Some derby events serve as stepping stones to producing derby champions. Take the Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes held today at Santa Anita — it not only delivers a competitive race but also introduces a potential standout star.
The Robert B. Lewis has a strong reputation in 3-year-old stakes racing, with four of its last five winners advancing to capture Group 1 titles. Recently, this race has been dominated by trainer Bob Baffert, who has claimed victory in the last seven runnings of the Lewis Trophy. Notably, the previous two winners, Citizen Bull and Nisos, engaged in one of the most thrilling stretch duels in Breeders’ Cup history, finishing nose-to-nose down the Del Mar stretch. For this edition, Baffert has entered three horses from the inside post positions.
If held this year, Desert Gate (6/5), ridden by Juan Hernandez and trained by Bob Baffert, looks poised to take the win. Coming from a top stable with strong breeding and a solid two-year-old campaign that includes a graded stakes win and strong performances in two additional stakes, Desert Gate is a leading contender. He may benefit if he can settle just behind the leaders, especially against rivals like Robusta. He is definitely one to watch.
Plutarch (4/1), piloted by Florent Geroux and also trained by Baffert, is less likely to win at this distance. Though he could be Baffert’s strongest Derby prospect among his Lewis entries, his best efforts have been around two turns, and the shorter distance might not suit him well. Geroux’s front-running style might give Plutarch an outside chance.
Maiden entrant Cherokee Nation (5/1), with jockey Antonio Fres and under Baffert’s guidance, has shown promising signs, including a respectable fifth-place finish in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs. Able to lead when needed, he is a possible target for Desert Gate and worth monitoring if his rider can manage him well.
Intrepid (5/2), ridden by Hector Berrios and trained by Jeff Mullins, is the field’s Grade 1 winner, having bested Desert Gate in the American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita last fall. The race setup is similar to today’s, requiring a fast start. Berrios is known for riding patiently, which could work in Intrepid’s favor. Mullins has enjoyed success recently, and a strong showing here would be a great way to kick off the new season.
Briggs Army Power (date of birth January 30), with Tyler Bays aboard and trained by Daniel Jensen, began racing at Arapahoe Park near Denver. Although he won a $37,000 Gold Rush Futurity over six furlongs, he’s not expected to contend here and will likely finish last.
Robusta (January 15), ridden by Emisael Jaramillo and trained by Doug O’Neill, is a son of Accelerate making his way after a gate-to-wire maiden win. Jaramillo returns, and while he could post a sub-1:36 final time if all goes smoothly, improvement is needed to challenge today’s tougher field.
Securing Freedom (6/1), with Kazushi Kimura riding and trained by Tim Yakteen, also won first time out, but his victory was in a six-and-a-half furlong sprint. This is his debut at this distance, but as a progeny of Practical Joke and out of an Uncle Mo mare, he should handle the trip. While he may not be a favorite, he cannot be dismissed.
Sports Tribune Betting Suggestion:
For a $3 Late Pick 3 starting with Race 7 ($54 total), consider this combination: 2,4,7 / 1,4 / 1,2,3. Good luck!
Fan Take:
The Robert B. Lewis Stakes serves as a critical early barometer for emerging talent among 3-year-olds aiming for the Triple Crown trail. Watching these young horses and their connections battle sets the tone for the season and offers fans a glimpse of potential future champions that could define the sport in the years ahead.
