Shaking Up the Kentucky Derby Contention: Recent Upsets and Emerging Contenders
Potente, trained by Bob Baffert, surprised with an 8-1 victory in the San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita, adding to the list of lightly raced 3-year-olds causing upsets in the Kentucky Derby contention. Recent winners like The Puma, Class President, and Great White have also shaken up the rankings. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association's top 10 now includes newcomers like Class President, Silent Tactic, Renegade, Potente, and The Puma.
The upcoming Kentucky Derby future wagering round presents a challenge for players to determine the legitimacy of recent winners. The morning line favorites are Paladin, Commandment, and Nearly, but new contenders like Chief Wallabee, Potente, Class President, Iron Honor, Cherokee Nation, The Puma, and Reagan’s Honor are also in the mix. The road to the Kentucky Derby may see some settling during the upcoming major preps, including the Santa Anita Derby on April 4.
The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs will conclude the second-to-last round of Kentucky Derby preps, with Baffert-trained Buetane as the favorite. Mrs. Astor aims for her eighth win in the Grade III Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita. Last weekend's main events at Santa Anita received low speed figures, with Potente's San Felipe victory registering the lowest figures ever for the race.
At Los Alamitos, Favorite Jesshawk won the Grade I Brad McKinzie Los Alamitos Winter Championship for quarter horses, while Doodah Cartel posted the fastest qualifying time for the Grade II El Primero Del Año Derby. Jockey Juan Hernandez leads in wins, followed by trainers Doug O’Neill and Bob Baffert.
Upcoming races at Santa Anita include the Grade III San Simeon Stakes on Saturday and the Grade III Santa Ana Stakes on Sunday. The Kentucky Derby trail continues to be unpredictable, with new contenders emerging and established horses facing tough competition.