 Picks
- Win – #4 Imagination
- Place – #3 Stronghold
- Show – #7 Mc Vay
- Trifecta – #4, #3, #7
- Trifecta – #3, #4, #7
Santa Anita Derby 2024 (G1)
Saturday, April 006, 2024 – Post Time 07:45 PM ET at Santa Anita Park
- Race: 10
- Grade: 1
- Distance: 1 1/8-miles
- Conditions: Dirt
- Purse: $750,000
Below is the full lineup for the Santa Anita Derby, featuring post position, jockey, trainer and corresponding morning-line odds available at partner shops like BetAnySports (visit our BetAnySports Review).
Santa Anita Derby 2024 Odds
Morning-line odds as of April 6th, 2024.
Santa Anita Derby 2024 Contenders
Speaking of Baffert’s horses, it so happens that one of them, Imagination, is the morning-line favorite at 8-5. Despite not offering much value, it’s hard to argue against what seems obvious. Not only has Baffert won this race previously nine times but, on three of those occasions, he did so with the winner of the San Felipe Stakes.
Guess who won the Grade 2 prep race back in March? That’s right, it was Imagination. With that result, the son of Into Mischief improved his record to 2-3-0 in five career starts. While it will be the first time that Imagination will try the 1 1/8-mile distance it won’t be the first time at Santa Anita after finishing second on February 11th.
Worldwide champion Frankie Dettori will get the call to ride Imagination on Saturday. Dettori was the jockey that won on him, back in March, which reinforces the colt’s favoritism.
Exacta Candidate?
The other horse, trained by Baffert, that will take part in the race is Wynstock which is 8-1 in the morning-line. While it might be tempting to go 1-2 with Baffert’s horses, given his track record, Wynstock might hang while the famous trainer goes all in with Imagination.
Wynstock did finish his 2-year-old campaign with a victory at Los Alamitos Futurity. However, in his only start this 2024, he finished last at the Southwest Stakes after encountering a muddy track. Santa Anita Derby did cancel some races last weekend due to rain.
Another competitor of the Los Alamitos Futurity, Stronghold is the second favorite according to the morning-line, at 5-2. Despite finishing second last year to Wynstock, the son of Ghostzapper won the Sunland Park Derby (G3), back on February 18. So far, Stronghold has a 2-3-0 record in five career starts and 25 points for the Run for the Roses race.
Who Else Shows Up?
Mc Vay, currently sitting at 5-1. He could be an interesting candidate for show or as part of a trifecta with Imagination and Stronghold boxed.
Mc Vay could qualify for the Kentucky Derby with a third-place or better result. He's currently sitting at 28 with 19 points in the points standings. Despite being a maiden after four starts he is the most expensive purchase in the field.
Tapalo, also 5-1, finished second at El Camino Real Derby, back in February. He drew the post 2 but will be ridden by a new jockey, as Uberto Rispoli will get the call.
Ej Won the Cup is coming off a win at the Turf Paradise Derby, a couple of weeks ago. He’s trained by Doug O’Neill, who won this Derby, back-to-back, in 2012 and 2013. However, at 15-1, EJ is nothing more than a longshot.
Tessuto (10-1) and Curlin’s Kaos (20-1) round up the field. Despite being mathematically alive, Kaos would have to win or place to get into the Kentucky Derby.
Santa Anita Derby 2024 Picks
- Win – #4 Imagination
- Place – #3 Stronghold
- Show – #7 Mc Vay
- Trifecta – #4, #3, #7
- Trifecta – #3, #4, #7
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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