California Chrome solidifies hold on 3-year-old division
New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) – California Chrome decisively won Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby and the voters in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s 3-year-old Poll rewarded him with near unanimous backing as the leading Kentucky Derby contender.
Trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome won the Santa Anita Derby by 5 1/4- lengths as the 7-10 favorite and made himself the clear leader among 2014 3-year-olds. The colt, perfect in three starts this year, received 42 of 45 first-place votes for 443 points.
“It was awesome. That’s all I can say,” trainer Art Sherman said after winning the Kentucky Derby prep. “I loved it when (track announcer) Trevor (Denman) said, ‘They’d need to sprout wings’ to beat him. I love that saying.”
Florida Derby winner Constitution moved up one place into second with 311 points replacing Candy Boy who fell to 10th after finishing third in the Santa Anita Derby.
Hoppertunity, second to California Chrome in Saturday’s race, is joined in third by Wood Memorial winner Wicked Strong. Both colts picked up 253 points as Hoppertunity advanced four rungs and Wicked Strong, also getting two first- place votes, entered the top 10 for the first time.
Stepping up a spot to fifth with 200 points is Rebel Stakes runner-up Tapiture. The colt will start Saturday in the $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.
Samraat dropped two into sixth with 191 points followed by Wildcat Red (148), Louisiana Derby winner Vicar’s in Trouble (139), Fair Grounds Oaks winner Untapable (91) and Candy Boy (89).
In the National Poll, Game On Dude maintains his place atop the rankings. The 7-year-old gelding, trained by Bob Baffert, has 17 first-place votes and 407 points.
Palace Malice is second with nine top votes and 350 points and Will Take Charge remains third with one first-place vote and 328 points.
Two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan is up a spot into fourth with 15 top votes and 288 points. Trained by Charles LoPresti, the 7-year-old gelding is slated to start in Friday’s Maker’s 46 Mile at Keeneland.
Donn Handicap winner Lea is fifth with two first-place votes and 282 points. Completing the poll are Mucho Macho Man (221), Winning Prize (105), Beholder (88) and California Chrome (1, 85) and Princess of Sylmar (76).
Categorized in: Horses