Leading contenders Bolt d’Oro, Justify meet in Santa Anita Derby

Apr 05, 2018 by James Scully/Brisnet.com

The marquee match-up between Bolt d’Oro and Justify in Saturday’s $1 million Santa Anita Derby (G1) appears destined to determine Kentucky Derby favoritism.

Justify has observers speculating upon possible greatness following a pair of scintillating wins over maiden and allowance rivals in his first two starts. Conditioned by four-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert, the imposing son of Scat Daddy wasn’t unveiled until mid-February and has posted excellent BRIS Speed ratings of 100 and 104 while scoring with the greatest of ease in advance of his much-anticipated stakes debut.

And despite a 136-year string of no unraced juveniles winning the Kentucky Derby, Justify was bet down to 6-1 individual favoritism in Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW). Mike Smith retains the mount on the 4-5 morning line favorite.

Bolt d’Oro established himself as leading Kentucky Derby contender last year, recording outstanding wins in the FrontRunner (G1) and Del Mar Futurity (G1), and the Medaglia d’Oro colt opened his 3-year-old season with a victory in the March 10 San Felipe (G2) via disqualification. Owned and trained by Mick Ruis, Bolt d’Oro will receive his final tune-up for the May 5 Run for the Roses and provide a litmus test on Justify’s quality.

Javier Castellano pilots the early 6-5 second choice.

A total of seven runners will square off in the 1 1/8-mile test, a major Kentucky Derby qualifier worth a total of 170 points (100-40-20-10) toward a berth in a 20-horse field.

Instilled Regard is listed as the clear 5-1 third choice and will try to rebound for Hall of Fame conditioner Jerry Hollendorfer after finishing fourth as the favorite in the February 17 Risen Star (G2). The dark bay son of Arch logged a sharp win in the Lecomte (G3) at the New Orleans track two starts back and Joel Rosario picks up the mount.

Maiden winners Core Beliefs and Pepe Tono are also entered. Overmatched longshots Jimmy Chila and Orbit Rain, both winless from multiple starts, complete the line-up.