Regarding the Kentucky Derby and Santa Anita Derby, the Hall of Famer trainer Bob Baffert prefers to field his best thoroughbreds on the racing tracks. The turn started in 1996 for the first time with Cavonnier. It continued till 2019 with bringing Roadster into the fore. However, this time, the legend chose four thoroughbreds for the Santa Anita Derby primarily. But an exception was made later. 

Bob went with Imagination and Wynstock for the Kentucky Derby qualifying title. He ignored the undefeated thoroughbred Maymun and San Felipe Stakes (G2) podium holder, Wine Me Up. Eventually, that cost him heavily on Saturday in the Santa Anita Derby. As the fanfare settled in Santa Anita Park in the USA, the coveted Derby match ended with some stunning results.

Defying the concept of the odd and even, Stronghold won the USD 750, 000 prized contest and a ticket to the Kentucky Derby. In the last run, Frankie Dettori-led Imagination gave stiff opposition to the Philip D’Amato-trained horse. However, based on resilience and a hardened experience, Stronghold came out with flying colors. Jockey Antonio Fresu held special recognition as he single-handedly defeated Bob Baffert and Frankie Dettori’s cunning ploy on the track. Eventually, TVG’s X-handle celebrated the victory with a fitting post.

From the starting point, Stronghold held a chance to win the race. Building on its previous best results, the thoroughbred needed a second or third-place finish to stay in contention for the Kentucky Derby. However, in that scenario, the top finish would rivet the Eric and Sharon Weller’s homebred. In the meantime, other prominent thoroughbreds, including Bob Baffert’s chosen ones, ended the race with a long face. 

The heartbreak in the Kentucky Derby qualifying cup 

Bob Baffert’s Imagination, ridden by Frankie Dettori, made justice to his fame by being the runner-up in the Santa Anita Derby. However, despite earning the handsome 50 points on the occasion, the thoroughbred won’t participate in the Kentucky Derby because of Baffert’s suspension. But the trainer’s second bait, Wynstock, couldn’t enter the top 5 list. That ended the colt’s chance. Notably, Bob Baffert might take a try at the Kentucky Derby as a lawsuit has already been filed to seek a stay on the suspension order. But the day’s greatest surprise came from a different thoroughbred. 

EJ Won the Cup toppled the favorite Curlin’s Kaos and Tapalo to clinch the third position in the champion’s list. The credit goes to jockey Mike E. Smith’s brilliance to grab the place. 

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As per expectation, both Curlin’s Kaos and Tapalo earned their Kentucky Derby entry ticket by coming fourth and fifth in the Santa Anita Derby. Tapalo’s stakes were high as trainer John Sadler previously trained the 2010 and 2021 Santa Anita Derby. However, he, with jockey Umberto Rispoli, wouldn’t mind the 10 valuable points and the qualification of the Kentucky Derby participation. 

Read more: Watch: Horse Racing Icon Kick off 2024 with Victory at Santa Anita Park