Skinner
Coming off a third-place finish behind the top two in the San Felipe, this developing son of Curlin will hope to make the most out of the added distance of the Santa Anita Derby.
A confirmed late-runner, he had a wide trip and was unable to make up much ground in the stretch run last time. Perhaps a more contested early pace could set the table for him here, but there is reason to believe that the top two could be still getting better as well.
You cannot throw the John Shirreffs runner out here, but I believe he is more of a threat to fill out the exotics than to actually win this.
Mandarin Hero
The wildcard of the field, this Shanghai Bobby colt will be the first Japanese-based horse ever to run in the Santa Anita Derby. He arrives after a very good record in Japan, winning 4-of-5.
All of his races came at Ooi Racecourse, where he was unbeaten in four starts last year before finishing second by a neck six weeks ago.
There isn’t too much to go on here, but despite Japan’s recent successes on a world stage, I am likely going to take a wait-and-see approach as he faces off against some fast and talented U.S. horses on their home turf.
I Don’t Get It
This son of Cloud Computing has been well backed in his first three races, each of which came in maiden company. He has faced some good horses along the way but could do no better than fourth in his first two starts, although he had excuses in both.
Last out, he was a game-winner over the track four weeks ago. He looks to be on the improve for trainer Doug O’Neill and could be ready for another move forward.
Even so, it will probably not be enough as he moves from the maiden company all the way up to this Grade 1 test.
Low Expectations
This son of Nyquist comes in off his best performance yet when he finished second in the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby. While he exceeded expectations in that one, he will need much more to effectively compete in the Santa Anita Derby.
Before his good effort in New Mexico, he had won two straight at Santa Anita. Both came on the front end and against much cheaper competition than he will see on Saturday.
He appears to have found a home on the main track, having switched from turf three starts back, but this race should prove a little bit out of his comfort zone.
One in Vermillion
A three-time stakes winner at smaller tracks, this son of Army Mule has picked a tough spot for his first start in Southern California.
He does bring good early speed to the affair but is a big question mark at the distance. In his first try at 9-furlongs, he never threatened in the Sunland Park Derby, but his chances were hurt by a poor start.
Look for him to make his presence felt early in this one, but the class jump will likely do him in when the real running begins.
Dazzlemesilver
Trained by Keith Desormeaux, this one is still a maiden after two starts. A son of Tapwrit, he has finished third both times.
His debut while sprinting was nothing to write home about, but he showed improvement last time as he was game and in between horses on the stretch out to 8 1/2 furlongs.
Still, that maiden race four weeks ago is a far cry from what he will be facing on Saturday. He is a deserving longshot here.
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