Santa Anita Derby 2018 - Free Handicapping Picks

Trainer Bob Baffert will run his top prospect for the Kentucky Derby Justify in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on Saturday April 7. Justify is undefeated in his only two starts.

Following a workout on the track on Monday, Baffert said Justify would run there. Baffert said Justify went nice and looked as though he handled the track well.

In Wednesday’s draw no additional suspense was added to the running of the Derby on Saturday, with neither of the two favorites in the field of seven receiving a disadvantaged post.

Bolt d’Oro, the Grade 1 winner twice, drew the No. 3 and Justify the No. 6. The morning-line has Justify as the 4 to 5 favorite and Bolt d’Oro right behind at 6 to 5. Only one other horse is considered by odds makers with a chance to win and that is Instilled Regard, but he drew the race’s worst post at No. 1.
The race was promoted as a rematch between Bolt d’Oro and rival McKinzie. The two raced a classic duel down the stretch at the San Felipe Stakes nearly a month ago. However, McKinzie has a hock injury and is most likely no longer in the running to take part in the Kentucky Derby.

McKinzie’s trainer Baffert said the Derby will most likely not happen, but the Preakness remains a long shot.

Justify opened the eyes of racing pundits when he won on February 18 by 9 ½ lengths and followed that with his second race winning by 6 ½ lengths.

Nevertheless, without stakes experience, he does not have a single Kentucky Derby point and will need to finish in first or second Saturday to preserve a spot in Louisville.

The remainder of Saturday’s Santa Anita field includes Orbit Rain, who is starting from post No. 2 and 50 to 1; Jimmy Chila at 30 to 1 from post No.4: Pepe Tono at 20 to 1 from post No. 5; and Core Beliefs at 20 to 1 leaving from post No. 7.

The race goes off as the ninth on the ticket at approximately 3:30 pm PST.